Rouse your imagination and discover inner peace with Luang Prabang’s soaring mountains, thundering waterfalls, richly ornate temples and a meandering river
We recommend watching the Tak Bat Ceremony, which is where monks receive alms from locals
Formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Laos, Luang Prabang has an ancient heritage that is immortalised in the city’s fusion of French-Indochinese architecture and traditional Buddhist temples. The city sits on the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, which is said to be a sacred spot, while the commanding undulations of Mount Phousi towers above this urban dwelling.
It's little wonder that Luang Prabang has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that it's the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. Not to mention Luang Prabang has some of Laos' best cuisine, and you can take a cooking class while in the city.
But despite its grandeur, Luang Prabang is a laid-back historic town. There are many things to do in Luang Prabang, and to acclimatise, take a stroll down its streets. Don't forget to explore the quieter side streets, which is where you'll find red-sloping roofs and orange-robed monks going about their daily routines.
With so much religious heritage, it’s unsurprising that Luang Prabang means “Royal Buddha Image”. Indeed, there are over 20 temples within walking distance of each other. You can also learn about Luang Prabang's history at the UXO Centre, where you'll find information about the time Luang was bombed during the Vietnam War.
Two of the most significant temples are Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunalat. The former has traditional Lao art, wooden carvings, and intricate mosaics, while Wat Winsunalat has many relics and artefacts collected over centuries.
Walk along the bamboo bridge to find a quieter area of town, or explore the Kuang Si Falls - here, you'll find whimsical cascades and turquoise-coloured pools that are great for swimming and a picnic.The city’s green landscape means activities like trekking the dense forest, visiting local communities, or circumnavigating rice paddies are incredibly easy. Cycling, kayaking, and climbing to Mount Phousi are adrenaline-packed adventures, while romantics should embark on a sunset river cruise to see hues of orange and yellow paint the landscape.
Your Luxury Luang Prabang Trip Ideas
View a selection of our favourite Laos holidays featuring Luang Prabang, designed by our expert team.
More Asia travel inspiration from Wayfairer customers and travel specialists
Top 10 Under the Radar Places to Visit in India
Seychelles, Maldives or Mauritius
Highlights of Inle Lake (Myanmar)
Sign up to our newsletter
For more travel inspiration delivered straight to your inbox just fill in your details here
Start planning your luxury Laos vacation today
We're looking forward to hearing from you