Is Luang Prabang Worth Visiting?
Useful Things To Know Before Visiting Luang Prabang
Are you asking if Luang Prabang is worth visiting? After spending 10 unforgettable days in this charming Laotian city, I’ll tell you exactly why.
Picture yourself strolling along the riverbank of the mighty Mekong River at sunset, exploring golden temples that seem to glow in the morning light, and sipping coffee in quaint cafes tucked away in French colonial buildings.
This is the magic of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site that perfectly balances cultural richness with fun comforts.
Every evening, I would explore the night market, where we found the beautiful traditional paintings that now hang in my room – a cherished reminder of our time there. What makes Luang Prabang particularly appealing for couples and solo travellers is its perfect combination of authentic experiences and affordability.
Whether you’re wondering how to make the most of a short visit or trying to decide if it fits your budget, this guide will help you plan the perfect Luang Prabang experience.
Let me show you why this gem of a city deserves a spot on your travel itinerary.
You can read all about the Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang in my detailed guide
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Where To Stay In Luang Prabang?
The two best places to stay in Luang Prabang are the old town and the riverfront.
Wake up with views to the river and be right in the heart and soul of the town.
We actually stayed at Mao Pha Sok Riverside Hotel.
I would recommend this hotel for the balcony views, good location, and some of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang close by. Staff were helpful; however, the breakfast was repetitive, with eggs being the only option. We did get some fruit too.
Travelling to Luang Prabang Railway Station? Read more about how to navigate this stop in my guide.
When To Visit Luang Prabang?
The best time to visit Luang Prabang is during the dry season.
In Southeast Asia, this period typically runs from November until February. The weather is nice and warm, but not overly humid or hot.
However, we visited in June, which is the start of the wet season. While we did have the occasional heavy shower, I have to say it surprised me how good the weather was.
We could easily cycle all over the countryside, do day tours, zipline, visit the temples, and experience great boat tours without much rain.
Call it luck or the fact that the wet season was just beginning, but it was a really good time to go in my experience.
What To Do In Luang Prabang?
There are plenty of fun things to do in Luang Prabang.
I’ve created a guide listing 11 amazing things to do in Luang Prabang. My favourite activity was visiting the beautiful Buddhist temples scattered throughout this UNESCO World Heritage town.
I urge you not to miss Haw Pha Bang.
Located right beside the Royal Palace and National Museum, this temple sparkles with gold and features stunning red and green decorations. It’s truly epic in my view.
Don’t miss out on the alms-giving ceremony.
But keep in mind you need to be an early riser. When we attended, we were out of bed at 5:00 AM and started walking to wait for the monks to arrive.
Additionally, you can find some awesome places to eat in Luang Prabang. My go-to was the Lao sausage, which was always spectacular whether at a night market or in one of the best restaurants in Luang Prabang.
Getting Around In Luang Prabang?
Similar to Vang Vieng or Vientiane, you can get around very easily using tuk-tuks, motorbikes, or taxis.
To be honest, you can’t go wrong with a tuk-tuk. We used this mode of transport to visit the Pak Ou Caves and to get to the Slow Boat Terminal.
The city is swarming with them, and you’ll usually find many parked up waiting for travelers like yourself.
Luckily, you can also walk around Luang Prabang without any issue.
This was how I mostly got around. We walked to all the main temples, museums, and restaurants. While parts of the city close to Mount Phousi are hilly, overall it’s a beautiful city to explore on foot.
The river is beautiful, and the city blends nicely with the green vegetation found all over the region.
Luang Prabang is a truly beautiful city that you can easily get around on foot or by tuk-tuk.
Key Things To Know Before Visiting Luang Prabang
- Some of the best attractions are not in the centre of town but close by.
For example, Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Falls were two of my highlights when we visited Luang Prabang.
Both are short distances away and can be easily arranged through tours.
The waterfalls were stunning and layered. We walked about a kilometre into the jungle alongside the falls, discovering amazing swimming pools at different levels along the way.
- The closest major city is Vientiane, the capital.
About 312 kilometres south of Luang Prabang is the capital, Vientiane. You can travel between these cities using the LCR. It’s a great way to move around Laos and feels safe and comfortable.
- Luang Prabang is a predominantly Buddhist city.
66% of the Lao population is also Buddhist. Calm, quiet, and peaceful is the best way I could describe these locals. Make sure you respect and learn their values before you go.
- What currency are you going to use?
Kip is the official currency of Laos. However, like Cambodia, you can actually use USD quite widely across the city. When we left Laos, we found it very hard to find a currency dealer to exchange the small notes for Thai baht. Keep this in mind when you’re about to leave Luang Prabang or any city in Laos for another country. Spend any Kip you have left!
Staying Safe In Luang Prabang
Sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and anti-malarial medication are essential.
I cannot stress enough how important it is to take care of yourself when traveling in Laos. The healthcare system here is generally considered less developed compared to Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia.
I’ve compiled a packing list that covers everything you need (and don’t need) to bring on your trip to Southeast Asia.
Additionally, don’t skimp on travel insurance.
We experienced this firsthand while travelling through Kazakhstan when Safety Wing covered our medical expenses.
Book your insurance before you go.
Final Thoughts/Conclusion
Luang Prabang is certainly worth visiting if you enjoy peaceful Buddhist temples, caves and waterfall exploration, good food, and lots of history.
Throw in some French colonial buildings and you’re well on your way to a great trip in Laos. Find out more about my experience when we arrived in Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng on the LCR.
We took the Slow Boat from Luang Prabang to Huay Xai, and I recommend these two experiences without hesitation.
Any questions? Just drop me a message.
Thanks for reading,
James
FAQs
Is Luang Prabang Very Touristy?
Luang Prabang can be very touristy in the high season, but that doesn’t mean it isn’t worth visiting. When we visited in June, the crowds were manageable. We could walk freely around and book transport and tours for the following day without problems. It was a great time to visit because the weather was decent, and we avoided the crowds typical of year-end.
Which Is Better, Luang Prabang Or Vientiane?
In my view, Luang Prabang offers more fun activities than Vientiane. While Vientiane only needs a couple of days to explore, Luang Prabang deserves several more days of your time. Luang Prabang features the fascinating alms ceremony and the stunning Kuang Si Falls nearby. The city also boasts the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre and Mount Phousi to climb, making it even more appealing.
How Many Days Are Enough In Luang Prabang?
I recommend spending 3-5 days in Luang Prabang to make it worth visiting. You’ll need time to visit all the Buddhist temples, take a river tour, explore Pak Ou caves and Whiskey Village, and experience the night market, among many other things. Luang Prabang has loads of fun activities to fill several days, and I recommend making the most of them.
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