Luang Prabang important Travel advices for a memorable trip

Luang Prabang is the very first one to be recommended because it is the most intriguing and charming town in Laos. Then this writing will share the most helpful guidance on Luang Prabang travel. 

The town name Luang Prabang is taken from the name of the Prabang Buddha. This related to a legend that the Buddha would smile when resting during this traveling which predict the land will become a place of power and prosperity. Therefore, Luang Prabang, originally called Muang Sua, and Xieng Thong, was chosen as the capital from 14^th – 16^th century. It’s no more capital of Laos in 1946 when the Vientiane made country’s administrative capital. Despite though, Luang Prabang still play a crucial part in the indigenous culture and religion that make it the most famous destination of Laos.

There are many Buddhist pagodas, temples in Luang Prabang setting over the colonial architecture houses making a cultural mix. Traditional wooden houses are blend with the two-floor brick houses featuring peacefully evoking ambience.

The ideal time travel to Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang Weather represents the tropical climate with 2 main types of dry and wet seasons. The dry season is from November to May and the wet season comes from May to October. The wet season bring more heavy rains. This season offers a verdant landscape and freshness. The hottest months are April and May with the temperature up to 35 Celsius Degree (95 F).

Meanwhile the dry season with lower rainfall might be more convenient for the visiting of this country. The temperature might decrease much from Dec to Feb which ranging from 14 – 26 Celsius Degree (57 F – 79 F).

How long to stay in Luang Prabang?

The more you stay in Luang Prabang, the more authentic experiences you gain. Minimum time to see the most highlighted places of Luang Prabang is 2-nights. It’s better and more leisure if you can arrange 3 nights in this heritage town.

Normally with the 2- or 3-night Luang Prabang itinerary, the travelers will be able to see the famous attractions in Luang Prabang town and its outskirts like the waterfalls, the caves and the elephant camps, etc. which situated just 30 min to 1-hour drive from Luang Prabang center.

With further possible stay, you can think of getting a bit farther by taking the thrilling Mekong cruise upstream to Luang Say where bordering with Thailand with a stop to rest and explore the Nam Kat Yorla Pa National Park – a unique place with the resort setting in the jungle offering stunning experiences. Discover Laos refer this amazingly planned 7 days Mekong River Cruise itinerary by Bonzer Tour. There are many other cultural hubs, traditional ceremonies and Wellness activities for you to take part in and learn more of Laotian cultures.

Stunning Things to do in Luang Prabang

Here below are the renown places and interesting experiences in Luang Prabang that Discover Laos highly suggest you including in your Laos Tour. However, basing on your travel interest and time, you can select the right ones work for you. Let’s check out the 15 things to do in Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang terrific Buddhist temples and pagodas

Arriving to Luang Prabang and you will see why the people call Laos the country of Buddhism. There are so many beautiful, colorful and significant Buddhist centers in Luang Prabang. Laotian really appreciate the Buddha, the Buddha’s teaching and the Buddhist monks. Below are the most impressive temples and pagodas in Luang Prabang:

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is among the most renown pagodas in Luang Prabang whose name means Temple of the Golden City. Wat Xieng Thong architecture showcase the traditional art and craft of Laos. You will find a sim (small wat) constructed with 9 cascading roofs and adorned by golden stenciling, red and black walls, etc. On the wall of the other sanctuary, there is an intriguing tree of life made by glass mosaic. 

To locate this pagoda, just walk to the meeting of Nam Khan and Mekong River. Wat Xieng Thong is located right at the top of the slope leading to Mekong River bank. 

Wat Mai

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham was constructed late 18^th century with original use as the residence of Pra Sangkharat known as the highest figure of Laotian Buddhism. Wat Mai is the largest temple in Luang Prabang which come out outstanding with the sim of five-tiered roof. 

The Luang Prabang walking tour can be included with a stop at Wat Mai as it is located right in the center nearby Luang Prabang night market.

Wat Visnoun

Looking for the oldest temple in Luang Prabang? It’s Wat Visnoun which was built in 1952 though this temple was destroyed and repaired late 19^th century. Wat Visnoun introduces the earlier period architecture of Laos erected with many large gilded wooden beams, window style, and 2 tiered-roof. Wat Visnoun was named after the name of king Wisunarat (Visnoun) which under his reign, many important religious scripts and literature were composed and translated into Laos language. These days, Wat Visnoun becomes the museum of Religious Arts in Luang Prabang. 

Wat Visnoun is located around 15 drive from city center and provide a serene and peaceful ambience

Khuangsi Waterfalls

Khuangsi Waterfalls in a must-do place in Luang Prabang which located around 30km (19 miles) from the town center. Picturesque Khuangsi is undoubtedly among the best waterfalls in Laos.

It’s possible to get to Khuangsi Waterfalls by 30-minute drive, 45-minute tuk tuk or 2-hour cycling. Khuangsi Waterfalls is comprised by the layers of azure cascading waterfalls. 

It takes around 2 hours to walk along the jungle trail to explore the cave. There are chances for you to swim too and change rooms are available. 

Before get into the place, you will find a Bear Rescue Centre to learn more of those extinct species.

Mandalao Elephant Camp

Mandalao Elephant Camp in Luang Prabang is a conserving center for the retired elephants in Laos. Embarking on the tour to Mandalao, the visitors will be able to learn about the elephants which used to be slaves for entertainments and then just have a walk with them, feed and bathing. You can get to there by either boat or land drive or both.

Pak Ou Cave

Being one of the crucial religious point in Luang Prabang, Pak Ou Cave is about 25km (15 miles) from the center. Looking forward to the join of Nam Ou and Mekong River that make it named Pak Ou. You can reach this cave by boats or land drive. Land driving saves the commuting time but the cruise offers you chances to contemplate the taciturn landscape of Mekong River. 

Placed in the cave are around 4,000 Buddha icons at different sizes. There are two cave cavities for you to hike up and visit which takes around 45 – 50 minutes in total.

Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is a local sacred hill situated right in the center of Luang Prabang Heritage town. The travelers come there to see the panorama of Luang Prabang. In the afternoon, Mount Phousi is often crowded as its peak is also one of the points to get sunset in Luang Prabang. On the way hiking up, you can visit two temples Wat Chomsi and Wat Tham Phousi.

Luang Prabang Morning Market

One of things to do in Luang Prabang early morning is visiting the local morning market. Local people come to this market every morning to buy food, fruits and fresh cooking ingredients. This is an open market that the sellers displaying things on the ground and each of them will have a big umbrella.

I strolled around the Luang Prabang morning market, did not buy any things but felt so excited with the stuffs on sales there. Finish the walking market tour, It became hotter and I was happy to spend some chilling moment in a local café which is in colonial style.

Join traditional Baci Ceremony

Baci Ceremony means “calling of the soul” and plays an important part in the belief in Laos culture. It’s the ritual related to human soul that Laotian celebrate the Baci Ceremony on any days that relating to their lives’ events such as birth, marriage, departure, sickness recovery, visitors receiving, etc.

Laotian believe that their bodies are the unions of 32 organs referring to 32 kwan or souls which the Baci Ceremony will keep all of the kwans stay in the body to secure them. Strings will be tied in their wrist to remain luck with the attendants.

You can join Baci Ceremony in Luang Prabang by contacting the local family or a reputable tour agency to find the local family for you.

Observe the Tak Bath Ceremony in Luang Prabang

Tak Bath Ceremony in Luang Prabang probably is the one attracting tourist the most as they can stand on the pavements and observe the monks in saffron cloaks walking in line around the streets to receive the consecration from locals. 

Every morning from around 5am in the summer and 6am in the winter, the monks depart from their pagoda and move to different directions. Meanwhile, the locals already sit to wait and knee down to give them the sticky rice, cake, fruits.

Cooking Class in Luang Prabang

Laos food is not so stunning but it is pretty easy to dine with very substance scent. And yes, it’s such an omission without tasting and learning of local cuisine while traveling.

Laos food recipes make the food smell less strong and tasty. Cooking class in Luang Prabang can be done at some local restaurants, hotel restaurants and some local bases who are excellent at cooking. 

Suggested places to join cooking class of Laos cultural food:

• Tamarind Cooking School 
• Bamboo Tree Restaurant
• Cooking School at Sofitel

Laos Massage

Laos is a country of slow life; then spend some pleasuring time for yourself by taking relaxing massages. Most of 4 star and above hotels in Luang Prabang offers massage. There are some suggested local places with massage in Luang Prabang are: 

• Spa Burasari Luang Prabang
• L’Hibiscus Spa
• The Spa Garden

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC)

TAEC is a museum displaying the handmade crafts of minority groups in Laos including silk weaving, embroidery, bamboo weaving, instruments, etc. 

TAEC provide free scheduled daily group tours with curators introducing to their visiting guests. Besides, there is a shop selling local people’s handicrafts for your interests too. TAEC is a great visiting place for your Culture trip Luang Prabang.

Visit Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden

Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is a lovely garden opened in 2017. This 2-hectare area is the first garden in Laos conserving wide range of florals and trees in Laos. The tourists can come here for either a stroll, read book, do yoga and so on.  

Enjoy Café over a Riverside restaurant

After an active day, it would be awesome to spend some time resting and enjoying the sunset over a riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang and your dripping iced coffee. 

Our recommendations of Riverside café in Luang Prabang:

• The Belle Rive Terrace
• The Viewpoint Restaurant
• Sit & Relax Riverside Bar & Restaurant

Luang Prabang Night Market

Luang Prabang Night Market is a colorful and stunning place to walk along and select some local traditional stuffs as souvenirs. Different to other night markets in South-East Asia, Luang Prabang Market is closed earlier. Then if you plan getting on some things, don’t be there too late.

National Museum in Luang Prabang

Last but not least, one of must-to-see places in Luang Prabang is the National Museum which formerly was the Royal Palace where the Royal family lived. The Museum displays a huge collections of artifacts and vivid introduction about Laos culture, history and legends.

Hotels in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is available with full ranges of resorts, hotels, guests house and hostels at a wide range cost from $10 to $2,000 per night. Nice accommodation suggestions in Luang Prabang: 

Dos and Don’ts

• Remind yourself of Luang Prabang temples dress code
• Respect the monk and avoid pointing directly 
• Take your shoes off before entering the temples and pagodas
• Photo taking inside the temples might not allow; or not allow flash
• It’s impolite to touch other’s heads
• Using your feet for things except walking and playing sports is rude
• Always ask for permission before taking the photos of locals at short distance

If you ever wonder whether it’s worth to visit Laos or is Luang Prabang worth visiting, the answer is yes. Despite Laos is not a developed and modern nation, this country is totally unique and different from other Asian countries.