Luang Prabang, Laos: A Short Travel Guide
Updated: Jan 7
Luang Prabang is an idyllic city located in the northern region of Laos. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends stunning natural beauty with historical charm and a rich cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that this is the most visited tourist destination in the country. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Luang Prabang as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.
Check out our video about Luang Prabang to see the best things to do through our camera!
Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang
Explore the UNESCO old town & heritage architecture
Admire the Royal Palace & Haw Pha Bang temple
Hike Up Phousi Hill For Sunset
Explore the UXO Lao Visitor Center
Shop at the Night Market
Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC)
Harvest rice at the Living Land Farm
Observe bears at the Bear Rescue Center (Free The Bears)
Marvel at the Kuang Si waterfall
Places To Stay In Luang Prabang
Villa Phathana Royal View Hotel ($$ - where we stayed): Perfect location in the old town, rustic simple rooms with comfy beds and private shower. Breakfast included.
Golden Lotus Boutique Hotel ($$): Perfect location in the old town, clean and comfy rooms
The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel ($$$): Exceptional staff, wonderful rooms, over the top accommodating on all levels. Overlooking the Mekong River.
Places To Eat And Drink In Luang Prabang
Bamboo Garden Restaurant: delicious local food
Bamboo Tree Restaurant and Cooking School: good Lao food with lots of options
BOUANG Asian Eatery: Lao & western fusion - loved the gnocchi curry & the vegetarian burger
Fathima Indian & Malaysian Restaurant: best Indian food at affordable price and with a good view of the Mekong River
Grasshopper cafe lounge & studio: lovely coffee and healthy food options like smoothie bowls
Khao Soi Noodle Shop: small local shop with delicious khao soy and beef noodle soup
Le Khaoji Cafe & Hangout: good Banh mi-style sandwiches with Laos flavors
Main Street Bar&Grill: fancier place with great breakfast options and burgers
Soum Noum Bar & Restaurant: if you're craving Western food, this is the place to go... delicious burgers and pizzas
Tamarind: outstanding Lao restaurant with local set menu's to choose from. They explain the origins of and ingredients in each dish.
Timeless Café: great panini's and Western food
Two Little Birds Café: healthy breakfast and lunch café, love the smoothie bowls
Viewpoint Café: beautiful riverside hotel with delicious food but a bit more pricey
Map Luang Prabang
Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Luang Prabang on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:
Tap on the link to open it (click button below)
Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.
Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.
If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Luang Prabang will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.
Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Luang Prabang
Booking.com for places to stay
Skyscanner for cheap flights
GetYourGuide for local tours
Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals
Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Luang Prabang? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.
Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Laos:
