Luang Prabang Travel Guide
Getting in and around
The airport is in the north of this town, allowing you to find flights from/to Chiang Mai, Bangkok, Jinghong, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Pakse and Vientiane. You can also choose from different airlines like Laos Airlines, Bangkok Airways, and Vietnam Airlines. If you opt for Vietnam Airlines, Do keep in mind that you might need to pay higher for last-minutes tickets. We recommend you to book your transfer from Luang Prabang airport to your hotel with Asian Trails. We offer competitive rates at excellent quality and with high safety standards
If you plan to come by road, take Highway 13 that connects this city to Vientiane and Vang Vieng in the south. The highway is in relatively good shape but be prepared for a long bumpy road trip. You can also opt for buses since there are three bus stations. One in Chiang Mai will take you through Luang Nam Tha and Udomxai. The bus will also make use of the new Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that starts from Huay Xai and goes to Chiang Kong. You can also select boats as well as luxury cruises to get to Luang Prabang.
Once there, part of the adventure is using local transport to travel within the city. Motorcycles and bicycles are also available for hire. But, if you’re looking for the most convenient option, you may want to stick with a prearranged private transfer with Asian Trails. This will help you get around from some of the very best hotels in Luang Prabang such as Sunset House, Mekong River View, Chang Heritage Hotel, and more.
If you plan to come by road, take Highway 13 that connects this city to Vientiane and Vang Vieng in the south. The highway is in relatively good shape but be prepared for a long bumpy road trip. You can also opt for buses since there are three bus stations. One in Chiang Mai will take you through Luang Nam Tha and Udomxai. The bus will also make use of the new Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge that starts from Huay Xai and goes to Chiang Kong. You can also select boats as well as luxury cruises to get to Luang Prabang.
Once there, part of the adventure is using local transport to travel within the city. Motorcycles and bicycles are also available for hire. But, if you’re looking for the most convenient option, you may want to stick with a prearranged private transfer with Asian Trails. This will help you get around from some of the very best hotels in Luang Prabang such as Sunset House, Mekong River View, Chang Heritage Hotel, and more.
What to Do in Luang Prabang
When you want to see the best in this city, the most appropriate option is to arrange a full day tour with Asian Trails. For instance, a full day, sightseeing tour to Kuangsi will be a treat for nature lovers. It offers full day excursion by car to the breathtaking waterfall of Kuangsi. During your tour, you will get a chance to visit Hmong hill tribe near the waterfall. You can also enjoy swimming in the clear water; these natural multi tiered pools will beat the experience you get in a five-star hotel’s swimming pool.
Here is the list of some of the other interesting attractions you’d want to see in Luang Prabang.
Haw Kham – this is a perfect choice for someone interested in getting up close and personal with local landmarks and culture. It’s the former royal palace that now serves as the national museum; you can visit any day but Tuesday. Once there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the theater next to the palace where you might catch some interesting dance performances.
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center – this particular museum is a must-visit place for people who want to learn a thing or two about the ethnic cultures of Laos. Lenou’s Library – is another place you’d want to visit to experience the village life in this part of the world. To help tourists get familiar with the Laos local culture, Lenou sometimes throws dinner parties on the NumOu River.
In addition to paying a visit to some of these landmarks, you can also consider getting indulge in some exciting activities. For instance, you will love the idea of taking a walk along the Mekong and enjoying the sunset on the waterfront. Moreover, you can go for the following.
Get a Motorbike -- One of the great activities is to rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang on your own. Although renting a bike could prove to be a bit costly compared to what you would be paying in another Southeast Asian country, you would definitely enjoy every minute of your ride. Lao Red Cross – a perfect place to be at once you’re done exploring the city. There, you will receive sauna and massage, which will help recharge your batteries to continue exploring more and more about Luang Prabang.
Retail therapy - Those who are interested in shopping won’t be disappointed because Luang Prabang offers some nice outlets to shop for amazing stuff. Ranging from a wide selection of traditional handicrafts to textiles, you will find everything natural in this part of the world. You can also find some shops in Luang Prabang maintaining a more aesthetic collection of jewelry, bags, clothes, and cosmetics.
As a whole, it can be said that there is nothing you won’t find in this small city of Laos. There are unlimited opportunities to learn about the culture, art, and traditions along with having a great time enjoying delicious food and shopping some souvenirs. So, pack your bags and move now!
Here is the list of some of the other interesting attractions you’d want to see in Luang Prabang.
Haw Kham – this is a perfect choice for someone interested in getting up close and personal with local landmarks and culture. It’s the former royal palace that now serves as the national museum; you can visit any day but Tuesday. Once there, don’t forget to pay a visit to the theater next to the palace where you might catch some interesting dance performances.
The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center – this particular museum is a must-visit place for people who want to learn a thing or two about the ethnic cultures of Laos. Lenou’s Library – is another place you’d want to visit to experience the village life in this part of the world. To help tourists get familiar with the Laos local culture, Lenou sometimes throws dinner parties on the NumOu River.
In addition to paying a visit to some of these landmarks, you can also consider getting indulge in some exciting activities. For instance, you will love the idea of taking a walk along the Mekong and enjoying the sunset on the waterfront. Moreover, you can go for the following.
Get a Motorbike -- One of the great activities is to rent a motorbike and explore the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang on your own. Although renting a bike could prove to be a bit costly compared to what you would be paying in another Southeast Asian country, you would definitely enjoy every minute of your ride. Lao Red Cross – a perfect place to be at once you’re done exploring the city. There, you will receive sauna and massage, which will help recharge your batteries to continue exploring more and more about Luang Prabang.
Retail therapy - Those who are interested in shopping won’t be disappointed because Luang Prabang offers some nice outlets to shop for amazing stuff. Ranging from a wide selection of traditional handicrafts to textiles, you will find everything natural in this part of the world. You can also find some shops in Luang Prabang maintaining a more aesthetic collection of jewelry, bags, clothes, and cosmetics.
As a whole, it can be said that there is nothing you won’t find in this small city of Laos. There are unlimited opportunities to learn about the culture, art, and traditions along with having a great time enjoying delicious food and shopping some souvenirs. So, pack your bags and move now!
What to Eat
Those who love to taste unique cuisine everywhere they go will certainly like their visit to Luang Prabang. Although there are no multi-national fast food outlets such as McDonald’s restaurants, you will still find some nice places to deal with your appetite.
Restaurants in Luang Prabang are around Sisavangvong Road; a few can also be found along the Nam Khan and Mekong. There, you can choose from a variety of options ranging from regular Southeast Asian food to some of the more traditional Lao dishes, including some first-rate French cuisine.
Market stalls are also available for you to find cheaper food such as crepes, baguettes and pancakes. Moreover, you will also find a street-food market located close to the Tourist Information building. Whatever you choose, just make sure you try some of the local specialties, including local watercress, French baguettes, fried dried seaweed, and sausages.
Restaurants in Luang Prabang are around Sisavangvong Road; a few can also be found along the Nam Khan and Mekong. There, you can choose from a variety of options ranging from regular Southeast Asian food to some of the more traditional Lao dishes, including some first-rate French cuisine.
Market stalls are also available for you to find cheaper food such as crepes, baguettes and pancakes. Moreover, you will also find a street-food market located close to the Tourist Information building. Whatever you choose, just make sure you try some of the local specialties, including local watercress, French baguettes, fried dried seaweed, and sausages.
Luang Prabang Photo Gallery
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Luang Prabang
Half Day, Sightseeing Tour, Luang Prabang125.00USD
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Luang Prabang - Pak Ou Caves - Luang Prabang
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Luang Prabang181.00USD
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Luang Prabang - Kuangsi - Luang Prabang
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Luang Prabang127.00USD
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Luang Prabang - Full Day City Tour
Full Day, Sightseeing Tour, Luang Prabang150.00USD