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Luang Prabang occupies a peninsula where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong in northern Laos. A former royal capital, it combines gilded Buddhist monasteries with French colonial villas and traditional wooden houses, a blend that earned the town UNESCO World Heritage status. Saffron-robed monks and an unhurried pace define its character.
Wat Xieng Thong, with sweeping tiered roofs and glittering glass mosaics, is the most celebrated temple. The former Royal Palace now houses the National Museum, and steps across the road climb Mount Phousi for sunset views over both rivers. Wat Mai and Wat Visounnarath are among the other historic monasteries, and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre introduces the cultures of the country's many ethnic groups. At dawn, monks file through the streets on the alms round, a ritual visitors should watch quietly and respectfully. The night market sells textiles and crafts, the morning market sells produce, and in the dry season a bamboo bridge spans the Nam Khan. South of town, Kuang Si Falls spills through turquoise pools, and boats travel up the Mekong to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddha images.
Luang Prabang suits slow travelers, photographers and anyone wanting a calm cultural stop. The cool, dry months are most comfortable; spring brings heat and haze, and summer brings rain.
WiserMap travel guideLuang Prabang Laos Dawn Alms Round and Kuang Si FallsA guide to Luang Prabang, Laos: golden temples, the dawn alms round, Mount Phousi, Kuang Si Falls, Pak Ou Caves, Lao food and the best time to visit.Read the guide
Luang Prabang's most important temple, built in 1560 near the point where the Nam Khan meets the Mekong. Its sweeping tiered roofs, gold stenciled walls and the glass mosaic Tree of Life on the back wall are highlights. Dress modestly with shoulders and knees covered, and remove shoes.
Wat Mai, next to the Royal Palace, has a five-tiered roof and a golden facade carved with scenes from the Ramayana and village life. Wat Visounnarath is one of the oldest temples in town, known for its watermelon stupa, That Makmo. Both are close to the center and easy to see together.
The former royal palace, built in 1904, now a museum showing throne rooms, royal gifts and the kings' cars. On the grounds, the Haw Pha Bang temple houses the Pha Bang, the sacred Buddha that gives the city its name. Shoulders and knees must be covered, and bags and cameras are left in lockers.
A small museum near the foot of Mount Phousi on the cultures of the many ethnic groups of Laos, with clothing, textiles, jewelry and tools, plus clear explanations of beliefs and daily life. Its shop sells fair trade crafts made by village artisans. Allow about an hour, and it closes on Mondays.
A small, free center explaining the huge number of unexploded bombs dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War, which still injure people today. Displays show bomb types, clearance work and survivors' stories, and a film runs inside. Donations help fund ongoing clearance across the country.
A hill in the middle of the old town, climbed by about 330 steps, with the gilded That Chomsi stupa on top and Buddha images along the way. The summit gives views over the town, the Mekong and the Nam Khan. It is very busy at sunset, so go early or try sunrise instead, and bring water.
At dawn each day, saffron-robed monks walk in silent lines through the old town to receive sticky rice from kneeling residents. This is a religious ritual, not a show. Watch quietly from across the street, keep a distance, do not use flash, and only take part if you do so respectfully.
Each evening Sisavangvong Road closes for the night market, with rows of stalls selling textiles, paper lanterns, silver and handicrafts, plus a buffet food alley. Early mornings, the morning market near the palace sells vegetables, river fish and local snacks. Bargain gently and with a smile.
The quiet riverside along the Nam Khan is lined with cafes and guesthouses with river views. In the dry season, a seasonal bamboo bridge crosses the river to the far bank, rebuilt each year after the floods, with a small toll. It is lovely at sunset, and walking it is a local experience.
A multi-tiered waterfall about 30 km south of town, flowing over limestone into turquoise pools where you can swim. A trail climbs to the top of the falls. At the entrance is a bear rescue center for Asiatic black bears. Go early to beat tour groups, and bring swimwear to change into.
A wide series of low cascades and pools about 15 km southeast of Luang Prabang, reached by a short boat ride across the Nam Khan. The water is best from about July to November. It is quieter than Kuang Si and good for swimming, though it can be almost dry in the hot season.
Two caves in a limestone cliff above the Mekong, about two hours upriver by slow boat, filled with thousands of old Buddha images left by pilgrims. The lower cave is near the river, and the upper one needs a torch. Boat trips often stop at a riverside village known for rice whisky on the way.
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