One of my favorite films is Pirates of the Caribbean. You know the picturesque Port Royal in the first movie with it’s tropical feel and European architecture? When you walk the pristine streets, you might feel as if you’d see an exciting pirate sword fight, except that would never happen because Laos is landlocked, but I digress. The old capital of Laos is a UNESCO World heritage Site for a reason. A little French architecture with a Lao spin lets Luang Prabang Laos knock your sandals off with its charm. 

Related: 21 Awesome Photos to Inspire you to Visit Laos

1. Walk Around the Town

There’s nothing quite like a stroll around the scenic town of Luang Prabang. You can get lost in this place for hours, check out local bars, eats, and souvenirs. Adventure is yours because you never know what hidden gem you’ll find off the Tripadvisor path. I also recommend staying at the Mekong Riverview Hotel located in the old quarter of the enchanting downtown area. It’s super convenient and breakfast is included.

Luang Prabang Laos

2. Eat Mango Sticky Rice

Made famous in Thailand, I never had a sticky rice like this one. Local cafes seem to get it down right with warm rice, sweet stickiness and cool, fresh mango. Alternatively, you can also take a traditional Lao cooking class and learn firsthand how their delicious cuisine is prepared. #foodporn #ermergerd #yum #yahs

Luang Prabang Laos

3. Check Out the Royal Palace

There’s an entrance fee, but you get to have a first hand experience of how the royalty lived long ago. It’s a great place to escape the heat and see the fancy things a king or queen was privy to. I’ll let you in on a secret tip. If you want this awesome view, go across the street from the night market and go up the stairs to get to Mount Phousi peak. 

Related: Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Laos

Luang Prabang Laos

4. Watch the Sunset at Mount Phousi

Grab a drink, grab you husband, grab everyone because everyone is headed up to see the sun dip behind the mountains on this peak. Did I mention to grab good hiking shoes too? It’s a jaunt to the top. 

Luang Prabang Laos

5. Stroll About the Night Market

If you’re looking for a great deal, check your bartering skills and grab your big kid ele-pants because the hand crafted things you’ll find are incredible. Did you know giving someone an elephant is good luck? If you’re not comfortable with bartering, you can still get a good deal. Note that if you walk away from a sale and come back, you’ll not get the price they offered.

Luang Prabang Laos

6. Swim at Kuang Si Waterfalls

Chase all the waterfalls at this stunning place. There are four levels you can swim in and two inaccessible to the public. Make sure your camera and action cams are charged because you don’t want to miss a moment. The best time to visit this waterfall is very early in the morning when there are no people there. You can do a tour where you give alms to the monks and then take a day trip to Kuang Si Falls. Alternatively you can try kayaking on the Mekong River after your trip there.

Related: The Perfect Vientiane Itinerary 

Luang Prabang Laos

7. Behold Frolicking Bears at the Black Bear Sanctuary

Right before you go up to see the Kuang Si Waterfalls, you need to check out these beautiful animals saved from a life of misery. Each bear has a profile and you can donate money to keep the sanctuary going.

Luang Prabang Laos

8. Marvel at Wat Xieng Thong

This astonishing temple is so pretty it hurts. Google gives this 4.3 stars, but I give it 5 for its intricate carvings and decorations. Does anyone ever wonder how much time it takes to put all those shiny details on? I sure do.

Luang Prabang Laos

9. Laze Around Utopia

It’s a theme in Laos to escape the afternoon sun and the best way to do it is to eat snacks and drink beer as you look over the river. Utopia is tucked away in the back roads and everyone there is super chill. At night, it becomes just as chill of a bar and hangout.

Luang Prabang Laos

10. Observe the Alms Ceremony

If getting up at the ass crack of dawn is your thing, then by all means, make sure you’re dressed appropriately. The monks go in procession from the highest ranking honcho to the lowly little five year old pipsqueak. Don’t be a dickhead and make the mistake of wearing shorts. Luckily, a bystander gave me a towel to cover up. If you choose to partake remember your head should always be below the monk’s. You can also do a tour to find the best spots and then take a trip to Kuang Si Falls after.

Related: Ten Things To Do in Vang Vieng

Other Cool Things To Do

There’s so much to do in this culturally rich city, it’s actually quite hard for me to choose my favorite activities. Below, I’m going to list some really awesome things you should try if you have the chance.

  • Visit Ethnic Tribes – Here you can take a day trip to the remote hills and visit the Hmong and Khmu Tribes. You’ll get a chance to see the beautiful hills, high mountains, and observe the daily life of these people. It’s truly a unique experience.
  • Take a Half Day Sunset Cruise – Here you’ll get to visit Tadsae Falls, interact with elephants, and even go on a stunning cruise along the Mekong River and watch the sun set. Seriously, it’s breathtaking.
  • Luang Prabang Traditional Food Experience – One of my favorite experiences when I travel is to really see the history and cultural aspects of the country I’m visiting. Here you can taste how real Lao Cuisine is served and prepared. You’ll even get to see a beautiful Siamese dancing show.

Exotic, picturesque Port Royal lookalike is what Laos will remind you of. You won’t see a street fight as everyone is so laid back, but there’s something here for everyone. Also, be aware that Luang Prabang is more expensive compared to the other parts of the country. Is there anything on this list you would definitely jump onto?

Luang Prabang Laos

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20 Comments on Ten Things To Do in Luang Prabang Laos

  1. Castles, waterfalls, and cute animals. Why can’t I just get paid to travel the world. I am finally heading to Southeast Asia this year, but I think I will be saving Laos for another trip. So much to see!!

    • Definitely don’t skip Laos if you can help it. It’s so amazing and has so many beautiful mountains and nature. I really enjoyed the country!

    • I’ve been dying to go to Croatia and see the incredible scenery there. I hear it’s just as spectacular as in the winter.

  2. That’s a cool things to do list.. I have noticed that these lists help us a lot. And I have also started to write them.
    Did I tell you Mango rice is my favourite? 🙂

    • Now I know that mango rice is your favorite. I absolutely love this delectable delight and I eat it whenever I’m in Southeast Asia.

  3. The Royal Palace is so ornately beautiful! I would love to visit for a fresh new dose off culture – and to see the adorable bears!

    • The temple is one of a kind, eh? It looks amazing against a sunset backdrop. The bears were the highlight because they were so cute.

  4. Luang Prabang really does look like something out of the Pirates of the Caribbean! I can see why it is UNESCO protected. I would love to eat the mango sticky rice and see the waterfalls and the black bears (but maybe not all at the same time)!

  5. I’ve always wanted to go to Laos and by the sounds of this you could spend quite some time there. So many beautiful spots to see and things to do.

  6. Luang Prabang seems to hold the promise of great times. The streets look so picturesque and colourful. I am sure a quiet stroll in the town is sure to elevate ones’ mood. I would love to try the sticky Mango rice too, the cut mangoes look so appealing. Finally the alms ceremony is another intriguing experience.

  7. Aww I’d love to visit the bear sanctuary, it must be so sad to read their profiles but at least they have happier lives now! Although it sounds like a hike up, I’d love to see that sunset, and then head to the night markets to eat all that yummy street food. The mango rice sounds delish too!

  8. So many great options here. I have never had mango sticky rice but it looks seriously good. Also being a big fan of waterfalls I think I would enjoy a swim in Kuang Si waterfalls. And then finishing with a stroll in that market would be ideal.

  9. My friend was just in Laos and Kuang Si waterfall is really beautiful from her pics. Really like yours though! She went to the bear rescue sanctuary too !

  10. Beautiful and versatile list of things. I love experiencing places by walking around. And watching the ceremony seems to be a very good idea to experience the culture of the place. Also, the mango rice looks delicious. 🙂

  11. What a beautiful place! I’ve never thought Laos would be that amazing!
    How much time should I take to travel around the country? Is 2 weeks enough?

    Cheers from Argentina!
    – mariajesus.co

  12. Beautiful article that will be very useful. Indeed, I leave in October for Laos and I begin my tour by Luan Praban. I hope I have the time to test the 10 things to do with your article! Indeed, my program is a bit busy: Luang Prabang-Pak Ou-Kuang SI Waterfall-Vang Vieng-Nam Ngun –Tham Chang-BOLOVENS – Vat Phu – 4000 Islands. Thank you!

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