Luang Prabang, Laos: A Short Travel Guide

Luang Prabang is an idyllic city located in the northern region of Laos. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage city blends stunning natural beauty with historical charm and a rich cultural heritage. It’s no surprise that this is the most visited tourist destination in the country. In this travel guide, we share our top things to do in Luang Prabang as well as great places to stay, eat, and drink.

Sunset from Phousi Hill

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Check out our video about Luang Prabang to see the best things to do through our camera!

Best Things To Do In Luang Prabang

• Explore the UNESCO old town & heritage architecture

• Admire the Royal Palace & Haw Pha Bang temple

• Hike Up Phousi Hill For Sunset

• Explore the UXO Lao Visitor Center

• Shop at the Night Market

• Cruise the Mekong River at sunset

• Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC)

• Harvest rice at the Living Land Farm

• Observe bears at the Bear Rescue Center (Free The Bears)

• Marvel at the Kuang Si waterfall

Download our Google Map with all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay here.

Kuang Si waterfalls

Places To Stay In Luang Prabang

• Villa Phathana Royal View Hotel ($$ - where we stayed): Perfect location in the old town, rustic simple rooms with comfy beds and private shower. Breakfast included.

• Golden Lotus Boutique Hotel ($$): Perfect location in the old town, clean and comfy rooms

• The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel ($$$): Exceptional staff, wonderful rooms, over the top accommodating on all levels. Overlooking the Mekong River.

old town of Luang Prabang

Places To Eat And Drink In Luang Prabang

• Bamboo Garden Restaurant: delicious local food

• Bamboo Tree Restaurant and Cooking School: good Lao food with lots of options

• BOUANG Asian Eatery: Lao & western fusion - loved the gnocchi curry & the vegetarian burger

• Fathima Indian & Malaysian Restaurant: best Indian food at affordable price and with a good view of the Mekong River

• Grasshopper cafe lounge & studio: lovely coffee and healthy food options like smoothie bowls

• Khao Soi Noodle Shop: small local shop with delicious khao soy and beef noodle soup

• Le Khaoji Cafe & Hangout: good Banh mi-style sandwiches with Laos flavors

• Main Street Bar&Grill: fancier place with great breakfast options and burgers

• Soum Noum Bar & Restaurant: if you're craving Western food, this is the place to go... delicious burgers and pizzas

• Tamarind: outstanding Lao restaurant with local set menu's to choose from. They explain the origins of and ingredients in each dish.

• Timeless Café: great panini's and Western food

• Two Little Birds Café: healthy breakfast and lunch café, love the smoothie bowls

• Viewpoint Café: beautiful riverside hotel with delicious food but a bit more pricey

View from Phousi Hill

Map Luang Prabang

Find all the places to go, eat, drink, and stay in Luang Prabang on Google Maps. To follow and save the list, do the following:

1. Tap on the link to open it (click button below)

2. Tap Follow. This list will now be added to the group of lists you follow.

3. Optional: To unfollow a list someone shared with you, tap the list Saved.

If you follow the list we made, all our saved places of Luang Prabang will show up in Your Places. The places will also appear as suggested locations in Google Maps.

Save Google Maps Places

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Use These Websites To Save Money On Your Trip To Luang Prabang

• Booking.com for places to stay

• Skyscanner for cheap flights

• GetYourGuide for local tours

• Rentalcars.com for affordable car rentals

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Are you having a hard time planning your trip to Luang Prabang? Get our Interactive Travel Planner to keep it all organized.

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Need more travel inspiration? Check out our other destinations and articles about Laos:

• Vang Vieng, Laos

• Nong Khiaw, Laos

• Thakhek Loop, Laos

• Laos Top 10