Laos - Luang Prabang: Our Top Pick for Traveling to Laos!
“There can’t be good living when there is no good drinking” Benjamin Franklin
5/12/20249 min read
When planning your trip to Laos, you may, like us, have a month to see everything or just a few days. If you're wondering about the must-see place in Laos, we'd say Luang Prabang was our favorite!
After our two-day Mekong boat trip, we arrived in Luang Prabang. It has long been a favorite among tourists and locals, and it's easy to see why. This unique city exudes old-town charm with its colonial architecture taking center stage. Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rich in culture, it's the perfect city for walking in Laos, bordered by the Mekong River on one side and the Khan River on the other, making the street layout easy to navigate. Cute cafes, funky shops, and boutique hotels line the city center, offering comfortable spots to take refuge from the heat or enjoy a quick snack.
The local night market is a must-do, where you can find great food at the street stalls or browse local artisan products. We visited the market every night of our five-night stay. The food and drinks at the stalls are affordable and diverse, but prepare for crowded conditions. There's also a local morning market primarily offering fruits, vegetables, and meat. It's a must-see, though it caters more to shop and restaurant owners or to someone with a kitchen, as the food is in raw form. Either way, you can't go wrong visiting any of the local markets.
During our trip, we stayed at the Cozy An Boutique Hotel, perfectly situated close to the city center and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and cafes. The room was smaller than we would have liked, but the staff, especially Khay, was exceptional. He helped coordinate tours and transportation to the train station at very reasonable rates. The breakfast offered a good mix of East meets West, and the pool was perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Each room provides all the amenities, including a balcony with a table and chairs. We booked our room via Booking.com.
In Luang Prabang, we made sure to get in our steps as we climbed Phousi Hill for an early morning sunrise. Along the way, we witnessed the giving of alms to local monks, a tradition that occurs every morning at sunrise. You can purchase a basket of food to share with the monks if you wish to participate. Local women set up extra seats, making it easy to join in this tradition. Although there are many walkable city tours available, we found that exploring the city on our own was the best way to really get to know the area. We discovered two places that quickly became our favorites. The first, within walking distance from our hotel, was Luang Say Cafe and Restaurant, a perfect spot with delicious coffee, sodas, and food choices, as well as great views of the busy Mekong River.
Our second favorite spot for happy hour and dinner was T56 Cafe & Bar. We never actually sat inside the restaurant but instead chose tables across the street, nestled on the side of the hill overlooking the river. This place offers amazing drinks, a fun and personable wait staff (shout out to Kee and Thang), and a good mix of Laotian favorites and Western food. The sunset views will not disappoint. We tried different Laotian dishes each night. Both locations are easily found on Google Maps and are less crowded than the night market area.
The #1 pick and must-do activity in Luang Prabang is the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls. It's truly magical, and no words or pictures can do it justice. It's possible to spend a few hours or a full day here. We arrived as soon as it opened to avoid the crowds. At the entrance, where tickets are purchased, electric carts take visitors to the entryway of the falls. Both the entrance area and the falls have food and clothing stalls in case you've forgotten anything. Inside, there are two routes; we chose the one through the bear conservatory, where you can learn about black bears' habitats before reaching the lowest part of the falls. The water is a stunning blue shade, and the beauty only escalates as you ascend the path to the main part of the falls, where drone flying is also spectacular.
Come early to beat the crowds on the bridge and get that perfect Instagram shot. Afterward, you can hike to the top of the falls or take the staircase on the main side of the bridge. The climb is challenging, but the top offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming, or grabbing a quick bite from a local vendor. After exploring the falls, we cooled off with a swim in the designated area.
On our way back to the city, we stopped at one of the roadside 'Instagrammable' rice field cafes. The day had been a success. Luang Prabang also has a wealth of temples to visit. As you meander through the city, take the opportunity to step into a temple and explore. Remember to read the rules regarding appropriate attire before entering and to remove your shoes in the temple area, respecting the local customs and sacred spaces.
Since we had ventured into Luang Prabang via the Mekong, we had the chance to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, but if you're arriving by a different route, it's definitely worth finding a boat tour to see these remarkable caves or simply to enjoy a sunset cruise on the river. The serenity and historical significance of the caves provide a profound sense of peace and a deeper understanding of the spiritual heritage of Laos.
Luang Prabang is a tapestry of cultural experiences, from its bustling markets and serene waterfalls to the hallowed halls of its temples. Whether you're sipping coffee on the banks of the Mekong, climbing to breathtaking viewpoints, or observing age-old traditions, this city is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and your travel journal.
When planning your trip to Laos, you may, like us, have a month to see everything or just a few days. If you're wondering about the must-see place in Laos, we'd say Luang Prabang was our favorite!
After our two-day Mekong boat trip, we arrived in Luang Prabang. It has long been a favorite among tourists and locals, and it's easy to see why. This unique city exudes old-town charm with its colonial architecture taking center stage. Renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and rich in culture, it's the perfect city for walking in Laos, bordered by the Mekong River on one side and the Khan River on the other, making the street layout easy to navigate. Cute cafes, funky shops, and boutique hotels line the city center, offering comfortable spots to take refuge from the heat or enjoy a quick snack.
The local night market is a must-do, where you can find great food at the street stalls or browse local artisan products. We visited the market every night of our five-night stay. The food and drinks at the stalls are affordable and diverse, but prepare for crowded conditions. There's also a local morning market primarily offering fruits, vegetables, and meat. It's a must-see, though it caters more to shop and restaurant owners or to someone with a kitchen, as the food is in raw form. Either way, you can't go wrong visiting any of the local markets.
During our trip, we stayed at the Cozy An Boutique Hotel, perfectly situated close to the city center and within walking distance of restaurants, shops, and cafes. The room was smaller than we would have liked, but the staff, especially Khay, was exceptional. He helped coordinate tours and transportation to the train station at very reasonable rates. The breakfast offered a good mix of East meets West, and the pool was perfect for a refreshing dip on a hot day. Each room provides all the amenities, including a balcony with a table and chairs. We booked our room via Booking.com.
In Luang Prabang, we made sure to get in our steps as we climbed Phousi Hill for an early morning sunrise. Along the way, we witnessed the giving of alms to local monks, a tradition that occurs every morning at sunrise. You can purchase a basket of food to share with the monks if you wish to participate. Local women set up extra seats, making it easy to join in this tradition. Although there are many walkable city tours available, we found that exploring the city on our own was the best way to really get to know the area. We discovered two places that quickly became our favorites. The first, within walking distance from our hotel, was Luang Say Cafe and Restaurant, a perfect spot with delicious coffee, sodas, and food choices, as well as great views of the busy Mekong River.
Our second favorite spot for happy hour and dinner was T56 Cafe & Bar. We never actually sat inside the restaurant but instead chose tables across the street, nestled on the side of the hill overlooking the river. This place offers amazing drinks, a fun and personable wait staff (shout out to Kee and Thang), and a good mix of Laotian favorites and Western food. The sunset views will not disappoint. We tried different Laotian dishes each night. Both locations are easily found on Google Maps and are less crowded than the night market area.
The #1 pick and must-do activity in Luang Prabang is the picturesque Kuang Si Waterfalls. It's truly magical, and no words or pictures can do it justice. It's possible to spend a few hours or a full day here. We arrived as soon as it opened to avoid the crowds. At the entrance, where tickets are purchased, electric carts take visitors to the entryway of the falls. Both the entrance area and the falls have food and clothing stalls in case you've forgotten anything. Inside, there are two routes; we chose the one through the bear conservatory, where you can learn about black bears' habitats before reaching the lowest part of the falls. The water is a stunning blue shade, and the beauty only escalates as you ascend the path to the main part of the falls, where drone flying is also spectacular.
Come early to beat the crowds on the bridge and get that perfect Instagram shot. Afterward, you can hike to the top of the falls or take the staircase on the main side of the bridge. The climb is challenging, but the top offers opportunities for picnicking, swimming, or grabbing a quick bite from a local vendor. After exploring the falls, we cooled off with a swim in the designated area.
On our way back to the city, we stopped at one of the roadside 'Instagrammable' rice field cafes. The day had been a success. Luang Prabang also has a wealth of temples to visit. As you meander through the city, take the opportunity to step into a temple and explore. Remember to read the rules regarding appropriate attire before entering and to remove your shoes in the temple area, respecting the local customs and sacred spaces.
Since we had ventured into Luang Prabang via the Mekong, we had the chance to stop at the Pak Ou Caves, but if you're arriving by a different route, it's definitely worth finding a boat tour to see these remarkable caves or simply to enjoy a sunset cruise on the river. The serenity and historical significance of the caves provide a profound sense of peace and a deeper understanding of the spiritual heritage of Laos.
Luang Prabang is a tapestry of cultural experiences, from its bustling markets and serene waterfalls to the hallowed halls of its temples. Whether you're sipping coffee on the banks of the Mekong, climbing to breathtaking viewpoints, or observing age-old traditions, this city is sure to leave a lasting impression on your heart and your travel journal.
