Often described as the ‘Jewel in Laos Crown,’ the tiny, tranquil city of Luang Prabang, now listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site due to its famous temples and monasteries, is Laos’s premier tourist destination and (arguably) Southeast Asia’s most beautiful spot with much to offer its visitors.
The former capital of the Kingdom of Laos, it sits at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers, sharing borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam. The town itself is a magical mixture of old and new, where history, tradition, atmosphere and terrain come together to create something of astonishing beauty.
The legend goes that the Buddha smiled when he rested in Luang Prabang for a day during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful city.
See/Do
Though small in size, Luang Prabang is packed with attractions, both historical and natural. There is so much to see and do in this lively getaway that a day or two won’t cover them all. You can start your day by visiting the famous Elephant Village and the National Museum, climb up Mount Phousi to see sun set and at the end of the day relax in one of the city’s hundreds of bars, cafes and restaurants, offering an impressive array of local and international fare to slake your thirst and satisfy your well-earned appetite.
Temples and monasteries are another reason white so many tourists flock this small city, with the most famous being Wat Chom Si on the summit of Phou Si hill, which offers the best view of the city. The base of Wat Chom Si grows crowded with tourists especially at the end of the day, when the sun sets, creating picture-perfect scenery with hues of yellow and red. Another interesting example of Buddhist art is the 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, a must see attraction in Luang Prabang.
Spectaculay beautiful waterfalls, scaling peaks, and the milky-brown waters of the Mekong River provide visitors with superb opportunities for swimming, sailing and climbing. Do not miss out the 25 kilometer scenic river journey along the Pak Ou Caves, or simply known as the Buddha Caves, which will definitely be one to remember forever.
Explore this charming city and well maintained town by foot to see the amazing heritage buildings in traditional Lao and Dutch designs, and go back in history. In the heat of the day, head out of town to be enticed by the stunning Kwang Si Waterfall. The road to the falls is interesting with several bridges and unmatched views of the surrounding hills. Swimming is possible at designated areas.
Stay
Luang Prabang offers a cost effective vacation, as once there you’ll soon find that your money goes a long way. Budget travelers will find hotel rooms even under $20 with the most luxurious rooms available to around $80. Hotels in Luang Prabang are scattered in the city’s main districts, including City Center, Kwang Si Falls, Outskirts and Riverside and cater all kinds of holidaymakers from business travelers to honeymooners to families with kids.
La Residence Phou Vao Hotel and Satri House Relais & Chateaux Hotel are just two of the many luxury options found in the city, both offering state-of-the-art amenities and excellent service to suit the needs of even the most discerning travelers.
Those looking for a cheaper hideaway will find a wide choice of two-to-four-star options, including the 2-star Villa Chitdara right in the city center and very close to the main attractions; the 3-star Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel with beautifully designed and decorated rooms and quality service and the 4-star Hotel de la Paix Luang Prabang that guarantees full relaxation and a pleasant stay.
With an outstanding range of restaurants, bars and hotels, a gorgeous location and tons of attractions, Luang Prabang has a reputation for wrecking tightly planned itineraries. However, make sure to allow at least a few days to really take this picturesque town in.