Luang Prabang, Laos, is a UNESCO World Heritage city known for its rich culture, stunning landscapes, and serene atmosphere. Situated in Northern Laos, Luang Prabang translates into “Royal Buddha Image”. Although the foundations of the city are deeply rooted in spirituality and Buddhism, Luang Prabang’s varied colonial past adds an extra dimension to this humble city. Here are the Top 10 Places to Visit in Luang Prabang:
1. Royal Palace Luang Prabang
Constructed at the start of the 20th century, the Royal Palace of Luang Prabang was home to the royal family of Laos during its French colonial era. Despite being built under the reign of a foreign power, the Royal Palace owes all of its architectural beauty and design to the traditional Indo-Chinese palatial structures.
2. Wat Siphoutthabat Thippharam
Wat Siphoutthabat Thippharam is a serene Buddhist temple located in Laos, known for its peaceful atmosphere and traditional Lao architecture. The temple houses a sacred Buddha footprint, attracting pilgrims and tourists alike. Its golden stupas, detailed carvings, and tranquil surroundings make it a spiritual retreat for meditation and a place of cultural significance.
Wat Siphoutthabat Thippharam, situated in Laos, is a revered Buddhist temple that blends spiritual serenity with stunning traditional Lao architecture. The temple is famous for enshrining a sacred Buddha footprint, making it a significant pilgrimage site for devout Buddhists.
3. Elephant Village
Elephant Village is an elephant sanctuary and a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang, Laos operated by a team of caring individuals for the rehabilitation and protection of elephants. The magnificent "elephant village" is located about 15 km from Luang Prabang on the bank of River Nam Khan.
Elephant Village is ideally located in the lap of Mother Nature, by misty mountains near the river. It's the first and one of its kind in Laos that offers Elephant interaction programs alongside an outstanding variation of Elephant activity tours for the young as well as for the old.
4. Mount Phousi
Phousi means ‘sacred mountain’ and it’s located quite literally in the middle of Luang Prabang. Climb the more than 300 steps to the summit where you’ll find a temple, Buddha’s giant footprint, and golden stupa. There are two sets of stairs, one across from the Royal Palace Museum and one on the road that runs along the Nam Khan. Visit Mount Phousi at dawn to avoid the crowds or at dusk if you’re willing to battle the crowds for the golden hour panoramic view.
5. Kuang Si Falls
A lot of places to visit in Luang Prabang and places to visit near Luang Prabang encapsulate the natural beauty of the terrain that is bestowed upon Laos in general. As a result, day trips from Luang Prabang often can lead people to discover amazing waterfalls, breathtaking caves, and stunning views from various hills tops among the top places to visit in Luang Prabang. Located 29 km from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a famous day-trip destination for international tourists who come and visit Laos for its serenity and natural beauty, and are amongst the top Luang Prabang tourist attractions.
6. Wat Xieng Thong
Constructed in the order of King Setthathirath in 1560, Wat Xieng Thong presents a fine example of the traditional Lao style with a sweeping two-tiered roof and ornate mosaics, of which a beautiful ‘tree of life’ glass montage on the rear temple wall is highlighted. This temple is considered the most beautiful and important among other ornate ones in Luang Prabang.
7. Tad Thong Waterfall
For years, this path was hidden from the public but is open again to let the world witness the beauty of the natural jungle and waterfalls. The waterfalls usually are spring-fed, as are many of the falls in this area, which naturally reduce to a trickle as the dry season comes to an end - but Tad Thong is more impressive and known for a Jungle walk, so the waterfalls are sort of a bonus, as claims tourists and not the primary reason for a visit.
Tad Thong gives an opportunity of taking a short but vigorous hike through the jungles, and a spring-fed pool to a place entirely to oneself. The Tad Thong has always been a place of must-visit as it is a quiet spot ideal for a long, nice nature walk with butterflies and beautiful falls and only a few tourists with friendly locals.
8. Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves is yet another one of the adventurous places to visit in Luang Prabang. Situated 25 km to the north of Luang Prabang, the centuries-old cave system contains over 4000 Buddha sculptures and statues. Located on the banks of the Ou River, the cave system can only be accessed by boat. The caves are a very important site for devout followers of Lord Buddha and also get a lot of religious travelers from all around the country in April when the Laotian New Year celebrations begin.
9. Kuang Si Butterfly Park
The forests near Kuang Si Waterfall have attracted butterflies. The Kuang Si Butterfly Park offers visitors the opportunity to appreciate them up close while they’re at the falls or the bear sanctuary. Following the path from the entrance, through well-designed gardens, one comes across the pretty streams and eventually reaches the netted garden with beautiful and interesting butterflies.
10. Luang Prabang Markets
Morning Market: This is a simple outdoor market where many locals buy their groceries in the morning. The products vary from fresh vegetables, and fruits to live fish, frogs, dried buffalo meat, insects… and anything else that might be the day’s catch from nearby rivers or jungles. Opening hours: 5.00am – 11.00am
Night Market: The night market is one of the interesting activities after the night falls. This is the place to experience your bargaining skills as well as enjoy the bustling atmosphere with the locals. There are a variety of products on display here, from souvenir stalls for clothes, textiles, paintings, and trinkets, as well as tea and coffee. You can also try delicious yet inexpensive street food.
