Best Luang Prabang Tours

When you arrive at Luang Prabang Airport, please take a minbus or tuktuk to a hotel to have a rest. We suggest you the 3-star Indigo House Hotel or Thongbay Guesthouse, from where you could go to all the attractions conveniently. A ride to the hotel costs about LAK 5,000. If you would like to set out the backpacking trip after a short rest, it is suggested that you take a tuktuk to Phousi Market, Luang Prabang's biggest fresh food market selling fresh fruits, vegetables, meat, and herbs.

Currency Exchange: Foreign currency may not be accepted by some local shops, restaurants, hotels or attractions. We suggest you to exchange for Laos Kips at the currency exchange places along Sisavangvong Road or Soulignavongsa Road.

Accommodation Suggestion: Indigo House Hotel or Thongbay Guesthouse (3 stars)

Today's itinerary starts with Royal Palace Museum. You may go there by bike, which can be rent everywhere in the city. The palace was built in 1904 along the Mekong River, and it was changed into a museum in 1975. There is a national treasure, Prabang Golden Buddha, from which the name of the city comes. You should notice that the palace is closed on Tuesday, so avoid going there on that day.

Then, head northwest for a few yards to Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham. It is decorated with some golden carvings telling stories of Buddha and Laotian Rain God.

After that, go southeast to the oldest temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visounnarath built in 1513. It was once damaged but rebuilt in 1989. People put many wooden Buddhas there to pray for rain.

Then, ride northwards to Wat Xieng Thong, the last destination for today. The mosaic painting - 'The Tree Of Life' on the wall of rear hall attracts thousands of visitors every year. Built beside the Mekong River, you can enjoy the beautiful sunset here.

Tips: You need to wear clothes that can cover your shoulders and kneels while visiting temples.

Today you can charter a tuktuk through the hotel to Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall. For those energetic backpackers, riding a mountain bike can be a better choice and the rental would cost LAK 30,000-60,000 for a day.

After 40 minutes' tuktuk ride, you will arrive at Pak Ou Village. Then, spend around LAK 10,000 taking a boat across the river to Pak Ou Caves, the most famous cave in Laos with thousands of statues of Buddha. It used to be the place for the king to pray for rain. During the cruise, you may stop by a village named Ban Xang Hai, where you can enjoy the famous lao lao wine and some beautiful handmade fabrics.

Then you can go on to Kuang Si Waterfall, a stepped waterfall running down from lush cliffs. Besides, you can enjoy a free natural spa there as fish in the pond can eat up the dead skin on your foot.

It is suggested that you experience alms-giving ceremony on Sisavangvong Street, which begins at about 6:00 am. You could set out during 5:30 - 6:00 am. This traditional custom has been persisting for more than 500 years. Every day, locals kneel along the street holding food they've carefully cooked and waiting for monks to collect the supply. After that, you could walk back to hotel to have breakfast.

After a short break, continue today's itinerary to Wat Xieng Muan by tuktuk, where you can enjoy lots of carvings of the Serpent god, Naga. Then, walk eastwards for 600 yards to the Thai-style Wat Sene. After that, walk backwards to the foot of Mount Phousi to stroll around Dara Market selling all kinds of household items and ornaments.

Then, climb up to the top of Mount Phousi and you can see the whole scenery of the ancient city there. When night comes, Hmong Night Market, in the opposite block of the mountain, is recommended for you. You can find diverse Hmong stuff there, like cloth, silk scarf, and silver ware.

Your 5 days Laos backpacking trip to Luang Prabang will end today. Take all your belongings and take a tuktuk or minibus to Luang Prabang Airport for your leaving flight. Have a nice trip!