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Things to do in Luang Prabang

Our most recommended things to do in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls Cruise

1. Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls Cruise

Enjoy a private or shared group boat tour to the Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfalls departing from Luang Prabang. You will be picked up at your accommodation and travel straight to the pier. Hop onboard a long tail boat for a relaxing journey aong the Mekong River. Enjoy the views from the water as you pass by local villages and fishing communities. After the first hour and a bit, the boat makes its first short stop at the popular Ban Xang Hai, also known as ‘the whiskey village’. Explore the village, see the process of making Lao Lao, the country’s beloved rice whiskey, and taste the finished product. Continue by boat traveling slowly along the Mekong in the direction of the glorious Pak Ou Caves. Arrive at a small boat landing dock where stairs lead you straight up to the cave. These limestone Buddhist caves have been a place of worship for thousands of years, over this time a collection of Buddha statues and idols have filled these spiritual natural caves Enter the Ou River to visit the limestone cliffs. Then, after a 30-minute boat ride down the Mekong River, arrive at Manifa Elephant Camp for lunch. Enjoy a full buffet-style lunch at the restaurant overlooking the Mekong river and free-roaming elephants. After lunch break, travel by car to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Enjoy 2 hours of free time to explore the three-layered Kuang Si Waterfalls. Walk the trails of the nature reserve and swim in the refreshing turquoise water pools and visit the bear rescue center. Depart for Luang Prabang, with a short stop at Ban Na Uan Hmong village on the way. Return to the city with drop-off at your hotel.

Luang Prabang: Bamboo Experience & Kuang Si Falls Tour

2. Luang Prabang: Bamboo Experience & Kuang Si Falls Tour

Spend a full day cooking traditional and authentic Lao food and exploring the Kuang Si falls. Begin your journey with a tuk-tuk pick-up from your hotel at 8.30 AM and head to a rustic pavilion modeled on a traditional Lao house in a picturesque setting.  After a warm welcome, your guide will explain how bamboo is a key part of Lao culture and how numerous items found in Lao households are made from the versatile bamboo plant, including fishing tools and musical instruments. Then, try your hand at weaving a souvenir mat made from strips of the bamboo plant. Your local teacher will guide you through techniques that have been used for hundreds of years. Learn how to sharpen knives and cut bamboo into strips, then make a small mat using an overlapping weaving process. After admiring your finished creation, learn how the bamboo plant also plays a vital role in everyday Lao cuisine. In a hands-on workshop, you will then assist a chef in cooking traditional local dishes such as bamboo shoot soup, bamboo shoot steamed in banana leaf, and bamboo shoot dip. After class, relax on the terrace and enjoy your culinary creations along with views of the countryside. After lunch, you will visit the most beautiful waterfalls in Luang Prabang, the mighty Kuang Si falls. You will also get to see the sun bears living in the rescue center inside the falls. Finally, enjoy swimming in the turquoise pool inside the falls before being transferred back to your hotel in Luang Prabang in the evening.

Luang Prabang: 3-Day Cultural Remote Trek With Homestay

3. Luang Prabang: 3-Day Cultural Remote Trek With Homestay

Day 1 Meet your guide early in the morning for preparation and departure. Take some time to store your luggage and ensure that you travel light. Travel north along the Mekong river and then the Nam Xeuang river for 1.5 hours.  Cross the river by local boat to the trailhead and trek straight into the jungle on trails that locals use to travel between the remote villages. The trek is 4-5 hour route of medium grade walking through rice paddies and jungle.  Stay overnight in a welcoming Hmong village with basic, comfortable conditions to explore local and meet the locals. Enjoy a dinner prepared by your guide and local family. Day 2 Rise to the sounds and activities of daily Hmong hill-tribe life and breakfast prepared by your guide. Embark on the shortest hike, a 4-hour long journey along valley streams to an amazingly remote and very large mixed Hmong and Khmu village situated in a valley surrounded by large mountains. You’ll arrive mid-afternoon and have more time to explore these expansive villages and their schools. Your guide will help you explore the villages and experience the local life. Enjoy your evening and relax for tomorrow’s mountain peak hike. Day 3 Set off on a hike for 6-7 hours to mountain tops with panoramic views looking over the villages and stunning views of the remote Lao landscapes. Go down to the Nam Xeuang River where the trekking ends. You will be hiking the very trails that locals take to tend their steep mountain-top rice fields and visit a Hmong mountain village along the way. You can go for a well-deserved swim in the river at the trail’s end before our return trip about 1.5 hours to Luang Prabang from this unforgettable adventure trip.

Luang Prabang: Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner

4. Luang Prabang: Mekong Sunset Cruise and Hot Pot Dinner

Enjoy the best views of Luang Prabang at sunset on a private cruise on the Mekong River. Experience a traditional tuk-tuk ride, sail along the Mekong, and enjoy a delicious hot pot dinner. After getting picked up from your hotel by tuk-tuk, head to the boat jetty behind the Royal Palace and set sail for a 2-hour cruise along the Mekong River. Listen to your local guide explain the history of the Mekong and its residents as you sail. Drinks and snacks are available to purchase. The cruise is timed to catch the sunset, so you can relax on the boat terrace and take in views of the sun setting behind Luang Prabang and Chompet. You can also have your photo taken by the guide. After dusk, return to land and hop back on the tuk-tuk for a quick drive to your dinner venue, Sin Dat Hot Pot and Barbecue Restaurant. Have fun cooking your own meal for dinner as the locals do before getting dropped off back at your hotel in the evening.

Luang Prabang: Kayak to Pak Ou Caves

5. Luang Prabang: Kayak to Pak Ou Caves

Discover Laos' varied and scenic landscapes on this guided tour. After getting picked up from your hotel in Luang Prabang, head north to the Nam Ou Riverside where you will begin your kayak tour. This is an easy river for kayaking where you can enjoy breathtaking views of the tranquil countryside and see naturally-formed limestone cliffs.  Kayak your way towards Pak Ou, where you will visit the famous Pak Ou Caves – 2 linked caves crammed with thousands of gold-lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. Enjoy a guided tour of the caves before starting the second section of your kayak on the Mekong River. Paddle down the Mekong for 30 minutes to reach your lunch destination. Sit down to a delicious buffet lunch as you admire breathtaking views of the Mekong. After lunch, continue to the Kuang Si Falls and enjoy some free time to explore these unique 3-layered falls. You could go for a walk through the trails of the surrounding nature trails, take a dip in the refreshing turquoise water pools or pay a visit to the bear rescue center. Finally, begin the journey back to Luang Prabang. Stop at Ban Na Uan hmong village and get the chance to experience Hmong village life, meet some of the local people and see their traditional embroidery crafts. Get dropped off back at your hotel at the end of the day.

Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Falls Day Trip

6. Luang Prabang: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Falls Day Trip

Visit the Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall on a full-day tour, with a scenic drive up and down the length of the Mekong River. Start with early morning pickup and relax on the 40-minute drive to Pak Ou Village. Admire locally-produced crafts, before crossing the mighty Mekong River in a small boat to the base of a limestone cliff. Enter the impressive Pak Ou Caves, filled with Buddhist statues and relics. Take your time to explore this incredible place, scented with burning incense and overlooking the impressive landscape. Climb a winding set of stairs, grab a flashlight, and find another fascinating cave to visit. After enjoying the caves, stop for lunch at the base of the caves. Cross back over the water and drive downriver for 1.5 hours, to reach the famous Kuang Si Waterfall. Stop at the popular Whiskey Village along the way, to sample local Lao Lao. Admire the rushing turquoise waters of the falls, surrounded by beautiful jungle scenery. Visit the bear sanctuary while there. We drop you back in Luang Prabang where your tour ends.

Luang Prabang: Private Must-See Sights and Mount Phousi Tour

7. Luang Prabang: Private Must-See Sights and Mount Phousi Tour

Deemed a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang is lauded as the heart of Laotian culture. After being picked up from your hotel, you will begin exploring at the Royal Palace Museum. There you can take in the palace's unique architecture, which is a mix of French Beaux-Arts style with Laotian touches. You can also get a glimpse into everyday life in the 1930s with the help of some carefully preserved artifacts and murals. Next, you will head to some of the oldest temples in the area, including Wat Xiengthong, which features a stunning tree of life mosaic and intricately carved walls. At the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, you will get introduced to the diverse cultures of the country's many ethnic groups. Following lunch with your guide, who will further detail your day with anecdotes and facts, you will climb to the top of Mount Phousi. As you reach the summit, you will be able to watch the sun set over the Mekong River, illuminating the gilded stupa of the mountain's Wat Chom Si Temple. On your way back down, you will stop at Luang Prabang's night market before heading to your hotel to discover the troves of vibrant, handcrafted treasures that are on display.

Luang Prabang: Village Trek & Nam Khan River Kayak Tour

8. Luang Prabang: Village Trek & Nam Khan River Kayak Tour

Start this tour with a hotel pickup from Luang Prabang with a drive from Luang Prabang on a short scenic ride south to the banks of the Nam Khan River. From there, cross the river by boat and then start an easy-to-medium 1.5-hour trek. Hike through jungle, forest, bamboo, and paddy fields and alongside streams to a small Khmu village at the base of limestone mountains. The guide will show you around the village to admire the beautiful bamboo woven houses and meet the locals. Don't hesitate to talk with the locals as the guide is happy to act as an interpreter. By choosing this adventure, you are contributing funds to support the local communities you visit. After exploring the Khmu villages, hike for another 1.5 hours to the Tad Sae waterfalls. Depending on the season, you can enjoy the impressive sight of the high waters or the inviting clear, turquoise waters at the rainy season's end. Enjoy a refreshing swim and explore the surrounding Tad Sae area. Please note that in the low water season (from March to August), Tad Sae Waterfall is dry and not visited. From the waterfall, take a boat ride to the Adventure Camp to begin your kayak adventure down the Nam Khan River. After a short safety review, the guide will teach you how to paddle if it is your first time. Embark on an exciting river journey through the beautiful Nam Khan River Valley's lush jungle as you observe locals engaged in everyday activities. While kayaking, you may stop on the many white-sand beaches to relax, swim, and explore. Also, visit the famous Henri Mouhot's resting site accessible from the river. Kayaking conditions vary between easy to medium and total time is approximately 2 hours, depending on river conditions.  Finally, end the tour with a late afternoon return drive to Luang Prabang City.

Luang Prabang: Organic Farm Experience & Hike to Kuang si

9. Luang Prabang: Organic Farm Experience & Hike to Kuang si

Immerse yourself in Lao culture through its gastronomy and landscapes with this cooking class and hike combo tour. Visit a local farm for a 4-course cooking lesson, hike to Kuang Si Falls, and meet rescued bears at a bear sanctuary. After getting picked up from your hotel in a traditional tuk-tuk, enjoy a 40-minute drive towards the home and farm of a local family in the village of Ban Pak Si. Upon arrival at the farm, join your host for a stroll in the gardens to select the fresh ingredients for your cooking class. Then, under the guidance of your host, learn how to prepare a traditional four-course Lao lunch. Cook your own salad, pork laab, sticky rice, and more, then sit down to enjoy the rewards of your efforts with lunch at the riverside. Refreshed and reenergized after lunch, enjoy a 2-hour hike towards Kuang Si Falls, following a path used daily by local farmers. Upon arrival, swim in the falls' turquoise waters or simply relax and enjoy your surroundings. Next, pay a visit to a nearby sanctuary that cares for and rehabilitates bears rescued from animal traders and deforested habitats. At the end of the day, return to Luang Prabang, stopping for photos of the Lao countryside and villages before arriving back at your hotel.

Luang Prabang: Hiking Off the Beaten Track with Picnic Lunch

10. Luang Prabang: Hiking Off the Beaten Track with Picnic Lunch

Depart your hotel at 8:30 AM for a 50-minute drive in a westerly direction to the village of Nong Tok, the starting point for today’s hike. This rustic village is little-visited by tourists, is nestled inside a picturesque valley and consists of ethnic Hmong and Kamu enclaves. The Hmong people are known as ‘Lao Seung’ highlanders, who traditionally inhabit the higher peaks of the mountainous Lao countryside – however the village in the Nong Tok valley has re-settled to this lower altitude. A Hmong trekking guide will join you and your Lao guide, to lead your hike of six to seven hours of walking time. Begin first with an ascent to a skyline ridge, offering views over Nong Tok village and its enclosing valley. On the way, you might see crops of rice, coriander, chilli, and local herbs planted by local villagers who live in the valley. Follow a marked trail, which will be steep in parts, and slippery in the wet season (from April to September). Make a stop at Nong Long koot, a watering point for local animals, and in a picturesque setting. Around half way in to your hike, stop for a picnic lunch (provided) and take a short rest, admiring views of surrounding hills. The latter half of your walk will be a descent through forests towards Ban Long Lao. Here, you will be met by your driver for the return to Luang Prabang. Expect to arrive back at your hotel by around 4:00 PM, after a day of walking in the wilderness of Luang Prabang Province

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Frequently asked questions about Luang Prabang

What top attractions are a must-see in Luang Prabang?

What are the best day trips and excursions from Luang Prabang?

The best day trips and excursions from Luang Prabang are:

Kuang Si Falls

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Other Sightseeing Options in Luang Prabang

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What people are saying about Luang Prabang

Overall rating

4.5 / 5

based on 196 reviews

It’s my first time to travel to Lung Prabang. This tour is valuable for me in order to see the real nature and the real local life of Laos. Waterfall is very beautiful. I highly recommend you to visit Kungsi waterfall and Pa lou cave. It’s very beautiful to take photo during the Sunset. Full-day tour is valuable to purchase.

Had a fantastic time on this cruise, and especially at the hotpot dinner after! The food was delicious, and it was great having a local with us to show us how it's done and tell us about the Laotian culture. Would recommend

Brilliant - good value for money and guide really nice - lovely river cruise. Whiskey tasting followed by lunch with elephants roaming and bathing in river then waterfall which was amazing

Absolutely beautiful day with top guides. We were really amazed between the landscape, the walks, the animals, the swimming and the meal. Unmissable appointment I highly recommend

was amazing trip with amazing group, mr.hong the guide , speak english well recommended trip, in luang prabang