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The 15 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos15 min read

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15 Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos.

There are lots of things to love about Luang Prabang, Laos. The beauty and nature, the food, and so many activities! 

I (Jen) spent two weeks in Luang Prabang, Laos in June 2017. I went for the Mekong Tourism Forum (MTF) 2017, an annual conference of tourism industry professionals who meet in a new location each year. The MTF covers issues surrounding the travel sector in the countries the Mekong River runs through (China, Laos, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam).

The Luang Prabang conference was unique because sessions were held at different venues all around town, giving participants a chance to learn about multiple businesses and activities.

Stevo joined me after 10 days and we explored Luang Prabang more together. We had an awesome time and know it’s one of those cities we’ll definitely visit again! 

After all of our experiences in the city, these are some of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. 


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1. Morning Market

Going to the Morning Market is a great thing to do in Luang Prabang if you want to see where locals and many restaurant chefs in town do their daily food shopping. There are lots of herbs, vegetables, and fruits there that are unique to northern Laos. You will also see a wide variety of river fish and meat.

I went at 7AM and the market was already bustling with locals. If you go even earlier you may also see some small wild animals from the forest, many which are endangered now. This is a problem that the Laos government, GIZ, and other organizations are working to stop throughout the country.

Shopping for fruit at the local market, one of the most interesting things to do in Luang Prabang
Vendors at the Morning Market in Luang Prabang, Laos.

2. Cooking Classes

There are many cooking classes on offer around Luang Prabang. A friend of ours who is a food writer took the class at Tamarind and said it was fantastic. I had the opportunity to join a private cooking class with that same friend with Chefs from Amantaka, which was held at Living Land in an outdoor kitchen. If you are staying at Amantaka and looking for the foody side of things to do in Luang Prabang, I highly recommend this cooking class.

Cooking classes are a great way to learn about local culture and one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
One of the fabulous Chefs from Amantaka, showing us how to prepare traditional Laos dishes.

3. Living Land Organic Farm & Rice Experience

Living Land farm was started by seven local families who came together to grow rice and vegetables for their personal use. The farm has grown and expanded over the years and has become a model for land-friendly, organic farming methods.

They offer a Rice Experience for visitors looking for things to do in Luang Prabang that teach them about the process of planting and harvesting a rice paddy through fun, hands-on lessons. Although the experience is a bit pricey, the money goes toward community projects including schooling for local farmers’s children and scholarships for students at the Agricultural College of Luang Prabang.

You can even spend the night on the farm with a Home Stay visit. There are also opportunities to go more in depth to learn about farming and teach English to local students as a Volunteer.

Learning about rice production, one of the most educational things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Steps of rice production on display at the Living Land farm.

4. Observe Tak Bat Alms Giving

Tak Bat almsgiving is a daily Buddhist ritual that has been going on in Luang Prabang for centuries. Attend the ceremony if you have spiritual inklings or are interested to learn more about the spiritual things to do in Luang Prabang and about this important facet of life for Laos Buddhists. You can observe the ceremony on the main street in town or on practically any small side street on the peninsula around 5:30 am.

The event has become quite a tourist spectacle in recent years, but there are some steps you can take to ensure you are respectful when you go.

For a truly unique experience of viewing the Tak Bat ceremony, you can stay at Jumbo Guesthouse, located in a village 5km outside the city. The owner, Monica, will be happy to take you on an early morning walk to view Tak Bat in the village. This was one of the most memorable and special experiences of our trip. 

 

An interesting experience this morning viewing the daily Tak Bat alms giving in Luang Prabang, Laos. What has traditionally been a way for local Buddhists to give sticky rice to Monks to pay respect and for merit making for their families has turned into quite a spectacle for tourists along the main road in town. I joined a group of Media/Journalists for a talk with a Senior and Novice Monk over breakfast to gain their perspective on the current situation. I’ll share more soon on Two Can Travel. (Link in bio) #LuangPrabang #Laos #TakBat #ResponsibleTravel #MekongMoments #MekongTourismForum2017

A post shared by Jen and Stevo (@two_can_travel) on Jun 7, 2017 at 9:43pm PDT

5. Kuangsi Waterfall and Bear Sanctuary

Kuangsi Waterfall is hyped for a reason. The bright blue water caused by the limestone rocks is stunning! There are many beautiful swimming areas on your way to the main waterfall. If you don’t know what to do in Luang Prabang, take a dip!

We recommend crossing the bridge by the big waterfall and following the path up to the top. It takes about 20 minutes and is one of the more strenuous things to do in Luang Prabang, but once you reach the peak you are rewarded with incredible views from the top of the falls and cool, clear blue pools that you’ll have almost all to yourself. 

Even monks know about fun things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos!
Monks about to go for a swim at one of the lower pools at Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Bear Sanctuary and Rescue Center

There is also a bear sanctuary on the way into the park where many moon and sun bears have been rescued from poachers who take their bile and cut off their paws to sell as traditional medicine, mostly in China. Some of the bears have visible injuries from their time in captivity. You can observe the bears playing from several platforms.

Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Moon bears inside the bear sanctuary on the way to Kuang Si Waterfall.

6. Ock Pop Top Living Crafts Center and Shops

There are 49 recognized ethnic groups in Laos, and many have artistic traditions that are still a part of their everyday lives. You will see beautiful woven fabrics, baskets, and other handicrafts throughout the country as you travel around.

Ock Pop Tok offers a chance to view how these traditional crafts are made through their free tours and classes at their Living Crafts Center. Jen wrote about her experience joining in on one of the most artistic things to do in Luang Prabang at a weaving class. She made herself a lovely souvenir!

 

Jen was invited for a traditional Laos weaving class at Ock Pop Tok in Luang Prabang, Laos. This living art form, passed on for centuries, is dying out in modern times. Read more on Two Can Travel. (Link in bio) #LuangPrabang #Laos #Weaving #LivingArt

A post shared by Jen and Stevo (@two_can_travel) on Jun 24, 2017 at 9:39pm PDT

7. Phou Si Mountain

At the center of the city is Phou Si Mountain, which offers beautiful 360-degree views of Luang Prabang from above. The area gets quite crowded in the evenings when people flock there for sunset.

If you’re looking for a quieter thing to do in Luang Prabang, try going for sunrise or in the morning. There are Buddhist statues and small caves to explore on your way up as well. The entrance fee is 20,000 Kip ($2.50 USD).

things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
A view of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River from the top of Phou Si Mountain.

8. Garavek Traditional Laos Storytelling

For centuries children have learned about the history and traditions of Laos through stories told in school and in their villages. This important part of Laos culture is sadly going by the wayside in modern times. It’s the thing to do in Luang Prabang if you want to learn more about Laotion culture. 

Garavek is a two-man show, consisting of one storyteller and one musician playing a traditional Laos wind instrument. The performance aims at sharing traditional Laos stories with travelers to increase awareness and share this important part of Laos culture. The show is 1 hour. Tickets are 50,000 Kip ($6.25 USD).

Learning more about Laotian culture through song is one of the coolest things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos. Plus they have AC!
Lively storytelling at Garavek, inside the cool, air-conditioned theater.

9. Temples

Luang Prabang is a small city, but there are temples on practically every block on the peninsula! Many have been around for centuries while others are relatively new. Visiting ancient temples in the heart of the city is one of the things to do in Luang Prabang that make it so special. 

Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham and Wat Sene are a few of the more famous temples in town. However, it is worth checking out any of the temples you pass by. They are each beautiful and unique in their own right.

Be sure to wear appropriate attire: Covered knees and shoulders for both men and women. Remove your shoes before going inside. 

Visiting the temples is one of the holiest things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Wat Wisunarat is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, dating back to 1513.

10. Royal Palace Museum

We were told that visiting the museum is one of the things to do in Luang Prabang that everyone should do. Unfortunately, we only peeked in from the outside but didn’t go in! Sadly we heard we missed out!

It is set in a spacious, lovely garden just off Thanon Sisavangvong, the same street as the Night Market. Built for King Sisavang Vong and his family in 1904 during the French colonial era, the palace is a fascinating part of history in Luang Prabang.

Apparently, signage is minimal It is recommended to hire a guide for further explanation.

Exploring the royal palace museum is one of the historical things to do in Luang Prabang

11. Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC)

Laos is home to 49 recognized ethnic groups. The TAEC aims to document their living arts and traditions while sharing them with local people and travelers. There are rotating exhibits throughout the year. If you are interested in things to do in Luang Prabang that will deepen your travel experience by learning more about Laos’s fascinating cultural traditions, the TAEC is a great place to start. 

Learning more about local indigenous culture, an important thing to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Traditional costumes and detailed information on display at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center in Luang Prabang, Laos.

12. Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens

The Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens are a gorgeous place to spend a half day or a full day. Located on the King’s former hunting grounds, the botanical gardens are now home to an ever increasing variety of local greenery, including many traditional medicinal plants.

Exhibits are well marked, and the grounds are beautifully kept. You can also partake in tea tasting, and Phi ceremony arrangements are available on request.

 

Torch Ginger flowers at the Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens in #LuangPrabang #Laos #GingerFlower #TorchGinger #EdibleFlowers #MedicinalPlants #MekongMoments

A post shared by Jen and Stevo (@two_can_travel) on Jun 11, 2017 at 10:39am PDT

13. Night Market

Ever since reading about the Luang Prabang Night Market in our Interesting Markets in Asia article, it’s been number one on my list of things to do in Luang Prabang. It did not disappoint! There is so much to see and plenty of tasty food to try when you slip down the alleys on the side of the market.

The Night Market street itself is long and bright, and currently a bit overly saturated with cheap souvenirs from China. Thankfully that is set to change soon. A big market is being set up a bit outside of town for the tacky goods, and the Night Market street will go back to showcasing items made in Laos.

In the meantime, it is still worth visiting if you’re looking for things to do in Luang Prabang for the tasty food, people watching, and because there is little else going on in the city at night.

Eating all the things, a must do on the list of the things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
An all you can eat vegetarian buffet set up in an alley just off the Night Market street.

14. Petanque

If you are looking for things to do in Luang Prabang and you’re in a sporty mood, want to hang out with locals and drink a few Beer Laos in the evening, head on over to a local Petanque court. The sport was introduced to Laos by the French and is still a popular past time today. It is mostly enjoyed as an excuse to hang out with friends and drink.

Throwing heavy metal balls and drinking beer? Is there any cooler thing to do in Luang Prabang?
Men playing Petanque around 9pm at a local court in Luang Prabang, Laos.

Beyond Luang Prabang

15. Elephant Conservation Center

If you are interested in Elephant conservation projects going on in Laos, I recommend a visit to the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayabury, located about 2 hours from Luang Prabang. The ECC is home to elephants who formerly worked in Laos’s logging industry. The center provides the elephants the space and care to live freely, and medical treatment to those elephants that need it.

There is no elephant riding, but visitors are able to observe the animals both up close and from a distance as they go about their days, foraging, bathing and walking through the jungle.

The staff at the ECC are dedicated and passionate about educating travelers and other elephant centers about responsible tourism practices related to elephants.

The location of the center is peaceful and extremely beautiful. The bungalows where you stay overnight are simple, but comfortable. The food at the center is excellent.

things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos
Observing this bathing beauty at the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayabury, Laos, a couple of hours outside Luang Prabang.

Disclosure: Jen was invited as a guest to attend several of the above mentioned activities through the Mekong Tourism Forum. All opinions shared are her own. 


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Have you been to Luang Prabang? Are there any other activities you recommend? Share in the comments below!


 

Comments

  1. steph and zach dorworth says

    March 18, 2018 at 11:10 am

    Wow so many great things to do there. The bear sanctuary is speaking to us because we’ve loved visiting other animal rescues and sanctuaries in other countries we’ve visited. We also love being outdoors in gardens so those botanical gardens would be awesome to visit too. Thanks for the ideas!

    Reply
  2. Jenn and Ed Coleman says

    March 18, 2018 at 10:04 am

    I love the morning market. It is such a local way to start the day. I would also love staying at the elephant sanctuary. Elephants are just so beautiful and intelligent. Anything we can do to make their lives better, I’m in.

    Reply
  3. J Harvey says

    September 19, 2017 at 3:26 am

    I’m heading to Luang Prabang next year and can’t wait. I’m now adding the bear sanctuary to my itinerary because of your blog post. I love it! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply
    • Jennifer Joslin says

      September 19, 2017 at 9:31 am

      Thanks so much for reading, J! We loved Luang Prabang. Hope you have a wonderful trip 😀

      Reply
  4. Sreekar says

    September 17, 2017 at 4:41 pm

    I do look forward to visiting Laos. HAve heard a lot about the Buddhist Alms ceremony! Would surely partake in it!

    Reply
  5. Elaine J Masters says

    July 24, 2017 at 12:28 am

    Such a sense of peace and place with your list. Love that there are morning and night markets too.

    Reply
  6. stephanie says

    July 20, 2017 at 1:44 am

    I loved Luang Prabang! And that street buffet was actually pretty tasty.
    x

    Reply
  7. Archana Singh says

    July 18, 2017 at 1:02 pm

    I love Laos and everything you mentioned above is what I like to do on a holiday. I really loved the alms giving ceremony. It’s one of its kind.

    Reply
  8. kristelle says

    July 18, 2017 at 10:34 am

    Laos is still my bucket list. I was planning to visit there next year

    Reply
  9. Peter Korchnak says

    July 18, 2017 at 9:52 am

    I’ve heard of Luang Prabang (of course), but never had a chance to visit or live vicariously through another’s experience like this. Can’t wait to get to Laos one of these days. Thanks for the pointers!

    Reply
  10. Tami says

    July 18, 2017 at 9:41 am

    Great list! And all very interesting things to do — not the typical tourist site lists. I had no idea they played Petanque in Laos. My son learned to play it in France and brought home a set of Petanque balls. I just assumed it was a French thing!

    Reply
  11. Victoria says

    July 18, 2017 at 8:44 am

    I would love to go to the morning market and take a cooking class. Visiting where the locals shop is one of my favorite things to do when traveling! Cooking classes would mean I could take a piece home!

    Reply
  12. Paige W says

    July 18, 2017 at 3:58 am

    Luang Prabang is one of my favorite cities on earth! I spent a couple of weeks there a couple of years ago, but I missed out some of these things! Luckily we’re heading back there for a month this winter and I know that there are a few things on this list I need to check off. Like the elephant sanctuary, the botanical gardens and trying the living land experience.

    Reply
  13. Mel | The a Wandering Darlings says

    July 18, 2017 at 1:08 am

    Such an informative post!! Loved the pictures it looks so captivating and beautiful. That waterfall makes me just wanna jump right in.

    Reply
  14. Natasha says

    July 16, 2017 at 11:11 pm

    I love the fact there is a bear sanctuary beside the Kuangsi Waterfall. The does look amazing thanks to the limestone! I would love to take a cooking class to learn how to make the beautiful food of Laos.

    Reply
  15. sherianne says

    July 16, 2017 at 10:03 pm

    I have been hearing a lot about Laos lately, but usually just the temples. Would to visit the animal sanctuary’s and take a cooking class! Pinning for future travels!

    Reply
  16. Megan Jerrard says

    July 16, 2017 at 9:48 pm

    I’ve heard some pretty incredible things about Laos – we’re very passionate about nature, outdoor adventure and wildlife, so it sounds like there would be a lot to keep us busy. Local markets sounds like a great way to start the day, I love heading to morning markets mainly for the people watching and candid photography opps. It’s fantastic to hear that there are so many conservation initiatives throughout the country when it comes to wildlife, and that they’re ethical – I’m glad to hear that riding of elephants is prohibited.

    Also I’m not a morning person but I would definitely rise early to witness the Tak Bat alms – thankyou for the link to tips on acting respectfully 🙂

    Reply
  17. Mindi Hirsch says

    July 16, 2017 at 10:47 am

    It’s been a long time since I visited Luang Prabang, and your photos have brought back a lot of memories. Interestingly, a lot looks same except for the one photo with several tourists photographing the monks. When I return, I’m heading straight to the markets. You’ve reminded me of all the tasty food there.

    Reply
  18. Brianna says

    July 16, 2017 at 7:55 am

    I knew how physically beautiful Luang Prabang was but i didn’t know how culturally rich it was. You would definitely find me at a cooking class.

    Reply
  19. Tamara Elliott says

    July 16, 2017 at 3:03 am

    So much to see! I love the look of that waterfall, and think the market would be a great place to get an idea about the local culture (and pick up some delicious food at the same time!)

    Reply
  20. Claudia says

    July 16, 2017 at 2:21 am

    So many great things to do but one that I would absolutely love to experience is Living land! What an amazing concept that can help grow and strengthen the community!

    Reply
  21. Claudia says

    July 16, 2017 at 2:20 am

    So many great things to do but one that I would absolutely love to experience is Living land!! What an amazing concept that can help grow and strengthen the community!

    Reply

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