Top 25 Must-Do Activities in Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is frequently referred to as the ‘Heart of Laos,’ attracting visitors who prefer its picturesque landscapes to Vientiane, particularly due to its stunning countryside and breathtaking views of the Mekong River.

Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan River, this UNESCO World Heritage Site exemplifies the city’s beauty and historical significance.

An additional major draw of Luang Prabang is its array of exquisite temples, showcasing religious architecture at nearly every turn. For those looking to venture outside the city, lush waterfalls and tranquil pools are readily accessible.

Here are the 25 best activities in Luang Prabang…

1. Climb Phousi Mountain

A prominent attraction in Luang Prabang is Phousi Mountain.

To reach the viewing platform, a steep ascent of approximately 355 steps is required, but the resulting panoramic views of the city are well worth the effort.

The summit features a small temple, making the relatively easy climb even more fulfilling.

2. Tour Wat Manorom

Wat Manorom, regarded as one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, features a main ordination hall, known as a sim in Lao.

Inside, visitors will find a bronze statue of the Buddha, believed to date back to 1372, although it has undergone several restorations over time.

The journey to the wat offers its own adventure, as the path winds through charming, narrow streets leading to the main courtyard, making it a worthwhile endeavor.

3. Trek to the Kuang Si Waterfalls

For many, visiting the Kuang Si Waterfalls serves as the highlight of their trip to Luang Prabang.

Accessing the falls can be accomplished by cycling through the picturesque countryside or by joining an organized tour.

Upon arrival, a trek through the jungle reveals a series of cascades that unfold in stages, offering a visually stunning experience.

Plunge pools at the base of the falls beckon for a refreshing swim after a hike, with waters known for their vibrant emerald hue, providing a picturesque backdrop to observe families and monks enjoying the scenery, particularly during weekends.

4. Admire Wat Xieng Thong

While Luang Prabang boasts many monasteries, none are as renowned as Wat Xieng Thong.

This temple features a grand ordination hall, with walls adorned with intricate mosaics, including a captivating tree of life mural at its center.

The grounds also include multiple stupas and smaller chapels, encouraging visitors to allocate ample time for exploration to appreciate all the site has to offer.

Prominent attractions here include a statue of the Standing Buddha and a Red Chapel built during the French colonial era, which houses an image of the Reclining Buddha.

5. Explore the Rice Fields

For a unique experience in Luang Prabang, a visit to the Living Land Rice Farm, located on the city’s outskirts, is highly recommended.

This engaging farm offers insights into the cultivation and harvesting processes of rice in Laos, allowing visitors to stroll through the expansive rice paddies.

For the more adventurous, opportunities to plow a field with a water buffalo present a memorable challenge.

6. Take a Cooking Class

To delve into the flavors of Laotian cuisine, participating in a cooking class during your visit is a must.

Numerous venues offer cooking instruction, with the renowned Tamarind being a standout, featuring an open kitchen that overlooks picturesque fields.

Classes not only provide various recipes but often include a morning market visit, enriching your knowledge of the local produce.

Among the dishes featured are laap or laab, the national dish made from minced meat in salad form, as well as mok pa, fish wrapped in banana leaves.

7. Visit Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, frequently referred to by locals as Wat Mai, is a spectacular monastery known for its five-tiered roof.

The front patio features exquisite murals illustrating notable scenes from the Buddha’s life in addition to tales from the Ramayana.

This temple serves as the residence of the head of the Lao Buddhist faith, known as the Sangharat, emphasizing its significance in Laotian Buddhism.

8. Cross the River

Situated along the mighty Mekong River, it is essential to take a boat across to the opposing bank.

On the opposite side, visitors will discover Wat Chompet, a temple set atop a hill that offers an excellent view of the city.

Additionally, this area is home to several other temples and small caves, providing opportunities for further exploration.

9. Tour Wat Sensoukaram

Wat Sensoukaram is distinguished by its walls adorned in a striking crimson hue, embellished with gold leaf decorations.

These attributes contribute to its reputation as one of the most beautiful temples in the city, named after the 100,000 Kip used in its construction, a significant sum during its inception in 1718.

10. Get Outside at Green Jungle Park

Approximately thirty-two kilometers outside of Luang Prabang lies Green Jungle Park, a serene green space nestled in the countryside.

This park features a range of activities, most notably zip lining, boasting 900 meters of exhilarating ziplines to enjoy.

In addition to zip lining, visitors can traverse monkey bridges and rope lines for breathtaking views of the jungle canopy from above.

The park also includes a charming cafe and gardens, ideal for leisurely strolls, and is known for its rescued elephants, previously part of the logging industry.

11. Shop at the Handicraft Night Market

The Handicraft Night Market, located on Th Sisavangvong, is an excellent destination for purchasing souvenirs.

As suggested by its name, the market operates primarily after sunset, showcasing a plethora of stalls selling exquisite local handicrafts, including silk items, textiles, clothing, jewelry, ceramics, and bamboo carvings.

Though primarily frequented by tourists, it remains an ideal location for seeking unique gifts.

12. Tour the Royal Palace Museum

For insights into the history of the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum, established in 1904, is an informative venue.

This museum hosts galleries adorned with murals depicting the evolution of Laotian life and exhibitions featuring antiques and various intriguing artifacts.

13. Enjoy Bun Awk Phansa Festival

If you find yourself in Luang Prabang during September or October, do not miss the vibrant Bun Awk Phansa Festival.

This event, hosted along the Nam Khan River, features lively boat races and a traditional practice of setting flamboyant boats constructed from banana leaves adrift, each containing a candle, symbolizing the dispelling of misfortune.

This tradition also serves to express gratitude to the waterways of Laos and to appease the mythical naga, said to reside beneath the river’s surface.

14. Eat at the Night Food Stalls

Differing from the Night Market, the Night Food Stalls commence operation at sunset and are located directly behind the primary Tourist Office in the city.

These stalls feature an appealing assortment of small tables offering delectable local dishes, making it an ideal spot for an authentic taste of Laos.

Vegetarian options abound, ensuring a diverse selection of vegetable-based dishes, alongside seafood and fish infused with aromatic lemongrass.

15. Visit TAEC Museum

To discover more about the ethnic minorities inhabiting the region surrounding Luang Prabang, a visit to the TAEC Museum is highly recommended.

This beautifully restored building, once a mansion from the French colonial era built in the 1920s, now houses an intimate museum that highlights the rich history of these remarkable tribes.

Despite its compact size with only three main rooms, the museum features galleries dedicated to the agricultural industry and exhibitions on attire and jewelry.

An on-site shop provides local souvenirs, with all profits supporting the local community.

16. Explore Wat That Luang

Wat That Luang holds a significant place in Luang Prabang, as it was the designated location for the cremation of the Lao royal family.

Estimates suggest this temple dates back to the 3rd century BC, although numerous renovations and additions throughout time have resulted in a structure that differs significantly from its original form.

The presence of beautiful stupas adds to the allure of this site, with legends suggesting they hold the ashes of legendary kings, although historical evidence remains lacking.

17. Experience the Pi Mai Festival

If you are in Luang Prabang during April, be sure to partake in the renowned water-throwing festival, commonly referred to as the Pi Mai Festival.

It is worth noting that locals take this celebration very seriously, particularly when it comes to dousing foreigners, so it is advisable to secure your valuables in plastic bags to protect them from water damage.

18. Visit Wat Xieng Mouane

Wat Xieng Mouane, located in the Old Quarter of Luang Prabang, is notable for its visually striking ceiling adorned with illustrations of golden snakes known as naga.

This temple also functions as an active monastery, featuring classrooms where monks acquire training in various skills, such as painting, sculpting, and carving.

19. Visit Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden

Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is notable for being the first botanical garden of its kind in Laos.

This serene location offers an ideal setting for relaxation and unwinding in the heart of the city.

Visitors can leisurely stroll through the garden while learning about the diverse orchids that flourish here during guided tours.

Additionally, free herbal tea brewed on-site and bamboo handicraft tutorials provide enjoyable, immersive experiences.

20. Take a Boat Trip

Given Luang Prabang’s riverside location, taking a scenic boat trip is a favored activity, providing a unique perspective of the town from the water.

As you glide along this iconic waterway, you will have the opportunity to observe local villages and fishermen engaged in their daily activities.

21. Visit Wat Ho Pha Bang

Wat Ho Pha Bang is well-known for housing the Pha Bang image, which is reputed to have inspired the city’s name.

This revered artifact is housed within a meticulously carved pavilion, alongside a Buddha statue that is believed to date back to 1512. The significance of this Buddha statue in Laos is immense, as lore suggests its origins date back to the 1st century in Sri Lanka before being transported to Laos.

Over its storied history, it has changed hands multiple times before being returned and restored to its rightful location.

22. Watch a Show at Garavek Storytelling

The term ‘garavek’ translates to ‘mythical bird’ in Lao, and visitors can explore the legend of this enchanting creature by attending a performance at Garavek Storytelling.

The show features a traditional performer playing the lyre, narrating ancient folk tales alongside an English-speaking narrator, captivating audiences.

This hour-long performance showcases numerous tales, making it an excellent choice for visitors to Luang Prabang, particularly families with children who will be fascinated.

23. Visit Wat Phanluang

Wat Phanluang, one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, exudes a simple yet exquisite charm.

Characterized by jade green carvings of water serpents known as naga on its roof, this temple features a lovely interior painted in ochre, adorned with scenic murals depicting rural life.

24. Go Spelunking at Tham Sakkalin

Tham Sakkalin, a sprawling limestone cave stretching approximately 100 meters, features a damp interior that is nevertheless an interesting site to visit in conjunction with Wat Longkhun.

This temple is rumored to house several Buddha statues, although they have deteriorated over time, making it difficult to appreciate their historical relevance.

25. Try the Local Cuisine

Although Luang Prabang is a popular tourist destination in Laos, some visitors report challenges in finding authentic local dishes.

To discover local favorites, it is recommended to search for delicacies such as buffalo noodles and laap or laab, the national dish.

For a deeper appreciation of Laotian cuisine, Tamarind Restaurant is a well-known establishment famous for its extensive sharing platters.