Top 8 things to do in Luang Prabang

While you may find loads of things to do in this ethnic city, here is a list of 8 things that can be on top of your list while visiting the city:

Mount Phousi is the highest hill of Luang Prabang situated 100 meters above the sea level. This hill is bordered by the Mekong River and is located at the center of the old town peninsula. Amidst things to do in Luang Prabang hiking up Mount Phousi is worth the pain for its scenic beauty. There are 300 steps to climb to reach the top of Mount Phousi. These steps are not really tough to climb for anyone with good health. Your walk up the hill is definitely worth the outstanding view that awaits you. Get yourself pumped up to climb the steps of Mount Phousi for an alluring view at the hilltop. Climbing the top of the hill is a favorite activity of the tourists as you get to see the beautiful sunset and sunrise. If you plan your trip and reach the top of the mountain an hour before the sunset or sunrise that would be great. You can also see some steps that lead to the temples below the hill. Enjoy the breathtaking view of the city from the top of the hill. A view of the sunset and a visit to the temple at the top will make a great day trip. This place is great for watching the beauty of sunrise and sunset and breathe some fresh air. Imagine the beautiful sunset at the top of Mount Phousi with a panoramic view of the city that draws most of the tourists to this hill. On your way to the top of the hill, you will encounter many viewpoints and adorable Buddha statues. Most of the visitors reach the hilltop for its wonderful view of the city and the rivers rather than visiting the temples.

The Royal Palace Museum was once home for King Sisavang Vong during the French Colonial Era. The museum houses various artifacts that represent the turbulent times of Lane Xang Kingdom with the French Colonial Era to the present times. Many beautiful accents of the traditional Laos culture is available at the museum and is one of the things to do in Luang Prabang. This museum adds a royal touch to the city of Luang Prabang and is worth your time if you are fascinated about the culture and tradition of Laos and its people. The front halls of the palace are used as the primary exhibition halls today. As you enter the palace you will find many buddha statues and a grand royal throne used by the Supreme Patriarch. Right behind the entrance hall, you will find the statues of three Laotian kings and you will also see beautiful murals that depict the daily life of the Laotians in the early 20th century. There is also a dedicated room for Queen that is used to display the gifts received from the foreign state visitors. Not to forget the Throne room that is decorated with red painted walls with mosaic details. The palace looks great with the French Beaux Art style with a touch of Lao vernacular architecture and is surrounded by a well-tended garden. This is renowned as the last palace of the Laotian kingdom turned into a beautiful museum. Another exciting feature of this museum is the garage at the bottom with vintage cars like Edsen, Sea Horse, Jeep and more. This palace is a 5-minute walk from the Tourism Management Centre of Luang Prabang.

As you notice the various options in this city, things to do in Luang Prabang includes this exciting waterfalls located 29 miles south of Luang Prabang. Kuang Si Waterfalls is a major tourist attraction in Luang Prabang as it has 3 tiers before it falls downstream. There are small pools in-between the stretch of its layers and downstream which are great for swimming. You can enjoy the cold waters by changing your swimsuit in a nearby hut. With a cascade of up to 5 mts high, this place is surreal and amazing to rejuvenate your senses. This waterfall is surrounded by dense jungle that adds to the pleasant vibe of the place. If you fancy seeing the waterfalls from the top, there is a trail that leads to the top of Kuang Si waterfalls which can be reached with proper footwear as the area gets slippery. This is a picturesque destination that is arguably the best spot in Luang Prabang. Its cold turquoise waters make it up for great swimming pools. The culture of Laos is conservative, and some of the lakes in these waterfalls are considered sacred and are not allowed for swimming. You can reach the Kuang Si waterfalls through various means like renting a bike or bicycle, shared or private auto-rickshaw and more. One of the pleasing things to do in Luang Prabang is to have a pleasant and relaxing swim in the Kuang Si waterfalls.

Wat Wisunarat is a renowned Buddhist temple dating back to the 16th century and is amidst the favorite things to do in Luang Prabang. This temple is named after king Wisunarat who ruled Laos between 1501-1520. Wat Wisunarat proudly holds the name of being the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Pranang that also served as a museum of religious arts. Numerous royal accents and Buddhist artifacts are at display in this museum. Some of the precious collections of Buddha inside the museum are a sight to behold. One of the rules to be followed while visiting this place is to wear clothes that cover your shoulders and legs, and it is advisable to not touch any of the relics in the temple. The famous Pha Bang Buddha was originally placed in Wat Wisunarat from 1507 to 1715 which was later shifted to the Royal Palace Museum of Luang Prabang. This monument is designed by the wife of King Winsunarat in a Leo architecture with a uniquely structured stupa. The stupa is believed to resemble a lotus but the localities often call it watermelon stupa. Another fascinating attraction of this place is its roof that slides in a European-style architecture which is not a usual sight in Laos architectures. It is another interesting place to visit in Luang Prabang for its cultural and royal significance.

Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist temple located at the northern tip of the Luang Prabang peninsula. This temple was constructed by king Sethathirat in 1560 and is considered as the monastery of the golden city, and hence it falls under the things to do in Luang Prabang. It is considered as an important Lao monastery and is the largest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. This is a renowned attraction of the city as it is famous for its rich cultural, traditional and royal heritage. Wat Xieng Thong is a beautiful looking temple with impressive decoration. It houses some of the rare Buddhist deities and is designed with Lao architectural patterns. Some of the interesting things about this temple are its tree of life mosaic pattern, intricately carved walls and a funeral carriage that is 12 meters tall. This temple draws visitors for its rich interior and exceptional exterior design. The structure stands as a fine example of sheer Luang Prabang style architecture. It is believed that Wat Xieng Thong has witnessed the coronation of many of Lao’s kings. In the present times, this place serves as a means of annual festival gatherings of Luang Prabang.

Wat Mai is a renowned Buddhist temple of Luang Prabang famous for its rich decorations which is why it is one of the things to do in Luang Prabang. It was constructed in the 18th century and is located near the Royal Palace Museum of Luang Prabang. The most sacred and precious thing about this temple is the emerald studded Buddha that looks marvelous with the golden interiors. This is one of the most attractive tourist spots and is the biggest Buddhist temple in this ancient city. It was originally built by King Anourat and later enlarged in the 11th century. The Laotians consider this temple as very sacred and it remained as a temple for the royal family and safeguarded the Phra Bang Buddha after the Chinese have destroyed the town in the 11th century. The Phra Bang Buddha is considered a mystical emblem by the locals. This place also holds significance for another interesting ritual which is the Lao new year Pimay. During Primay the Pha Bang Buddha is kept for public display for three days during which Laotians from every corner of the country come to offer prayers to the idol. One can see the importance of the temple during the Primay where the Laotians outnumber the tourists visiting the temple. With this one can understand the vital role of this monastery in the hearts of the Laotians. The beauty and the architecture of this temple make it one of the most desired places for photographers. Another vital significance of this temple in the earlier days is that this place served as a residence for the highest Laotian Buddhist dignity. The sim of the monastery is a sight to watch for its five-tired roof.

Visiting the pagodas are the things to do in Luang Prabang when touring Luang Prabang. Wat Sene Souk Haram is undeniably one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang. It was constructed by King Kitsarath in 1718 and is designed with a that, a vihan, several koutis and a drum and a pirogue shelter. The Wat Sene is proudly the first monastery that has its vihan covered with red and yellow tiles much like a modern Thai style. You can seek the blessings of Buddha inside the temple and soak in the calmness and pleasant atmosphere within the temple. After the visit, you may taste some local delights in the streets outside the tourist spot for savoring some local flavors. A very prominent part of the history of Wat Sene temple is the use of 100000 stones from the river Mekong for building this monastery. Hence, this monastery is also known as the temple of 100000 treasures. This architectural but was restored in 1957 to commemorate the birth of Buddha 2500 years ago. Built-in the 18 century this monastery attracts many visitors throughout the year. It is also famous for its splendor of architecture and colored tiles. The cultural and traditional interest of the Laotians is evident in the practices of its monasteries. Make sure you visit Wat Sene monastery in your tour to Luang Prabang for its wonderful architecture and style.

Other interesting things to do in Luang Prabang are the two caves on Ban Pak Ou where the NamOu river and the Myeong river meet. These two caves are a visual treat in a limestone cliff. You will also be mesmerized with the myraid of Buddha statues with a stunning backdrop of shimmering waters. Reaching the lower caves is easier compared to the upper cave. You just need to climb a few steps from the river bank to enter the lower caves. As you climb 5 minutes above the lower cave, you can see the upper cave. It is a picturesque place with sacred beliefs and customs. While one may be surprised by the surreal images of the caves, it is even more exciting to see more than 6000 types of Buddha statues inside the caves. The local people leave the damaged and old Buddha statues and idols in this cave instead of tossing them. This is a popular tourist spot in Luang Prabang and you also see the visitors stopping at the Leo Leo village famous for its whiskey while en route to Pak Ou. There is plenty of Buddha images almost in every size, shape, and style in the Pak Ou caves. There are two ways to see the wonderful caves, you can either take a boat or reach by road to the Pak Ou caves from Luang Prabang. The caves are positioned in such a way that indirect light peeps inside the caves. A boat ride to reach the caves lets you enjoy the stunning and surreal atmosphere. The locals also use the place for relaxing and meditating. When you take a ride by road you pass through a small weaving village that is so humble and charming. So, your visit to Luang Prabang is incomplete without this dark cave full of pleasing Buddha idols.

Laos is a beautiful country for its lush greenery that surrounds its numerous monasteries. So head towards this beautiful city and explore the unexplored corners and the most vital things to do in Luang Prabang. It’s the Royal Palace Museum that reflects the rich cultural heritage of the country and the traditional values that are practiced to date. Taking your time off to enjoy a pleasant and relaxing vacation at Luang Prabang may be a great option to get rid of the hustle and bustle of modern city life. Luang Prabang is definitely a city that is worth visiting to keep yourself away for a while from the concrete jungles of today’s world. It is a charming and delightful city with some great tourist spots. If you are looking for affordable holiday options in South East Asia then Luang Prabang is a wonderful pick. Its magnificent temples and local food is a delightful experience on its own. Now that you know the top 8 things you cannot afford to miss in Luang Prabang, gets your bags packed and head towards this lovely city.