Laos makes you slow down. And yet, there’s never a boring place to explore. Luang Prabang is one of them. With its jungle waterfalls and early morning rituals, this little town has a lot packed in without ever feeling rushed.
If you’re planning a visit and wondering what’s actually worth doing, here’s a list of the 9 best things to do in Luang Prabang: the ones that stuck with us and the ones we’d absolutely do again!
1. Kuang Si Falls: the one you can’t skip
The one thing you can’t miss in Luang Prabang (and probably the reason you’re visiting in the first place) is the Kuang Si Falls. Famous for its tiered cascades and milky turquoise pools, the falls are more than just a postcard-perfect stop; they’re a place steeped in local legend.
According to Lao folklore, an old man once dug into the earth and released the water that flows here today. A golden deer, drawn by the beauty of the falls, made this place its home. That’s actually where the name comes from: Kuang means deer, Si means to dig. Some say forest spirits still guard the area and that the water carries healing energy.
Fun fact: That dreamy blue color is thanks to the natural limestone and mineral deposits in the area.
🎟️ As of 2025, entry to Kuang Si Falls costs 25,000 kip (around €1.20), and that includes access to the nearby bear sanctuary where rescued Asiatic black bears are given a safe, enriched environment after being saved from illegal wildlife trade. It’s small but meaningful, and yes, it’s considered ethical and well-managed.
Tip: the Kuang Si Butterfly Park is just a short walk from the falls and is also worth a quick visit.
To get there, you can rent a motorbike, hop on a shared tuk-tuk, or book a guided tour from Luang Prabang. It’s about a 45-minute ride through the countryside.
Hot tip: On your way back from the falls, we recommend stopping at Phounsouk Garden to grab something to eat while sitting over the rice fields. For a more economical option, the Mekong Café by the river is also amazing!
2. Cool off in the pools of Tat Sae Falls
If you’re looking for an alternative to Kuang Si, Tat Sae Falls offers a more tucked-away vibe, though it’s not exactly a secret anymore. The falls cascade over limestone terraces into shallow pools, all surrounded by tall trees and thick roots that make the whole place feel like something out of a fairytale!
Hot tip: if you head there early in the morning, you might just have it all to yourself (or close to it). The water flow is at its best from July to November, and during dry season the falls can literally just dry up.
🎟️ Entrance is 25,000 kip (around €1.20), and that includes a short longtail boat ride to reach the site. It’s around 14 km from Luang Prabang, and easy to reach by tuk-tuk, motorbike, or as part of a guided tour. You should also expect to pay around 5,000 kip for parking.
Note: Elephant rides were once offered here, but many travelers now choose to skip them due to ethical concerns, and honestly, the falls are beautiful enough without that!
Also read: Plan your 2025 trip to Vang Vieng: Transport, Costs, Safety & Tips
3. Visit the iconic Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is considered one of the most important temples in Laos, reflecting the height of Laotian art and architecture from the 16th century. When you step onto the temple grounds, you’re greeted by sculptures, intricate woodwork, and vibrant glass mosaics that tell stories of ancient times.
Fun fact: the Tree of Life mosaic is one of the most iconic images in Laotian art. It’s like the Mona Lisa of mosaics, everyone wants to see it!
4. Alms Giving Ceremony & Morning Market
One of the most iconic (and sacred) experiences in Luang Prabang is the Alms Giving Ceremony, known locally as Tak Bat.
Every morning at sunrise, long lines of orange-robed monks walk silently through the streets to collect offerings of sticky rice and simple food from locals. It’s a quiet, spiritual ritual that’s been practiced for generations, and witnessing it is something truly special.
The ceremony usually starts around 5:30 to 6:00 AM, depending on the season. The best place to observe is along Sakkaline Road, near the old town temples. You’ll see locals kneeling with their baskets of rice, and if you’d like to participate, many guesthouses or street vendors offer alms sets (just make sure to learn the proper etiquette first).
Important: This isn’t a show; it’s a religious tradition. Dress modestly, keep a respectful distance, and avoid flash photography or stepping into the monks’ path. If you’re unsure, it’s totally okay to watch quietly from the sidelines.
Also read: A First-Timer’s Guide to Pakse: Everything You Need to Know
After the ceremony, stroll over to the Morning Market. It is located just behind the Royal Palace Museum, particularly around Kounxoa Road. It’s not in a huge open square like the usual night market. Instead, it winds through narrow lanes, with vendors setting up on mats and small stalls lining the street.
Grab a hot bowl of noodle soup for breakfast and sip a strong Lao coffee to really start the day!
5. See how the Lao royals lived at the National Museum
Right in the heart of Luang Prabang sits the National Museum: a complex that offers a fascinating glimpse into Laos’ royal past. The building itself was originally the Royal Palace of King Sisavang Vong and his family until the monarchy was dissolved in 1975.
Today, it’s been beautifully preserved as a museum, with a mix of royal bedrooms, reception halls, and Buddhist relics on display. It’s not huge, but it’s definitely worth an hour or two if you’re curious about Lao history.
🎟️ Entrance costs 30,000 kip (about €1.40), and you’ll need to dress respectfully: shoulders and knees covered. Bags and cameras aren’t allowed inside the museum (allowed in the complex grounds), but lockers are available at the entrance.
Also read: Don Det: Must-Do Activities, Top Stays, and How to Get There
6. Climb Phousi Hill for the best views
For the best panoramic view of Luang Prabang, you’ll want to climb Phousi Hill: the little bump in the middle of town that somehow manages to offer the most stunning 360° views.
It’s not a tough hike (about 300 steps), but you’ll definitely break a sweat if you go in the middle of the day. At the top, you’ll find That Chomsi, a small golden stupa that glows beautifully during golden hour.
Most people go for sunset, and it does get crowded! If you’re after a more peaceful moment, try going early in the morning instead. The light is just as beautiful, the air is cooler, and you might even catch monks walking below as the town slowly wakes up.
🎟️ Entry is 20,000 kip (around €1), and you can climb up from either the main stairway across from the Royal Palace or from the back side near the Nam Khan River.
7. Slow down at Wat Pa Phai
Tucked away on a quiet street, Wat Pa Phai often gets overlooked, which is exactly what makes it special. This small neighborhood temple doesn’t have the grandeur of the other temples we talked about, but it has a charm that feels more local and less curated for tourists.
The name means “Monastery of the Bamboo Forest,” a nod to the area’s past before Luang Prabang turned into the town we know today. Its highlight is the intricate murals painted on the exterior walls, including a rare depiction of daily Lao village life, with scenes of traditional games, ceremonies, and everyday moments you won’t see in other temples.
🎟️ Wat Pa Phai is free to enter, and you probably won’t find a crowd here. Just a few locals passing through, maybe a novice monk sweeping the courtyard.
8. 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. Boats usually depart from the main pier near the Royal Palace.
In fact, for many travelers, their first experience of Laos is the Mekong: via the classic two-day slow boat journey from Thailand. The trip starts just across the border and winds its way to Luang Prabang.
If you’re not up for a cruise, the riverfront is still one of the best places to hang out. There are plenty of cute cafes and restaurants with terraces overlooking the Mekong. Some of our favorites include Saffron Coffee, known for its locally sourced brews, and the Viewpoint Café, which lives up to its name (though it’s a bit on the pricier side).
Hot tip: For the best sunset in town, skip the cafés and head to where the Mekong meets the Nam Khan River. On Google Maps, it’s literally marked as “Sunset Spot”.
9. Explore the Night Market
Every evening as the sun goes down, Sisavangvong Road transforms into a colorful sea of tents, lights, and slow wandering. Just like in most Southeast Asian countries, this is the place to go for delicious (and cheap) street food and locally made crafts or souvenirs.
When it comes to food at the night market, there are a few things you just can’t skip. The coconut pancakes (khao nom kok) are a must! You’ll also find grilled skewers of pork, chicken, or tofu sizzling over coals. For something more filling, head to the Lao-style vegetarian buffet, where you can pile your plate high with noodles, curries, and veggies for just a couple of euros.
Wash it all down with a fresh fruit shake, and if you’ve got room for dessert, go for the classic sticky rice with mango or banana.
Note: the market usually runs from 5:00 PM to around 9:30 PM, and the street is closed off to traffic during that time.
