There’s a reason travelers keep falling for Luang Prabang.
Tucked between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this little town is all about slow mornings, golden sunsets, and the kind of calm you didn’t know you needed. From turquoise waterfalls to alms-giving at sunrise, it somehow blends adventure and stillness in the most effortless way.
Once the royal capital of Laos, today it’s a UNESCO World Heritage town that blends French-colonial charm with deep spiritual roots and local life.
In this guide, you’ll find everything you need to plan your trip: how to get there, where to stay, what to eat, and what not to miss. From budget tips to personal favorites, here’s how to make the most of your time in Luang Prabang without overplanning a thing.
Best Time to Visit
There are two main seasons in Laos: the wet season, from May to October, and the dry season, from November to April. Everyone will recommend you visit during dry season (and they’re not wrong), but we suggest avoiding March to May, when the heat becomes intense and often uncomfortable for exploring.
It’s also good to know that northern Laos, including Luang Prabang, experiences a burning season that typically runs from February to April. During this time, farmers burn fields and forested areas, which can cause smoky skies and poor air quality.
How Long to Stay in Luang Prabang
Generally speaking, 2 to 3 full days are enough to cover Luang Prabang’s main attractions, including both Kuang Si and Tat Sae Falls, the temples, and even a Mekong River cruise. That said, this is a very chill destination, and the pace is part of the charm. If you can, we highly recommend adding at least one slower day to simply enjoy the town and wander without a plan.
Fun fact: This town was once the royal capital of Laos. Yes, you’re walking in the footsteps of Laotian royalty!
How to Get to Luang Prabang
🚆 By train from Vientiane or Vang Vieng: the newly built Laos-China Railway connects Vientiane and Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang. The journey from Vientiane takes around 2-3 hours and tickets cost around 20-40 euros. You can purchase them here.
✈️ Flying to Luang Prabang: Luang Prabang has an international airport (LPQ) just 4 km from the city center, making it the easiest and fastest way to arrive. International flights are available from Thailand (Bangkok and Chiang Mai) and Vietnam (Hanoi), and all take around 1 to 1.5h.
🚢 By Slow Boat from Northern Thailand: if you’re coming from Thailand (Chiang Rai or Chiang Mai), the two-day slow boat on the Mekong River is an epic way to reach Luang Prabang. It takes two days and it costs up to 60-70 euros per person.
Book your transportation to Luang Prabang here >
Getting Around
Getting around Luang Prabang is super easy. The old town is totally walkable, and most places like temples, markets, cafes, and the riverside are just a short stroll away.
For longer distances like Kuang Si Falls or the train station, tuk-tuks are the way to go. Just agree on the price beforehand. If you’re comfortable on two wheels, renting a motorbike gives you even more freedom to explore at your own pace. You can rent a motorbike for around 100–150,000 kip per day (€4–6).
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Although not as small as Vang Vieng or Pakse, if you base yourself around Luang Prabang’s old quarter, you’ll be within walking distance of every main attraction in town. One rule still applies for both towns here: the closer you are to the river, the higher the prices tend to be.
Here are our top accommodation recommendations:
Book your accommodation in Luang Prabang here >
Note: It’s highly recommended to book your accommodation in advance, as securing a last-minute booking in the high season can be quite tricky. We recommend using Agoda for bookings in Laos and around Southeast Asia for the best deals.
Where to Eat in Luang Prabang
Here are some of our favorite spots to eat in Luang Prabang:
🍳 Two Little Birds Cafe: one of our go-to spots! Super cozy with great coffee, smoothie bowls, and a relaxed setting. Everything feels homemade and fresh.
🍞 Le Petit Prince Cafe: we love this one (even though it is a bit on the pricier side) mainly for the menu variety, from French-style pastries to full-on Korean curries. Plus, it has a super cute courtyard vibe.
🥗 Bouang Café & Restaurant: fun, fusion-style Lao food with vegetarian options and a laid-back atmosphere. Try the mango spring rolls, and thank us later!
Hot tip: try the coconut pancakes (khao nom kok) from one of the street stalls near the Night Market: they’re warm, crispy, and addictive!
Things to Do in Luang Prabang
💦 Swim in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Falls: Yes, it’s popular. But it’s also 100% worth the hype! Kuang Si is made up of tiered cascades and dreamy blue pools perfect for swimming. Don’t miss the nearby bear sanctuary (included in the ticket) and the Kuang Si Butterfly Park just a short walk away.
🛕 Visit Wat Xieng Thong: Probably the most beautiful temple in town. It’s all gold details, carved wood, and intricate glass mosaics, including the famous Tree of Life. It’s one of those places where you actually want to take your time walking around.
🌅 Alms Giving Ceremony: At sunrise, monks walk silently through the streets to collect offerings as one of the most sacred traditions in Laos. Just watch respectfully or join in the right way (ask your guesthouse for tips). Afterward, grab breakfast at the Morning Market nearby.
🌄 Climb Phousi Hill for the view: About 300 steps up, and the view at the top is so worth it. Most people go for sunset, but sunrise is equally beautiful and way more peaceful.
🛶 Cruise the Mekong River: The Mekong River is the heartbeat of Luang Prabang and one of the most peaceful ways to experience it is by taking a slow boat cruise. You’ll find options ranging from quick one-hour loops to half-day trips that take you to nearby villages, caves, or riverside temples.
For an in-depth guide on what to do in Luang Prabang, check out our What to Do in Luang Prabang: 9 Must-Have Experiences, which includes all the activity costs, links to book them, and personal recommendations!
Luang Prabang on a Budget
🏠 Accommodation: hostel dorm beds start around €4-6 per night, while private rooms in guesthouses range from €10-20. Private rooms with air conditioning typically begin at €15 per night.
🍔 Food: eating local is both delicious and affordable. Street food meals cost between €1-3, and dining at local restaurants averages €3-5 per meal. Western restaurants or more upscale dining can be pricier.
🚗 Transport: renting a bicycle is a cost-effective way to explore the town, with rentals around €1-2 per day. Scooter rentals range from €6-10 per day. Tuk-tuk rides within the town are typically €1-3, but always agree on the fare beforehand.
🎟️ Activities: if you rent a scooter, you’ll mostly just pay a few euros in entry tickets to the main attractions. If you prefer guided tours, then you should budget around 20-40 euros per tour.
Note: we visited Luang Prabang on a budget for 10 days in 2023. We managed to stay on a budget of around €20 per person per day.
Tips for visiting Luang Prabang
- Most places don’t take cards, so having cash (in kip) is essential. ATMs are available in town, however, withdrawal limits are usually 1-2,000,000 LAK (~€50-100) per transaction, with fees ranging from €2-5 per withdrawal. We recommend using a travel debit card like Wise to minimize it.
- Money exchange services are available at banks and some gold shops, but Thai Baht and US Dollars are often accepted for larger payments.
- Luang Prabang has a few international-standard clinics like Lao Friends Hospital for Children (which also accepts travelers in emergencies) and Lao Inter Clinic. For anything serious, you might need to transfer to Vientiane or even Thailand, so travel insurance is highly recommended.
