Luang Prabang Top Things to do

1. Visit Kuang Si Waterfalls

The number one attraction in Luang Prabang is the Kuang Si waterfalls. You can rent a bike or pay to go on an organized tour but the best way is to hire take a tuk-tuk. Make sure to bargain hard to get a fair price! It's best to go early in the day as you’ll want to spend all day hiking and exploring. Many people don’t know that you can hike up behind the falls and find hidden wading pools and other waterfalls! There is also a cave system found at the top that you’re able to explore. Locals will rent you a hard hat and flashlight and act as a guide for a small fee.

2. Visit the Night Market

You cannot visit Luang Prabang without checking out its busy night market. The market is hectic and can become crowded but that’s part of what makes it so great! Try your skills of haggling with the friendly shopkeepers- I always start by countering with thirty percent of their initial offer before usually landing closer to half.

3. Experience the Majestic Temples

There are plenty of attractions in Luang Prabang but most of them pale in comparison to the stunning golden temples. There are 34 active temples in the city, and all of them are beautifully gilded which gives Luang Prabang a deep spiritual feel. The Wats, as they are called, have a very relaxing and soothing atmosphere,as you are walking through its gold and burgundy grounds. The most famous temple is called Wat Xieng Thong, which was built in the 1500s.

4. Watch the Alms giving ceremony: Tak Bat

Tak Bat is a tradition dating from the 14th century, in which local monks leave their respective temples at sunrise in order to collect alms for them to be able to help feed the poor. It’s an incredible sight to witness, as a single file line of orange-robed monks carrying bowls to collect offerings in front of them. The monks line up in order of age, with the eldest monk going first. Offerings given by locals and tourists alike, generally include food, such as rice, fresh fruit, or traditional sweets, and they are to be presented respectfully with a bow.

5. Explore the Royal Palace Museum

Here is a change to learn some of the history of your host country. This museum was originally constructed as a residential palace for King Sisavang Vong in 1904. It’s constructed with a blend of traditional Lao and French architecture. Since 1995, the Royal Palace Museum holds a significant number of artefacts and items from the past that each tell their own stories, which are part of the larger story of the country of Laos.

6. Climb Mount Phousi

Phou Si itself means sacred hill, as this is not an actual mountain but rather a large hill at about 100 meters. it’s worth it to climb the 355 stairs to the top for impressive panoramic views of the city. There’s a small temple at the top that you’re able to visit.

7. Visit to the Pak Ou Caves

The famous Pak Ou Caves are one of the most important religious spots in the region. They’re most known for the thousands of different Buddha idols, all in different shapes and sizes, left throughout history by different people.

8. Visit an Elephant Sanctuary

People are now finding in new relationship with elephants and there is no better activity than to visit an ethical sanctuary. MandaLao opened its doors in November 2016 and has elephants ranging from 3 to over 60 years of age. They have spent the majority of their lives working together in logging camps. With new regulations limiting logging operations across Laos, and concern over elephant welfare, these amazing creatures have come to a home where they are offered a dignified and comfortable life in harmony with nature. The 500-acre property is located about 30 minutes away from Luang Prabang’s Old Town.