Luang Prabang Hotels

Besides the odd and fascinating Alms Ceremony, the Laos town is famous for its many Buddhist temples and monasteries and its serene natural beauty. Wat Pha Mahathatis where you’ll find the normally peaceful Buddha being held in a headlock by an exceedingly overgrown tree root, and the Tad Sae waterfall is a postcard-perfect sight you have to swim in to believe. Had enough of nature and history? Do a little stockpiling yourself at the Hmong market – just be wary of anything labelled ‘antique’…

Luang Prabangs’s Top 10

Luang Prabang History

• Wat Xieng Thong – A prominent Buddhist temple in the northernmost part of the Luang Prabang peninsula.
• Royal Palace (Haw Kham) – Built in 1904 as a tribute to King Sisavong Vong and the royal family.
• Wat Sen (Wat Sene Souk Haram) – Built under the direction of King Kitsarath in 1718.
• Sala Prabang – A stone building that became the first residence of Khammao, Laos’ first prime minister.
• Wat Pa Phon Phao – A meditation wat where Ajahn Saisamut, a renowned monk, revealed his teachings.

Luang Prabang Art & Culture

• Dragon Boat Race (Bun Song Hua) – Held in early September in Luang Prabang, the race is typically preceded by a huge market day.
• Royal Palace Museum – Established to exhibit royal family history, classic Cadillac cars and photo exhibitions.
• Pak On Cave Village – Tourists can find exotic meals and highly skilled residents in weaving and craft making.
• Ban Khily Gallery – Features authentic Lao crafts and artworks including sǎa (mulberry bark paper) products.
• Monks’ Food Offering – Locals and tourists can offer food while kneeling down or bowing to monks during dawn.

Luang Prabang Shopping 

• Sisavangvong Road – Turns into a busy handicraft and food market at night. 
• L’Etranger Books & Tea – Has a tea lounge that offers Southeast Asian books and a small art gallery.
• Pathana Boupha Antique House – An old French structure that features ethnic textile products, silverwork and jewellery.
• Talat Phosy – The largest Luang Prabang market that sells meat, vegetables, fruits and herbs.
• Ban Lao Centre – The only fair-trade centre packed with handicraft and textiles stalls.

Luang Prabang Gay & Lesbian

• Blue Ice Bar – Blue Ice is very welcoming to the gay crowd.
 
• Khob Chai – Another gay-friendly bar in Luang Prabang that’s ideal for people to drink and relax while making new friends.
 
• Dao Fai – The most popular destination for hard-core partying and dancing, the gay population is well represented in this club.
 
• Pack Lack – This group of companies operates several gay-friendly businesses like the Pack Luck Villa Guesthouse and the 1940 Health Club (Fitness).
• Sokdee Guest House – It is known for its inexpensiveness and hospitality to gay travelers.

Luang Prabang Events

The temples bustle with activity in January during Khoun Khao, when offerings are made as part of the harvest festival.

April’s Pi Mai is celebrated a little differently to the Western New Year. See orange monks, a gold Buddha statue and lots of black umbrellas.

Bang Fai, also known as the Rocket Festival, takes place in May. Decorated bamboo rockets are shot into the sky to remind the gods to start the rain.

In September, many snake-headed red and gold boats line the river for Boun Khao Salak, the festival to remember the dead.

The annual Luang Prabang Film Festival in December celebrates the cinematic innovation of Southeast Asia.

When To Go

With Luang Prabang’s monsoonal climate, it only experiences two seasons: dry and wet.

It is generally hot and humid throughout the year.

The best time to visit is from October to March, when both temperatures and humidity are at their most bearable.

Getting Around

Take a page out of the monks’ book and walk around Luang Prabang.

This city is rather cycle-friendly and bicycles are another good option.

If you’re heading a little further afield, a motorbike will get you to your destination quickly.

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