Are you ready to explore Luang Prabang, Laos? This Luang Prabang Travel Guide Blog 2024 provides useful travel information on the best things to visit and see, tourist spots and attractions, hotels, sample itinerary, expenses and more for first-timers in Laos.
Luang Prabang is a charming UNESCO-inscribed town that used to be the ancient capital of Northern Laos and is located at the heart of a mountainous region. It used to be the royal capital of Laos which lasted until 1975. It is famous for its Buddhist temples, wooden houses, colonial architecture, royal structures, Buddhist shrines and temples, and abundant natural wonders. The world heritage town of Luang Prabang is definitely a must-visit when traveling to Southeast Asia. So, if you want to indulge yourself to Laos' rich culture, heritage and traditions, Luang Prabang is worth visiting.
Visiting Luang Prabang is like stepping into a time machine. The town has such a wonderful feeling of peace and quietness which adds up to the town's "old-world charm." Unquestionably earning the title of the UNESCO World Heritage Site, as stated at UNESCO's World Heritage Convention website:
"Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions."
Luang Prabang Laos Travel Guide Blog 2024 for First-timers
Planning a trip to Luang Prabang? Let me help you plan your trip with this detailed travel guide blog.
VISA REQUIREMENTS TO ENTER LAOS
As a member of ASEAN, Philippine passport holders could stay up to 30 days "visa free" in Laos. But before traveling to Laos, make sure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months. When passing thru the immigration, be ready with your proof of booked hotel accommodation, return or onward ticket, and activity bookings in case the immigration officer asks for it. For other nationalities, be sure to check the visa requirements whether you need a visa to enter Laos. There are several countries that are exempted from getting a Laos Visa, and this includes The Philippines. Laos visa can be obtained for 30 days from Lao Embassies and Consulates abroad or you can get Visa on arrival (VOA) which costs between US$ 20- 45.
IMPORTANT TRAVEL TIP: Getting a travel insurance is highly-recommended when traveling abroad. Travel with confidence anytime, anywhere you go! Get a travel insurance with Covid-19 coverage for your peace of mind!
HOW TO GET TO LUANG PRABANG FROM MANILA?
Currently, there are no direct flights from Manila to Luang Prabang, Laos. What you can do is fly from Manila (MNL) to Bangkok (BKK) and then take another flight to Luang Prabang (LPQ). Air Asia Thailand, Bangkok Airways, Thai Smile and Laos Airlines offer these daily flights. Travel time from Bangkok to Luang Prabang is 1.5 to 2 hours.
For our experience, since we came from Yangon, we booked a flight from Yangon to Luang Prabang via Thai Air Asia with a stopover in Bangkok.
Alternatively, you can also travel by land from Bangkok to Luang Prabang. I haven't tried this route so I cannot give you the exact information.
If you're coming from Vang Vieng (Laos) you can travel to Luang Prabang via Shared City Transfers. Also, if you're coming from the capital Vientiane, you can get to Luang Prabang via Shared City Transfers.
For other transportation options on how to get to Luang Prabang from anywhere in Laos, check out this link.
HOW TO GET OUT OF LUANG PRABANG AIRPORT?
The center of the town is located just four kilometers away from small Luang Prabang International Airport (airport code LPQ). You can get to the town center by taking the taxi for 60,000 LAK (Lao Kip) good for 3 persons. To save on travel expenses, what we did is upon arrival, we went out of the airport and took a tuktuk to get to our hotel for just 50,000 LAK.
WHERE TO EXCHANGE CURRENCY?
After you get your passport stamped, before you exit the arrival hall, you will see a row of stalls and money changer kiosks where you could exchange your money to Lao Kip (LAK) - the official national currency of Laos. The exchange rate during our visit is for every 10,000 LAK it's 1.15 USD or 60.15 PHP. Alternatively, you can also change your money at your hotel, at the money exchange stalls in town, or withdraw from ATMs. You can find many ATMs at the airport as well as in town. Just be sure to inform your bank that you'll be withdrawing money from abroad. Call your bank before your travel dates to avoid any inconvenience.
HOW STAY CONNECTED TO THE INTERNET?
To stay connected to the internet, we used a sim card that we bought from Klook. It's called Sim2Fly which is an international roaming sim card that lets you connect to the local network once you arrive in Laos. Since we're on a trip to Thailand, Myanmar and Laos, this sim card is the best choice for us because we were able to enjoy multi-country coverage and stay connected as we travel across these 3 countries. Data signal connection is quite good. It is also cost-effective and we were able to use it on the entire duration of our trip.
WHEN IS THE BEST TIME TO VISIT LUANG PRABANG?
Luang Prabang enjoys 2 seasons - dry and wet, which is typical to most countries in Southeast Asia. Knowing the season during your visit definitely has a bearing on your experience. The rainy season in Luang Prabang is from June to September, while the dry season falls between October and May.
We were in Luang Prabang in the month of July. It was raining when we arrived. The following day, it’s still raining the whole day. I guess, July is not the best time to visit, maybe because it’s rainy season. Also, when we visited Kuang Si Waterfalls, the water was muddy and the current is very strong, so we didn’t get to swim at the waterfalls. We also saw the Mekong river really gets very rough, swollen, and has very strong current that we thought we will be experiencing floods. That’s how bad the rains were during our trip.
But rainy season in Luang Prabang isn’t as bad as it sounds. We still got to explore and enjoy walking around the town with less tourists. The good thing with the our visit during the rainy season is that the weather is cool and pleasant. Also, during this time, there were fewer tourists, restaurants are not full, and accommodations are cheaper.
Visiting during the dry season, you'll get more sunny days and blue skies. During this time, you'll get to enjoy more days outside, exploring nature and water activities. This is also the time when the town may be crowded with a lot of tourists.
Visiting Luang Prabang during dry or wet season both has its pros and cons. Just be sure to come prepared for the weather during your trip to Luang Prabang.
WHERE TO STAY: HOTELS IN LUANG PRABANG
With the popularity of Luang Prabang as a tourist destination in Northern Laos, finding an accommodation is not a problem. There are many hotels and guesthouses available at the town center. During our trip, we stayed at Mylaohome Hotel & Spa for 3 days and 2 nights. I love its location as it is very near the Mekong River, restaurants, and many stores abound the area. It is also just a short walking distance from the night market. The room was spacious, comfortable, and clean. The staff were courteous and helpful despite the language barrier. We booked it for only 1,800 pesos per night with complimentary breakfast for 2 persons.
Mylaohome Hotel & Spa
Address: Ban Hua Xieng, Town Center, Luang Prabang, Laos
Room Rates: starts at 1,800 per night
Book here: Check room rates and availability
TOP THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG + TOURIST SPOTS AND ATTRACTIONS
What to do in Luang Prabang? Here's a list of my recommended things to do, tourist spots and attractions you should not miss on your visit to Luang Prabang. You can also use this as your guide in creating your DIY itinerary.
1. Explore the glorious temples of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has plenty of glorious temples to offer, and that includes Wat Phon Phao, Wat Aham, Wat Mahathat, That Chomsi, Wat Pa Phai, Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, and Wat Xieng Thong amongst others. Most of them are free to enter while a few requires an admission fee. So make sure to check or ask before entering to avoid confusion. As you are entering a place of worship be sure to always obey the rules as a sign of respect for their culture and belief.
For ease and convenience, you can book a Luang Prabang Cultural Exploration tour for only ₱2,244 per person via Klook.
2. Shop at Luang Prabang Night Market
Your experience at Luang Prabang wouldn't be complete without haggling and bringing home some good stuff from Luang Prabang Night Market. You can find it in the city center during night time where the roads are closed to vehicles. People start to set up their stalls at late afternoon and the night markets ends at midnight. Usually, there are almost three hundred vendors in the market selling different kinds of goods. Here, you can find cheap clothing, local food and drinks, delicacies, souvenirs, and so much more. This is a good place to buy some souvenirs to bring back home.
3. Indulge in street foods
Luang Prabang has delicious street foods to offer, and trying them is one thing you should consider. Since one of the most recommended things to do in Luang Prabang is to visit Night Market, might as well grab the chance to try their excellent street foods there too. I recommend Kanom Krok (coconut rice pancakes), fried spring rolls and dumplings, local fruits, Baguette sandwiches, noodle soups, and barbecued meats and fish.
If you want to experience more local eats, you may book a Luang Prabang Food Tour. This the perfect tour for foodies where you could expreience traditional Lao cuisines.
4. Witness the alms giving the ceremony
Tak Bat is a significant ritual done by the monks and alms-givers for over 600 years. It attracted tourist around the world, and it is no doubt that it boost tourism and helped the locals. During the ritual, there are hundreds of monks from different temples of Luang Prabang, lined up and walking in silence as they collect their daily alms from the devotees. You can watch the Alms Giving that usually happens at 5:30 in the morning along the streets of Luang Prabang. The ceremony is done all over Luang Prabang but one of the most popular place to watch it is in Wat Mai temple on Sisavangvong Road. And that being said, I might want to remind you that it also means that there are lots of tourists watching there. So if you want to experience a quiet and more authentic ceremony, be sure to watch in on the side roads.
For ease and convenience, you can book this experience with a trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls via Klook for only ₱1,044 per person.
5. Climb and see Luang Prabang from the top of Mount Phou Si
Mount Phou Si is popular for its epic views and incredible panoramic scenery. This sacred hill has the most beautiful view of the whole town, especially during sunset. For you to be able to reach this hill, you will have to climb its 300 stairs and then you will be rewarded with fresh air, calm surrounding, and astonishing view.
6. Experience the morning market
The night market is not the only market you should visit during your stay in Luang Prabang. Morning markets at Luang Prabang are as awesome as its night market so going here is definitely worth your time too. The morning market is the perfect place to find and eat interesting local food and authentic delicacies. It has mountains of fresh vegetables that are locally grown and is delivered daily. There are lots of breakfast choices in the market too. One thing I liked with morning market is that it is located in the heart of Luang Prabang. Many hotels are in the same area, and it is very accessible to almost everywhere.
For ease and convenience, you may book a Luang Prabang Morning Market Experience via Klook with a local tour guide. It's an amazing tour if you're looking to experience life in Luang Prabang as you visit the local market.
7. Be amazed by Kuang Si Waterfalls
Kuang Si waterfall is ranked as one of the best places to go when in Luang Prabang. Adding this to your Luang Prabang itinerary is a decision you won't ever regret and an experience you will never forget. Unfortunately, it was raining hard during our visit and the water at the waterfalls is very story and murky. But on a good day, the water curtain has turquoise cold blue water and creates an epic pool under its cascades. This hidden little gem is truly a treasure. Visiting Kuang Si is going to be the highlight of your trip, so without any hesitation, I strongly recommend you to add this to your itinerary.
Kuang Si Waterfalls is about an hour away from Luang Prabang. To get there, you may book a shared mini bus for only ₱313 per person. This includes round-trip transfers with hotel pick-up and drop-off.
8. Dine by the mighty Mekong River
If you are a fan of cruise dining, then you should probably book a ticket to a cruise in Mekong river. Mekong river is popular as a cruise destination where dining here, especially at night, is a wonderful experience. There are lots of cruises offered in Luang Prabang along Mekong River, book in advance to avoid any hassle. But if you’re not into cruising, I recommend you dine in one of the many restaurants along the river. And don't forget to try Khao Soi or Khao Piak which is a traditional Laos noodles dish and of course, the Beer Lao!
10. Explore the Royal Palace Museum Complex
Royal Palace Museum Complex is the former Royal Palace located in the banks of Mekong River and is facing the sacred hill of Mount Phousi. Locals call the Royal Palace as the Haw Kham or Ho Kham, which means "Golden Palace." Aside from being the Royal Palace in the old times, this museum is so special because it houses the Phra Bang, the country's most sacred Buddha.
11. Visit Wat Xieng Thong Temple
It is no secret that Luang Prabang is rich in beautiful temples all over the place. And speaking of temples, one of the temples you should not miss when in Luang Prabang is the Wat Xieng Thong. Wat Xieng Thong is a royal temple built in 1559 by King Setthathirath. When exploring Wat Xieng Thong, you will have the chance to witness up close the Chapel of the standing Buddha, Chapelle Rouge, The Sim, Chariot Hall, Ho Trai, and Drum Tower.
11. Explore Wat Wisunarat
Wat Wisunarat is one of the oldest operating temples in Luang Prabang. It is famous for its sizable collection of "Calling for Rain" Buddhas alongside with medieval ordination stones that is believed to be their protection. These are said to be rescued from various abandoned temples and then collected and taken care of at Wat Wisunarat.
12. Visit Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is one of the largest and richly decorated temples in Luang Prabang. Its interior and exterior are both extensively embellished with black, red, and gold leaf. It is located right next to the Royal Palace so it wouldn't be a hassle if you want to visit the famous temples in Luang Prabang.
13. Be amazed by the old houses
Luang Prabang has plenty of old houses that have incredibly stunning interior and impressive architecture. As someone who loves seeing old houses, this is an amazing treat for me. Walking around the area or even biking is a great idea if you want to indulge in this rich small town. It would be really nice if you can talk to the locals too, they are very friendly and hospitable.
SAMPLE 3 DAYS 2 NIGHT DIY ITINERARY
For this itinerary, I highly suggest that you fly in to Luang Prabang early in the morning and leave late in the afternoon on your 3rd day to fully maximize your time in Luang Prabang. Here's is my sample 3 days and 2 nights DIY Luang Prabang itinerary.
LUANG PRABANG DAY 1
- Arrival in Luang Prabang
- Check-in at MyLaoHome Hotel and Spa
- Lunch
- Explore the temples
- Visit the Royal Palace Museum
- Climb Mount Phou Si
- Dinner
- Enjoy the Night Market (shopping and food trip!)
- Back at the hotel, sleep
LUANG PRABANG DAY 2
- Morning Alms Giving Experience [ BOOK HERE! ]
- Breakfast
- Prepare for the trip to Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Depart for Kuang Si Waterfalls [ BOOK TRANSFERS HERE! ]
- Arrive at Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Explore and enjoy Kuang Si Waterfalls
- Travel back to Luang Prabang
- Late lunch along Mekong River
- Explore more nearby temples
- Luang Prabang Food Tour [ JOIN THE TOUR HERE! ]
- Back at the hotel, sleep
LUANG PRABANG DAY 3
- Morning Market Tour [ BOOK HERE! ]
- Walk around the town
- Back at the hotel, prepare for check out
- Check out
- Proceed to the airport
- Fly back to Bangkok or to your next destination
LUANG PRABANG BUDGET TRIP AND EXPENSES
If you will follow the above 3D2N DIY itinerary, here is the breakdown of expenses. Please note that this assumes the following:
- You will be traveling in a group of two to share some of the expenses.
- You will be staying at MyLaoHome Hotel and Spa for PHP 1,800 per night with complimentary breakfast for 2 persons.
- You'll purchase a Sim2Fly sim card for PHP 558.
- Your budget for meals is 50,000 LAK per meal.
- Conversion rate used is 10,000 LAK = 1.15 USD or 60.15 PHP.
PRE-TRAVEL EXPENSES
Booked the following via Klook and Agoda before our flight:
- Hotel Accommodation (2 nights) - ₱1,800 / 2 = ₱1,800 per person
- Travel sim card - ₱558 per person [ PURCHASE A SIM CARD HERE! ]
- Luang Prabang Morning Alms Giving Experience - ₱1,044 per person [ RESERVE HERE! ]
- Kuang Si Water Falls round trip transfers - ₱313 per person [ RESERVE A SEAT HERE ]
- Morning Market Tour - ₱1,357 per person [ BOOK THIS TOUR HERE! ]
- Luang Prabang Food Tour - ₱835 per person [ JOIN THE TOUR HERE! ]
- TOTAL - ₱5,907
BREAKDOWN OF EXPENSES (PER PERSON)
LUANG PRABANG DAY 1
- Airport to Hotel (Tuktuk) - 50,000 LAK / 2 = 25,000 LAK per person
- Hotel (1st night) - pre-booked
- Lunch - 50,000 LAK
- Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham Entrance Fee - 10,000 LAK
- Mount Phou Si Entrance Fee - 10,000 LAK
- Dinner - 50,000 LAK
- TOTAL - 145,000 LAK
LUANG PRABANG DAY 2
- Hotel (2nd night) - pre-booked
- Morning Alms Giving Experience - pre-booked
- Breakfast - complimentary at the hotel
- Kuang Si Waterfalls round-trip transfers - pre-booked
- Kuang Si Waterfalls entrance fee - 20,000 LAK
- Lunch - 50,000 LAK
- Wat Xieng Thong entrance fee - 20,000 LAK
- Luang Prabang Food Tour - pre-booked
- TOTAL - 90,000 LAK
LUANG PRABANG DAY 3
- Morning Market Tour - pre-booked
- Tuktuk to to the airport - 50,000 LAK / 2 = 25,000 LAK per person
- Lunch - 50,000 LAK
- TOTAL - 75,000 LAK
SUMMARY OF EXPENSES
- DAY 1 - 145,000 LAK
- DAY 2 - 90,000 LAK
- DAY 3 - 75,000 LAK
- TOTAL - 310,000 LAK or 1,864 PHP
- TOTAL EXPENSES - 1,864
- PRE-BOOKINGS - 5,907
GRAND TOTAL - ₱7,771
Not included in these computations are the following:
- Round trip airfares
- NAIA terminal fee and travel tax
- Food expense for snacks
- Tips and gratuities
- Budget for pasalubong, souvenirs and shopping expenses
Please note that budget and expenses for a trip to Luang Prabang depend on your spending habits. It also depends on how many are you in the group, what is your preferred accommodation, where you want to eat, and the places you want to visit. The above ticket prices, hotel rates, and other expenses are subject to change and depend on the season and on the date of your booking. You can save a lot if you travel in group so you could share some of the travel expenses. Feel free adjust this itinerary depending on your wants and travel needs. Always bring extra money for emergencies.
Luang Prabang easily became one of my favorite destinations in Southeast Asia. I love the town's quiet and peaceful vibe, as well as the rich culture and heritage it offers.
I hope this Luang Prabang Travel Guide Blog with sample DIY itinerary help you plan your trip. Enjoy and have fun in Laos!
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hi thanks for this informative guide. i wish to save this in my file so i wont have to search again but i cant. only your blog i cannot save unlike other filipino bloggers who shares to to everyone.how can i save this? please help thanks
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