IS LUANG PRABANG WORTH VISITING?: EXPERIENCE THE SERENITY OF LAOS
Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?
Luang Prabang is one of those cities which mixture of culture and nature blend in perfect balance. It is a very laid back city with a rich tradition on storytelling, buddhism and culinary arts. The city is situated in a peninsula in between two rivers, the Mekong and Nam Khan and it used to be the capital city of Laos. It is now a world UNESCO heritage site and boasts stunning natural wonders at a short motorbike ride from the city center.
Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?
Yes, Luang Prabang is really worth a visit. In my opinion is the most beautiful city in South East Asia and its chill out vibe is so enticing that will keep pulling you towards its center full of culture, nature and magical legends
From crossing the bamboo bridges that straddle the Nam Khan river to enjoying a nice culinary tour or walk around the many Buddhist temples, visiting Luang Prabang is one of those things that is better done at a slow pace. Everything in the city is inviting you to relax and there are so many cultural and adventurous activities to do you could easily stay there for a month and not get bored.
My first visit to Luang Prabang was in 2009 and it lasted only three days. It was my last stop in Laos, after a visit to Vientiane and some days doing the many things to do in Van Vieng.
Back then three days in Luang Prabang felt too short for me and I came back there in December 2019 and stayed for twelve days. When I left I still felt there were more activities I could have done, such as some treks in the nearby mountains among others, so I foresee there will be a third trip to Laos in the future.
Luang Prabang is an area rich in traditional rituals, tales and myths, that unite the different social groups living there.
The Prabang is a sacred image as well as symbol of Buddhism and was brought from Angkor into the city to introduce Buddhism and stop the killing of animals, by the request of King Fa Ngum’s wife.
You can spend your time visiting some cultural sites and getting to know everything however I would reserve at least one day to simply feel the city and its laid back rhythm, take a massage, enjoy the French architecture or read a book sitting at one of the riverside terraces.
Arrival in Luang Prabang by plane is such a beautiful experience. It offers some unique views over the Mekong river but if you are on a tight budget and have the time you might want to experience the Mekong river life taking the slow boat in Laos.
Luang Prabang night market
Luang Prabang Night Market is located on Sisavangvong Road, the main road that runs parallel to the Royal palace in one of Luang Prabang main roads.
It opens daily from 17:00 and closes at 23:00 and you can find almost everything, from delicious “all you can eat” street food for 2 dollars to all kind of trinkets, such as keyholders made from war landmines and rings and earrings, to sophisticated dresses and sandals, among others.
If you do not like street food there are plenty of restaurants open alongside the market where you can sit and observe the hawkers and customers while enjoying some Lao delicacy.
The Luang Prabang night market is a not to be missed activity of your visit to Luang Prabang.
Tip; Do not accept the first price as this is quite a touristic spot and prices can be sometimes higher than in the shops. Negotiate as they are usually expecting you to do that and that is why you are getting a higher price at first.
Royal Palace
The Royal palace was built during the French colonial era, in 1904. It is nowadays a national museum, since 1975, when the last royal family was taken over by the communists to re – education camps.
The royal palace is one of the best places to watch Lao traditional dance. Four times a week traditional dancers accompanied by a live orchestra perform episodes of the Ramakien, or the Lao Ramayana.
Traditional story telling
This was without a doubt one of my favorite evening activities in Luang Prabang.
It goes on every evening at 18:30 and it lasts from one hour. It takes place at the Garavek theater, walking distance from the night market. It is better to show up half an hour before as it usually fills up.
The stories are in English and narrate about the origin of Luang Prabang and several places around, such as the Kuang Si waterfalls and the Mount Phousi. The stories are accompanied by a some Khene music. The khene is a traditional Lao mouth bamboo organ which is played applying the skill circular breathing pattern.
This is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang and I would not skip it even on a short itinerary through the city.
Mount Phousi
“ Mount Phousi” means sacred mountain and one of Luang Prabang legends tells that it was home to a powerful Naga in ancient times.
This is the best view point to have a bird´s eye view of the city and home to a couple of Buddhist temples. Many people go here to see the sunset and the sunrise.
Buddhist temples
Luang Prabang is home to many Buddhist temples (wats). The temples consist usually of a building complex where the monks live, study and practice.
The most famous temple in Luang Prabang is the Wat Xieng Thong temple, that belongs to the royal palace complex.
There are many temples to visit in the city centre and in the Chomphet district, on the other side of the Mekong river.
Tip: Do not forget to cover your legs and shoulders and take off your shoes to enter the temples. Most of the temples do not ask an entrance fee. Leave a donation as the Buddhist monks who take care of the temples live on donations and offerings.
Mekong sunset
There are three perfect spots to watch the sunset in Luang Prabang
From the top of Mount Phousi is the most popular one, although I would not recommend this one as it can get really crowded. I would rather watch sunrise from this point.
From the point where the Nam Khan river joints the Mekong; you need to cross the Nam Khan through a Bamboo bridge to get to the sunset point. There is a tiny very nice small Buddhist temple to visit there.
Take a Mekong sunset cruise; I did the tour ” Sa Sa sunset cruise”. You get two cocktails included with the tour price as well as a couple of delicious barbecue sticks. The tour includes a surprise Buddhist wish fulfillment ceremony. The ceremony worked immediately for one of the girls. We met the day after and she told me her wish was fulfilled. Mine is still work in progress.
Kuang Si and Tad Sae waterfall
Swimming in the Kuang- si waterfalls feels like swimming in heaven, yes the color of its water is heaven like. But there is not magic in the color but science. The color is due to the high concentration of Calcium Carbonate on the water.
Kuang Si waterfalls
You can either go by bike or by organized tour. I would recommend you to go by motorbike so you can take as long as you want to observe the waterfalls and swim.
I waited until most of the people who came on tours were gone and I had the privilege of having one of the big pools for myself.
Tad Sae waterfalls are quite close to Luang Prabang and worth a visit, although when I visited them they were completely dry as the locals told me that due to climate change there had not been enough rain during the last months.
Nahm Dong park
This park is located 10 km from Luang Prabang center and it offers a perfect alternative to spend one day close to Luang Prabang.
It boasts exquisite green flora and fauna and majestic waterfalls and it is not so well known and crowded as other attractions in Luang Prabang, such as the Kuang Si waterfalls and the Pak au caves.
Alms giving ceremony
Every morning Buddhist monks dressed in vivid orange coloured traditional garments quietly queue and collect offerings from lay devotees along the streets.
The alms giving ceremony or Tak Bat, is an ancient and sacred tradition for the locals. The last years has become a must see tourist attraction.
It is OK to attend this ceremony but please do it with respect. There are usually instructions along the road or brochures you can get in your hotel.
Have a giving spirit and do not touch the monks as it is not allowed.
Lao massage spas
As in all Asian countries massage is quite affordable and there are plenty of spas in the city centre
Traditional arts and ethnology center
You will learn here about the different ethnic groups in Laos as well as their art and traditions.
Pak Ou caves
Going down the Mekong by river you will get to these caves
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The alms ceremony seems so meaningful and a wonderful thing to experience. I love that you’ve been here more than once, and the fact that you think it’s the most beautiful says a lot. I’d love to visit the night market!
Luang Prabang is an amazing place. I hope you can visit it one day.
Luang Prabang looks like a lovely city to visit. I bet the Royal Palace museum would be very interesting to visit for its history and orchestra. And thank you for the sunset recommendations. The Mekong and Nam Khan river sunset is at the top of my list!
Leah, I really hope you can watch the sunset in Luang Prabang some time soon.
This feels so much like the Thailand side, I was visiting Loei on the Mekong and could almost touch the other country, lol. But I would love to also explore and visit this truly stunning country and Unesco site. I have to put this city on my bucket list since there’s so much to see and do in Luang Prabang.
Noel, I hope you get to visit Luang Prabang soon. You will not regret:-)
Wow! I am totally inspired by Luan Prabang! I am reminded of Thailand and Nepal especially with the Buddhist buildings and monasteries and the architecture too. I would love to visit the Royal Palace and watch the traditional dance. Wat Xieng Thong temple is the perfect place for architecture photographers. The river sunsets are the best of the lot. I am bookmarking your blog post for future reference. 🙂
Great, I hope you enjoy it and will have a great time when visiting this beautiful city:-)
I visited Luang Prabang in 2003 and your post brought back good memories. Looking at your pictures it seems time stood still there. But I guess a lot of things have changed as well. I remember how moved I was by the alm giving ceremony.
I have never been to Laos but I experienced the beauty and serenity of the Mekong, in Vietnam. I have heard many great things about Luan Prabang from other travellers that I met during my trips to South East Asia. I would love to visit all those beautiful Buddhist Temples, they look so pretty. I would love to listen to the traditional storytelling as well, what a unique way to learn about the country!
Although we stay in Asia there is a lot we are yet to explore in this part of the world. I have seen many admiring Luang Prabang and hence it was interesting to read your take on the place. Apart from the Buddhist Temples and watching the sunset, Kuang Si and Tad Sae waterfalls and a massage would be our must dos as well. Laos certainly looks a place we would love visiting.
To be honest, this is the first time I have heard about Luang Prabang and it seems very interesting.
Will take your word that it’s worth the visit and we’ll add this to our bucket list. Looking forward experience traditional storytelling. That is just wonderful. Thank you for sharing this and appreciate the tips.
Luang Prabang has been in my wishlist since quite some time. I hope to visit there soon, so thanks for this detailed post. You sold it to me at Bamboo bridges. So charming they are, aren’t they! It is indeed a beautiful mix of Culture & Nature. The Royal Palace looks great, good that it is maintained as a museum now.
I loved Luan Prabang when I visited, in fact I hadn’t heard much about Laos and it is such a beautiful country. I also visited the waterfalls, they are stunning, I loved it there, but yes it was busy!!! I also went to the caves which was a nice day trip but I didn’t climb Mount Phousi. I would love to go back there and hopefully one day soon I will get to do some of the things I missed out on.