Why Luang Prabang in Laos Worth a Visit

Luang Prabang, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Many would consider it the heartbeat of Laos and the best place to immerse in Laotian culture. In my opinion, Luang Prabang is worth a visit and here’s what you should be doing…

If you would like to check out the itinerary for Luang Prabang, click here.

By the way, I spent 3 Days/2 Nights in this truly amazing small town and absolutely that’s enough to have a wild time out there. It is easy to navigate around Luang Prabang town with the famous Mekong River & Nam Khan River serve as the border.

Day 1: 

1. National Museum of former Royal Palace.    

The Royal Palace is located in the vicinity of the only Night Market area that is popular to tourists. It opens daily except on Tuesday, between 0800H- 1100H and 1330H-1600H. Admission: 30,000 Kip (Laos currency is Kip). No shorts, short sleeved shirts and short dress are allow. In fact, most places in Laos do not allow such dress code.

Walking through the National Museum is truly like going through history lessons and one will be amazed of the beautiful artifacts, learnt more of the royal life and witnessed special drawings which was absolutely unique. Staring at some of the pictures in display, you could see the eyes in the portrait following you from one side to another. By the way, no cameras were allowed in the compound of the Royal Palace.

2. Wat Xiengthong 

This would be certainly a must visit attraction with the unique Laotian architecture, with its roofs sweeping low to the ground. The temple was having a yearly possession, inviting the Buddha out of its sheltered roof to be put on display, enabling more locals to pray at any one time.

3. Ride the Mekong River to visit Pak Ou Cave 

The pier to take the tourist boats to Pak Ou Cave is within walking distance of Wat Xiengthong. Embark on 2 hours ride upstream on the Mekong River. Along the way, one could see how the locals live along the river bank. Bathing, washing clothes, fishing, children playing on the river bank, while some villagers gather around the river bank chatting. It was an enjoyable ride along the Mekong River which provides them life, supplying water for the much needed agriculture activities.

Pak Ou Cave being located in the countryside was made even more interesting and mysterious to visit by two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes, sizes left by pilgrims.

4. Visit the local villages

The Ban Xang Hai is a village famous for its rice wine. One could observe the whole rice wine making process and drink some exotic wine filled with tiger bones, scorpion, snake etc.

Visit the village of Ban Xang Khong which is well known for silk hand weaving and traditional Saa paper making which one could see it being sold widely in the night market in Luang Prabang.

5. Mount Phousi

Hike up 328 steps to Mount Phousi, famous for its sunset view and overlooking the city. Along the way, there are Buddha sculptures and observing the local way of living. There are 3 different ways to hike up. I would recommend hiking up via the Mekong River side and later to walk down the stairs leading to the Night Market.

Day 2

6. Giving Alms to the Monks 

The monks usually go around the town collecting Alms (food donation) from the public early in the morning. Before 6am, people would lined up with mainly Glutinous rice. Ensure your hand is clean as one will need to roll the rice in a small ball and give it to the monks. Many tourists have participated in this event every morning. However, according to the locals, if tourists is to buy from the vendor selling in packet of food items and give it to the monks, they will cast it aside after collecting. The monks would not be accepting such food. Recommend to ask the locals or your guide to prepare alms the day before.

7. Morning Market 

The best way to understand the food in a particular country is to visit the morning market. It is very interesting to see what’s on offer with fishes, worms, wild vegetables lying on a simple mat on the road.

8. Living Rice Farm 

Spend the morning in the idyllic countryside surrounded by mountains and rice paddies. Experience the life of a farmer and participate in the rice farming activity. I had learnt a fair bit and is equally mind awaking to know how difficult rice is being planted. You will not waste a single grain of rice after going through this activity.

9. Khouang Si Waterfall 

This waterfall is known to be among the top 10 rated waterfall in Asia. I could not have agree more than it, one of the most beautiful waterfall in the region.

Before reaching the waterfall, one will pass through the Bears Sanctuary. Black bears to be exact which used to roam in the area are now near to extinction thus it is highly protected animal now in Laos. People used to hunt them for their paws.

It was truly an awesome trip to Luang Prabang. If one is looking for a laid back atmosphere with cool chill out cafes, experiencing the true local culture of Asia, this has to be the place to be. Luang Prabang is still at its infant stage of developing tourism. Hiking, elephants orphanages are some of the other common activities other than those listed above.

Cost: 

Laos is often known to be an expensive place to visit. Indeed it is as compare to other countries in the region despite Laos having a lower standard of living. I had did a few researches on local tour companies and I found the itinerary from Asia Reveal to be good and competitive in pricing. Perhaps, one could give a shot at it.

Otherwise, one can rent driver or sign up for tour programs from the many tour agencies found along Luang Prabang main tourist street, where the night market is located.

You may only need 2 full days to explore this small town! Perhaps, it might be ideal for a weekend getaway! Below was the video compiled on Luang Prabang, Laos.

Categories: Asia Region