Luang Prabang is a beautiful town in Laos and a favourite amongst travellers. It lies where the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers meet, and it's a stop for several of our Mekong River cruises. This popular town is perfect for tourists stopping off for a day or two. It's brimming with history and culture, and there's plenty to see and do.
Luang Prabang is considered to be the cultural hub of Laos, particularly because if its many traditional and historical elements. The town shows its development through the centuries, with its combination of traditional wooden houses and colonial architecture. It's also home to over 30 Buddhist shrines.
Luang Prabang is in northern Laos, 700 meters above sea level. It is the perfect place for tourists, offering a warm welcome and many natural and historical sites to visit. Even though it is a popular tourist destination, it has still kept its character.
Luang Prabang
Places To Visit In Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfall
If you want to get out of the town during your visit to Luang Prabang, there are some stunning natural sites to explore. The stunning Kuang Si Waterfall is less than 30km away and is a favourite for many tourists.
Kuang Si Waterfall
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves are a respected holy site with a long history. Located 25km from Luang Prabang, you can book a tour, which usually includes lunch. These limestone caves are fairly easy to explore but the upper cave requires some climbing.
Pak Ou Caves
Royal Palace Museum
If you're interested in history, you can visit a museum or explore the many historical sites and buildings in Luang Prabang. The Royal Palace Museum was the residence of King Sisavang Vong during the French colonial era and has been a museum since 1995. It shows statues, paintings, weapons, and religious items, and is also home to the crown jewels of Laos.
Royal Palace at Luang Prabang
Buddhist Temples
There are many Buddhist temples to visit in Luang Prabang, and Wat Wisunarat is the oldest, dating back to 1513. You can see traditional Lao architecture and religious artifacts.
Cultural Experiences in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is an amazing place to get some insight into Lao culture and how the local people live. The daily Buddhist Alms Giving Ceremony is one thing that you should see, which takes place as the sun rises. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center is a good choice of place to visit if you're looking for somewhere more like a museum. It’s dedicated to preserving the ethnic groups of Laos. For a cultural day trip, try taking a tour to Ban Phanom village, where you can observe traditional textile making. At The Living Land Company, you can learn how to practice traditional Lao rice farming methods.
Luang Prabang is a vibrant destination full of history. Whether you explore the town itself or take a day trip, there's so much to see and do.
