Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant province in the heart of mountainous northern Laos. It served as the ancient royal capital of Laos during the Lan Xang Kingdom’s rule from the thirteenth to the sixteenth centuries and remained as the religious center of Laos. It is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site as it’s where history, culture, and nature intersect, which will undoubtedly give each visitor a beautiful journey through time.
Here are 15 awesome things we did in December 2023 when we visited Luang Prabang:
1. Stroll leisurely at the Old Quarter while admiring the heritage architecture
We particularly enjoy taking quaint and leisurely strolls through the Old Quarter area, both during the day and at night, while soaking up its historic scenery, lush greenery, and laid-back vibe. There is an abundance of sights to behold, including stunning temples, antique cars, very old buildings, and a harmonious blend of French and Buddhist architecture. We did not see any skyscrapers, and even the newly built buildings are constructed in traditional styles, contributing to the town’s historic feel. We were taken back in time as we wandered through the old quarter, where charming little side alleys wound their way through and around elegant French colonial buildings; it was undoubtedly a walk through culture and history. The old quarter is lovely, which is a delight for anyone who enjoys an easy stroll, as you can wander around and around for hours, and it has many coffee shops and restaurants, which makes it a fantastic place to sit and watch the world go by.
2. Go temple hopping
The captivating city of Luang Prabang is home to more than 33 temples (also known as wat) that are dispersed throughout the area. You could not possibly miss them while out and about. Hence, one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang is to explore all of the temples. They are all exquisitely decorated, and as soon as you walk in, you get such an inspiring feeling of a zen vibe.
3. Gaze upon Wat Xiengthong’s glass mosaic
One of the most famous and ancient Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang is Wat Xiengthong, which was built in 1559–1560 by Lao King Setthathirath and served as the venue for the coronation of every king until 1975. One of the most striking features of this temple are the beautiful glass mosaics that adorn its exterior walls. The glass mosaics showcase elaborate scenes from everyday life, such as miniatures of people, palm trees, and animals, sparkle beautifully when the sun’s rays hit them.
4. Visit the Royal Palace
The Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, also called Haw Kaum, was built in 1904 in a blend of traditional Lao and French architectural styles. It served as the royal residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. The palace was abdicated in 1975 following the Lao Revolution and converted into a museum so that the public could view some artifacts from the monarchy era. During our visit, it was forbidden to take photos inside the palace or bring personal items like a handbag or a small backpack that contained valuables.
5. Hike up Mount Phousi for a view and sunset
Mount Phousi, which means “sacred hill” in Lao, is a Buddhist pilgrimage site that sits in the middle of Luang Prabang. It’s 100 meters high, and there are roughly 330 steep paved steps. There are two main routes to and from. We opted to climb via the entrance next to the Nam Khan River (which has more steps than the other side) and descend via the other way, which is located across from the Royal Palace Museum. Atop the hill, there is a Buddhist temple called Wat Chom Si, a small cave with a Buddha statue, a reclining Buddha, as well as a big standing Buddha statue. When we reached the summit of Mount Phousi, we were mesmerized by the incredible panoramic view of the city and the breathtaking sunset. We were also astounded by the sheer number of people who waited patiently for the magnificent sun to set on the horizon.
6. Relax at the magnificent Kuang Si Waterfalls
The Kuang Si waterfalls are located in the jungle about 29 km from Luang Prabang, but the journey is well worth it. The falls cascade beautifully 50 meters down into three limestone-sculpted rock pools. The captivating, exquisite mixture of azure and turquoise waters is a stunning work of nature that cascades in an incredibly lovely way. You get the impression that they are the sky in liquid form when they crash into the rocks. Once there, you can unwind and take in the sound of the falling water, swim, or have a picnic.
7. Go behind the scenes at Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center
Established in 2003, Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center is a sanctuary run by Free the Bears, an Australian non-profit wildlife charity. Here, we saw endangered moon and sun bears being restored to safety and freed from bear bile farms and the illicit wildlife trade. The rescued bears need lifelong care at the sanctuary for up to 35 years because they are humanized and there is not enough protected forest for their release. Every moon bear and sun bear we saw at the sanctuary were healthy, happy, and content. We really appreciate the constant dedication of those who work hard behind the scenes at the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center. You can book a special bear care tour at either site—the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center or Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary, a multi-species sanctuary located about 45 minutes from the city. It was certainly a magical experience going behind the scenes and absolutely one of the highlights of our stay in Luang Prabang.
8. Get up close with elephants at the Manifa Elephant Camp
With just two elephants, two local elephant enthusiasts founded Manifa Elephant Camp in 2009. Situated in a natural landscape outside of Luang Prabang, it’s the perfect outing for anyone who enjoys nature, elephants, and Lao culture. Once there, we saw that the staff is dedicated to making sure that our visit doesn’t result in the suffering of the elephant and offers welfare-oriented, high-quality experiences that foster an interest in and love for elephants, as well as a fascinating glimpse of Lao culture in harmony with nature. At present, Manifa Elephant Camp is home to a herd of 17 elephants in over 100 hectares of stunningly lush forests. We had a great time with the elephants, and we thoroughly enjoyed the delicious buffet lunch with unlimited drinks served in the tranquil and picturesque setting by the river.
9. Visit Pak Ou Caves
We took a scenic boat cruise down the Mekong River from Luang Prabang to see Pak Ou Caves, which are renowned for being a significant historic religious site for the locals and are home to an abundance of so many beautiful Buddha statues. There are two caves. The smaller cave takes about 10 minutes to walk up the stone steps. It’s quite dark, so bring a torch to explore it. The bigger cave has incredible views of the river. Our visit to the Pak Ou Caves was a fascinating one.
10. Cruise up and down the rivers of Mekong and Nam Khan
Luang Prabang is nestled between two of the largest rivers in the region, the Mekong and Nam Khan. The Mekong River meanders along one side, with the smaller Nam Khan River on the other side, joining the Mekong at the tip of the peninsula. Taking a boat tour of the river is undoubtedly one of the best ways to see the country and glimpse it from different perspectives. During our cruise, we noticed that the Mekong River in Laos is quite rocky compared to Cambodia due to its varying landscapes. The Mekong River is very vital to Lao people because it gives them food security, livelihood opportunities, and access to trade. In rural Laos, farming is the primary source of income. The main plains along the Mekong River are home to the majority of the country’s food production, accounting for about 70% of total food output due to fertile river banks, which are ideal for growing a wide variety of crops, including rice, sweet corn, potatoes, and so many more. It was incredible to see the Laotian way of life.
11. Watch sunset on the Mekong river
Sunsets over the Mekong River are incredibly breathtaking. While traveling in Laos, we always seek out the lesser-known local spots to take in the scenery and sunset. If you wander down to the riverside in Luang Prabang, there are picnic tables where you can rest and enjoy this spectacular sight without the crowds. My family and I adore watching sunsets! They convey the hope that joy can be found in every success and in the lessons we can take away from every setback. We love nature’s hues at their best, as well as how different vibrant colors blend to create a darkening sky.
12. Try traditional whisky and rice wine at the whisky village
Ban Xang Hai, also known as The Whisky Village, is a small village on the banks of the mighty Mekong River that has made a name for itself by producing and selling wine and whisky. It is one of the popular destinations, and it’s often a stop when visiting the Pak Ou Caves by boat. They used rice to make whiskey and wine and produced them using the traditional method. They also make whisky and mix it with some animals to use as a natural medicine. We sampled their products: whisky (pure, without animals in it), white wine, and red wine, and they’re good. My husband likes their pure whisky, while my son and I prefer red wine. We purchased a few bottles to take home because we like them as well as our way of supporting the locals.
13. Wander at the night market
Strolling the night market in Luang Prabag, which takes place on the main street adjacent to the Royal Palace, is amazing and a must-do. The vendors start rolling out their mats and tents at around 4.30 pm, and by 5 pm they are ready to start selling until 11 pm. The night market is a bustling hub of activity, filled with stalls selling handicrafts and food. It brings people from all walks of life together—interacts, converses, eats, and shops in one location.
14. Enjoy Lao cuisine and street food
Throughout our stay in Laos, we had great pleasure sampling Lao cuisine. The northern Laotian dishes surprised us; they’re particularly delicious. Every meal in Laos includes sticky rice, also called Khao Niao, which is served in quaint little single-serve woven baskets. Larb is a delectable dish to try. It is marinated meat (usually pork or chicken) combined with spices, chopped herbs, greens, and chili. Another must-try is Khao Soi, a delicious noodle soup dish made with pork and a fragrant broth. And their grilled fish is the best—it’s incredibly flavorful and juicy. We also relished their street food. It’s so cheap, yet so delicious and we enjoyed it a lot, and we did not get sick.
15. Get an authentic Laotian souvenir
Some of the traditional Lao handicrafts include vibrant woven textiles, fine silks, and extravagant silver jewelry, among others. Many of these arts and crafts are produced by ethnic minority groups in Laos, such as the Hmong, who are well-known for their exquisite batik and appliqué textiles.
Little Lilly Meets the World 