Things to do in Luang Prabang

No. 2 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfall is a large waterfall complex near Luang Prabang, Laos, hidden in the jungle valleys south of the city. The water cascades down layers of limestone cliffs, with the main waterfall having a drop of approx. 60 m. The white water curtain slides down the moss-covered rock walls into the valley below, forming a series of natural pools. The pool water has a rare blue-green color due to flowing through limestone, and on sunny days, it is crystal clear, which has almost become the calling card of this waterfall. Surrounded by tropical rainforest, the forest trails are built along the water, offering different views of the water at every turn. Here, you can do more than just look at the waterfall. You can also "soak" in it. The pools at the foot of the mountain vary in depth. Some are suitable for quiet wading, while others feature tree trunks extending over the water and wooden platforms that serve as natural diving boards. Many people enjoy leaping into the water from them, experiencing an adrenaline rush. Those who don't want to get in the water can sit by the pools, looking up at the lush greenery and listening to the sound of the water, which is equally pleasant. You can also continue up the trail to the top of the waterfall to overlook the entire cluster of blue-green pools from the source.

No. 6 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Royal Palace & National Museum

Royal Palace & National Museum was built in the early 20th century as a royal residence for King Sisavang Vong during the French colonial period. The last royal family lived here until the monarchy was abolished, after which the palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public. It is located next to the main street of the ancient city of Luang Prabang, betweenPhousi Hill and the Mekong River. The cruciform, single-story palace blends Lao-style overlapping, sweeping pitched roofs and golden carvings with French shutters and wrought-iron balconies. A set of Italian marble steps leads directly to the main entrance, and the relief of the three-headed elephant and the white parasol above the lintel is the symbol of the former Kingdom of Lan Xang. Upon entering, a seated statue of King Sisavang Vong stands in the courtyard. The halls of the palace largely retain their original royal appearance: the Throne Hall displays the thrones of the King and Queen, the walls of the reception hall feature murals of traditional Lao life painted by a French artist around 1930, and the bedrooms and living rooms remain as they were when the royal family left. Another exhibition room displays diplomatic gifts from various countries, including a piece of moon rock brought back from an Apollo mission. The museum's prized possession is the "Phra Bang" golden Buddha, a standing golden Buddha statue approximately 83 cm tall. It is said to be a state gift from the Khmer Kingdom to Fa Ngum, the founding monarch of Lan Xang, in the 14th century, and is regarded as the palladium of Laos; the city of Luang Prabang derives its name from it. Today, the golden Buddha is enshrined in a specially built temple within the palace grounds, and the golden Naga staircase in front of the temple is quite photogenic.

No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Phousi Hill

Phousi Hill is the sacred mountain in the center of the old town of Luang Prabang; its name literally means "sacred mountain" in the Lao language. It is situated on the peninsula embraced by the Mekong River and the Nam Khan, directly opposite the Royal Palace & National Museum. The hill is not very high, but it is the highest point for overlooking the entire city. Climbing the stone steps from the side of the Royal Palace, you will find flowering trees lining the path of over 300 steps. Along the way, you will pass several temples and golden Buddha statues in various poses, and there is even a cave temple built into the rock halfway up the mountain. Wat Chom Si at the summit was built in the early 19th century. Its golden stupa is particularly striking in the sunlight and is an iconic landmark on the old town's skyline. Every year during the Lao New Year, the local traditional parade sets off from beneath the stupa. Upon reaching the summit, the view opens up: on the peninsula embraced by the two rivers, golden temple roofs, orange-red French-style roofs, and lush tree canopies spread out in layers, with rolling green mountains in the distance. The real highlights here are the sunrise and sunset from the summit: before sunrise, the small town is quiet and peaceful, while at sunset, the golden glow dyes the surface of the Mekong River a warm red.

No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in the ancient city of Luang Prabang. It was built by King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang Kingdom, and its name means "Golden City" in the Lao language. Until the end of the Lao monarchy in 1975, it was a temple under royal patronage, and the coronation ceremonies of successive kings were held here, giving it a prominent status among the many temples in the ancient city. In 1887, Luang Prabang was ransacked by war, and most of the temples in the city were destroyed, but it was spared. The appearance of the halls seen today mainly comes from the comprehensive renovation and repainting in the 1960s. The main hall embodies the essence of Luang Prabang-style temple architecture: three tiers of eaves drape down like waves, almost reaching the ground, with a golden stupa-shaped ornament called "Dok So Fa" standing in the center of the roof ridge. Inside the hall, black lacquered walls are adorned with gold leaf paintings, where tiny golden figures depict daily scenes of Lao village life, such as pounding rice, cooking, and worshipping. The signature sight of the entire temple is the "Tree of Life" mosaic on the rear wall of the main hall, created with colored glass: on a deep red background, the golden canopy spreads out, surrounded by birds, beasts, and figures. When sunlight hits it, it shimmers with color, and it is considered one of the symbolic images of Laos. There is more to see in the temple than just the main hall: a carved and gilded carriage hall houses the funeral carriages and golden funerary urns of past kings. The front of the carriage is decorated with a golden dragon head, and the exterior panels depict scenes from the epic "Ramayana". Another small hall with deep red exterior walls inlaid with colored glass houses a black reclining Buddha resting its head on its hand in a serene posture.

No. 2 of Night Attractions in Laos

Sisavangvong Road

The ancient and romantic streets are full of Laos style. Temples, residences, hotels and shops abound. Because many buildings were built during the French colonial period, they are also very French. There are many family hotels in this area, you can choose one of them to stay at will, feel the quiet world of temples during the day, and go to the night market on Foreigner Street at night. In addition, Foreigner Street is also a food gathering place in Luang Prabang. There are many restaurants and coffee bars facing the Mekong River, as well as French restaurants with high cost performance. AzeraiBistro, MandaDeLaos, Boaung, etc. popular shop.

No. 1 of Activities in Laos

Sunset Sightseeing in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a city gently embraced by ancient times, presents an enchanting picture every time the sun sets. Standing on the top of Mount Phousi or on the banks of the Mekong River, you can witness this miracle of nature with your own eyes. The town is bustling at sunset, the Mekong River is dyed red, and the afterglow of the setting sun gradually sprinkles on the scattered ancient temples. The golden light and the vermilion and green of the temples complement each other; the spires of the temples are more solemn and sacred under the reflection of the setting sun, which makes people feel awe involuntarily. At this moment, it seems that the whole city is coated with a layer of mysterious and brilliant colors. Whether strolling on the stone slabs of the ancient city or sitting quietly by the river, you can feel an indescribable tranquility and beauty.

No. 17 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Alms giving ceremony view

Watching the almsgiving ceremony in the ancient city of Luang Prabang is an experience that must not be missed, almsgiving is a Buddhist tradition that has been maintained for thousands of years in Theravada Buddhist countries. Generally, tourists watch the almsgiving gathering near the temples on Sisavangvong Road. At five or six in the morning, monks will be seen barefoot, carrying tin and platinum on their backs to receive food from believers or tourists.

River Sun Laos

No. 4 of Night Attractions in Laos

Luang Prabang Night Market

The Hmong night market in Luang Prabang will be built in the evening, lined up in front of Si Sawang Vong Street in front of the Royal Palace Museum, all the way to Jisala Street. A trellis, an energy-saving lamp is a small shop. The night market is dimly lit, quiet and laid-back, and there is no forced marketing. This may be a very quiet market in Asia. Hundreds of stall owners sold silk scarves, T-shirts, clothes, shoes, Miao patchwork blankets, paper products, silverware, bags, pottery, paper lanterns, bamboo lanterns and more.

Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort

The elephants here are rescued in an illegal environment, freeing the elephants from the brutal logging work, and the mission of the elephant conservation village is to help the elephants stay away from abuse and be cared for by professional veterinarians, while training them. , to give them a good living environment. In addition to being an elephant conservation base, it is also a resort rich in recreational activities. Take a basic Mahout training course, feed the elephants, take care of the elephants at the elephant hospital, or go on a jungle trek and visit the stunning TadSae waterfall. Of course, when you come here, you must not miss riding an elephant across the forest river. Not only can you get close contact with Asian elephants, but the experience of riding an elephant across the river is quite exciting and worth a try. In addition, there are rich Lao cuisine and luxurious accommodation, allowing you to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing holiday.