Location: Luang Prabang
Top Things to do in Luang Prabang
10 Sights & Landmarks in Luang Prabang That You Shouldn't Miss
This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you'll see everything from golden-roofed temples to vestiges of colonial French architecture here. Buddhist monasteries abound in Luang Prabang, and early every morning, monks process through the streets collecting alms (their food for the day). If you want to watch or participate, though, ask your hotel for a brief etiquette lesson first—you have to distribute the food in a specific manner.
Restaurants in Luang Prabang
1. Laos Buffalo Dairy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 300 reviews
Reviewed By wee_lassy_eats_world - Panama, null
About 5-10 mins from the falls, this was an unexpected 45 minute detour to our itinerary. The enterprise is set up to support local farmers make more money by renting their buffalo to them (only 50% survive at birth). They then work to vaccinate and cross breed to make them stronger whilst paying the farmers rent until their return. All the money they make is from the buffalo cheese (which they sell to hotels, restaurants, etc) donations and very yummy ice cream. They have pigs, ducks, rabbits, etc which you're welcome to feed. You can also milk and bathe the buffalo (which they love!). Very gentle creatures who love a good cuddle and seem very happy and content in their home. Well worth the visit if you have time (a very reasonable 50k kip for the tour)
2. Lee 7 Farm
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 39 reviews
Lee 7 Farm is a family farm where we growing Rice and vegetables to the LEE's family we have 7 brothers together with sisters. We are happy and ready to welcome your visit to join in the farm works and make your own Rice noodles for lunch
Reviewed By rxdiamond1
The Lee Family is Amazing!! They are a lovely group of people and the experience was truely authentic. If you are choosing between The Living Land Company and Lee 7 Farm, definitly do Lee 7 Farm!! The family is huge and they have such an interesting story! It felt great to support a local family and the experience was very special. Book Them!!!! you will not regret it.
3. NamKhan Project
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 17 reviews
At the Namkhan project we are working towards sustainability by training locals, international students and volunteers to the practices of integrated farming and permaculture design. Through a half day or full day tour at the farm, you can extend your knowledge or even inspire yourself about farming and permaculture systems. A leisure park which allow you to discover our eco farm, explore our tropical gardens, get enchanted by our animals at the stable area, pratice joggings or trecking in our marked trails, relax in our beach and swimming pool area, learn at our yoga and meditation center. This is an excellent friends and family outing. Immerse yourself in an enchanting leisure park with a wide range of sports and adventure offers.
Reviewed By Jillbrinn - New York City, United States
Namkhan Project is an eco farm resort just outside of Luang Prabang (they have free tuk tuk shuttle to/from town). They recently opened up bungalows and “glamping” tents that are both beautiful and unique. I had an amazing experience relaxing around the farm, tubing and swimming in the river (they also have a beautiful pool by the massage area) playing with the animals, and having an excellent time with the staff, who are amazing... (especially my waiter “Spicy”). I should also mention that the food is grown and prepared on site, so it is delicious. I have traveled to Laos before and have never experienced a place with such a unique combination of nature and affordable luxury. I absolutely love Namkhan Project and can hardly wait to return. My only fear is that once people learn more about how amazing it is, it will be fully booked all the time. I feel lucky to have discovered it.
4. Wat Xiengthong
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 2,268 reviews
Laos' most enchanting temple was built in 1560.
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
In the ancient city of Xien Thong (literally, "The Golden City"), almost at the junction of rivers Mekong and Nam Kham, King Setthathirath ordered, in 1559, the construction of a temple. It was named "Wat Xien Thong", the "Temple of the Golden City". King Setthathirath probably never imagined this would become the city's most beautiful temple, and even maybe of the whole Laos - the "Land of a Million Elephants". Later on, the city of Xien Thong was renamed to Luang Prabang, meaning "The Place of Buddha" and "Wat Xien Thong" became the royal temple, where kings were crowned and holy relics were kept. The temple was built according to the early Lao architecture features, normally referred to as "Luang Prabang Classic Style", with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Just amazing! Visit the temple, its central shrine (the holy "Sim"), side chapels, pavillions, residences and gardens. And before leaving, near its East Gate, do not dare to miss "The Royal Funerary Chapel", where the "Royal Funerary Carriage" and the "Royal Family Funerary Urns" are housed. Unmissable! Enjoy!
5. Wat Xieng Mouane
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 206 reviews
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
This Wat is just beautiful. It has the most fabulous intricate mosaic work all backed with laquer red. It's really startlingly striking and well worth prioritizing on your Luang Prabang to-do list. The applied arts are lovely and varied. There are many beautiful fresco type wall paintings, depected sacred themes and even the columns are elaborately painted with gold on black or red backgrounds. These places really are fabulous and quite apart from their obvious religious significance, they are power houses of style and design excellence.
6. Old Quarter Luang Prabang
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 1,466 reviews
Reviewed By Travelling_SE_Asia - St. Albans, United Kingdom
A UNESCO Heritage Site, the Old Quarter in Luang Prabang is a network of old French Colonial architecture, buildings, narrow alleyways and roads. The main road is Sisavangvong Road where the Night Market is, but you can go off the main road to walk around or just have a stroll and see more. Next to the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River, the main area is where the Nam Khan River joins the Mekong River. It’s a beautiful area and you should take your time exploring it. There are lots of tourists but they keep the main road free of litter for the most part.
7. Nam Ou Elephant Farm
Overall Ratings
4.5 based on 39 reviews
We provide the ultimate Elephant Experience in Luang Prabang. All of our Elephants we have rescued from the Brutal Logging Industry. We have created a beautiful Sanctuary where they are extremely well cared for. We are not focused on riding but on providing you with Education and a hands on Experience with our Beautiful Elephants. The program contains Education, feeding, Riding and Bathing.
Reviewed By MAV627 - Clermont, United States
Elephants here are treated with respect and love. You will not see any "chairs" on their backs. Riders are safely guided to seat on their backs, close to the head. The mahout do not use any "pointed sticks," as they do in other places. One elephant did not want to proceed crossing the river alone. So, the mahout went back for the elephant's friend to accompany him. Such respect for elephants' feelings! They also make paper products made from elephant dung! The entire setting is a sanctuary for elephants and people alike - with serene cabin facilities overlooking the river.
8. Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 324 reviews
This early 19th-century temple was deemed to beautiful to destroy by the Chinese Haw.
Reviewed By SeeMoreLiveMore - Singapore, Singapore
In a place filled with temples, this is one of those that manages to stand out because of its majesty and beauty. On the grounds of the Palace Museum, it cannot be missed as its roof glistens in the sunlight.
9. Wat Pa Phon Phao
10. Alms Giving Ceremony
Overall Ratings
4.0 based on 4,377 reviews
Reviewed By LuizDutraNeto - Rio de Janeiro, Brazil
Everyday, at sunrise, saffron-robed bare feet monks and novices emerge on the streets of Luang Prabang's "Old Quarter" with their alms bowls. This is an important tradition in Laos' Buddhist culture and is locally known as "Sai Bat" - the "Morning Alms Ceremony", when local devotees (and tourists) offer food (normally sticky rice) to them, as their main daily meal. Their procession can be watched from many different points such as the "Sisavangvong" and "Sakkarin" roads, as well as from near the "Royal Palace Museum", the" Wat Xieng Thong Temple" and the "Luang Prabang Primary School". Step aside and, in complete silence and respect, watch them pass. Please do not even try to talk to or touch them. Selfies are totally tacky and unwelcome at this special and humble Buddhist ceremony. And remember, the "Morning Alms Ceremony" takes place everyday from 5:30 AM to 6:30 AM (from March to October) and from 6:00 AM to 7:00 AM (from November to February). It is quite fast, so wake up early and rush, otherwise you may miss it. Enjoy!
