Buzz
Luang Prabang, a northern province of Laos, captivates visitors with its lush landscapes, fresh air, unique culture, and distinctive cuisine. If you get the chance to travel to Luang Prabang, don’t miss out on these exciting experiences with this Laos tour.
1. Visit the Royal Palace
When traveling abroad to Luang Prabang, make sure to visit the Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Luang Prabang, located on Sakkaline Road. History and architecture enthusiasts, as well as those interested in exploring the culture of the ancient capital and Laos in general, should not miss this site. From the outside, you can admire the beauty of the traditional building, intricately carved and adorned with dazzling gold details.
Visitors should note that shoes are not allowed inside the buildings, photography is prohibited, and modest, respectful attire is required. The entrance fee is approximately 80,000 VND per person.
2. Admire the city from the mountain peak
Phousi Mountain, standing about 150 meters tall, is located right in the heart of Luang Prabang. After a short hike, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the city. Though the climb may be tiring, the breathtaking scenery will surely erase all your fatigue and worries. It’s best to hike early in the morning when the air is cool and fresh, and the landscape appears even more majestic and splendid.
3. Witness the alms-giving ceremony of the monks
Wake up around 5:30 AM and take a walk or bike ride through the streets to witness the long procession of monks performing the alms-giving ceremony. While locals typically participate in this ritual, visitors can also reserve a spot to offer food or fruits to the monks.
4. Visit Xieng Thong Temple
This is one of the oldest, most beautiful, and significant temples in the ancient capital. Stepping inside, you’ll be amazed by its architecture and surrounding scenery. Built centuries ago, the temple has withstood the test of time, standing tall and majestic while exuding an aura of solemnity.
5. Drift along the Mekong River
If you’ve traveled domestically to the Mekong Delta provinces, you’ve likely experienced drifting along the Tien or Hau rivers or navigating tiny canals to reach fruit orchards, right? During this trip to Luang Prabang, Laos, why not relive that feeling by taking a boat ride on the Mekong River? While the Tien and Hau rivers are the Mekong’s final branches, the rivers here are its source.
Visitors have plenty of options to explore the Mekong’s banks, such as a half-day trip upstream to enjoy nature and trek through the forests, followed by a serene boat ride to watch the sunset, ending with a delightful meal in the ancient capital.
6. Discover the art of silk weaving
At the traditional silk weaving workshop in Ock Pop Tok, you’ll explore every step of creating the smooth, colorful silk fabrics of Laos. Beyond production, the site features restaurants, cafes, and classes for visitors interested in dyeing fabrics or weaving silk themselves.
7. Immerse yourself in Kuang Si Falls
Located about 30 km from the center of Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a popular destination for tourists, especially during the summer. The waterfall stands out with its multi-tiered cascades flowing from high to low, creating mesmerizing turquoise pools. To visit, you’ll need to purchase an entrance ticket priced at around 54,000 VND per person.
8. Shop at the night market
Though not as bustling or noisy as other markets, the Luang Prabang Night Market still offers a pleasant and relaxed shopping experience. You can browse and buy souvenirs along Sakkaline Road, with the market open daily from 6 PM to 10 PM.
