Location: Luang Prabang
Top Things to do in Luang Prabang
The 10 Best Things to do Good for a Rainy Day in Luang Prabang, Luang Prabang Province
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. Orange Robe Tours
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 128 reviews
Orange Robe Tours is a profit-for-purpose social enterprise, based in Luang Prabang, Laos. We employ former Novices and Monks who have recently left the temple to give culturally appropriate tours to tourists, providing much-needed support during their transition from temple life to layperson life, while preserving the traditional culture and customs of Laos.
2. Big Brother Mouse
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 274 reviews
Help eager young Lao students practice their English through informal conversation. Learn more about their lives and culture, and tell about yours. (Free 2-hour drop-in practice, 9:00-11:00 am and 5:00-7:00 pm.)
Reviewed By 558JohnB558 - Melbourne, Australia
These guys published the first children's books in the Lao language. They welcome visitors to join in informal English conversation with local students.It's a truly marvellous experience and deserves support.
3. Tamarind Cooking School
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 654 reviews
Tamarind Restaurant in Luang Prabang offers day and evening cooking classes in open air pavilions overlooking lily ponds just outside of town. Participants in day classes are taken there after a visit to the fascinating main market, where they are introduced to the unusual and intriguing ingredients that are the basis of Lao cuisine. From there it is off to Tamarind Gardens to cook Lao dishes in the authentic Lao style. Evening classes are shorter. Individual work stations allow you to follow the instructions of an entertaining and informative Lao teacher, whilst a bevy of staff clean up after you. The sessions end with a sumptuous meal, where you eat the fruits of your labours! Transport to and from Tamarind Restaurant and recipe book all included. Vegetarians welcome.
Reviewed By WendyS555 - Randalstown, United Kingdom
We did the evening class, as we had visited the market many times, and didn’t need a guided tour of it. Bit of a bumpy ride to the school! We washed our hands, and started cooking straight away, making jeow, a spicy dipping sauce. It was great fun, and something I will do at home. We also cooked fish in a banana leaf, and lemongrass stuffed with chicken. I got a thumbs up from our teacher for mine! There was confusion over the drinks. I knew you had to pay for beer and wine, but most people didn’t. Don’t they check TripAdvisor before booking?? A price list was left on the end of the table, but it wasn’t pointed out. This would have been helpful. We finished by eating what we personally had cooked, everyone got their fish, and their lemongrass, so that was lovely. The staff had added some soup and salad, but it wasn’t really needed. Sig, our teacher was excellent, kept an eye on everyone. A very pleasant way to spend an evening ,
4. Angsana Spa Luang Prabang Laos
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 72 reviews
A tropical oasis to rejuvenate your mind, body and soul.
Reviewed By Eglehn - Madrid, Spain
I came on holidays to relax and my partner surprised me with a wonderful Spa evening to end the day. Angsana Spa Luang Prabang was wonderful and our two therapist Da and Thong were absolutely lovely and professional. We had a lovely relaxing facial that cannot be compared to the massage boutiques there are all over Luangprabang...while other places are very cheap, they just pinch you and squeeze you here and there. In Angsana Spa our facial massage went from head to toes! Head, neck, shoulders, legs, etc...while you’re having a facial mask they do not seat and wait but they are concentrating on other areas... 60 minutes of massage, 60 minutes in heaven...at some point at let myself go and I’m sure I end up day dreaming (hopefully not snoring) till the last second... After the massage we were offered a delicious refreshment and tea to close the experience. I do really recommend 100% to try one of their day packages with lunch and 60 minutes massage. We are definitely coming back!
5. Garden of Eden
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 136 reviews
Make your own jewelry while learning from local artists. Learn traditional techniques, using a variety of different materials including recycled paper and silk! Enjoy the relaxed atmosphere on the balcony overlooking the river. Can't find what you are looking for? Make your own design! We can make custom orders to suit your taste. All levels are welcome in our classes.
Reviewed By ellapepper
My family and I had an amazing morning making beautiful handmade jewellery with fantastic company. The products were affordable and the instructors knowledgable and kind. I've come home with a beautiful set of earrings, a ring and a bracelet which I am proud of and where constantly.
6. Spa Burasari Luang Prabang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 302 reviews
Spa Burasari is the first and only quality spa in Luang Prabang's old town. Burasari, a most delicate yet potent flower is the inspiration behind the treatments at our private sanctuary. We believe happiness is a healthy body, mind and soul and your journey to that begins in a luxurious spa suite with our signature pre-treatment purification ritual.
Reviewed By FranziskaS160 - Munich, Germany
During my stay in Luang Prabang I had the pleasure to visit the Burasari Spa twice - once for a pedicure and once for a full body massage. I thoroughly enjoyed both of my treatments. Before I booked the pedicure I wasn't sure whether or not I made the right choice, as the price is way higher than anything else offere in LP and I was on long term travel on a tighter budget - but let me tell you it is totally worth it! Their Spa treatments cannot be compared to anything else in LP or in fact to the majority of other spas I have visited around the world. Aoe and KK were incredibly professional, warmhearted hosts, who created an environment of pure relaxation and comfort where you could let go and pamper your body. The level of detail to create a memorable spa experience was mindblowing - from welcoming us with tea, complementary sound healing elemts, calming surroundings and soothing music. I highly recommend everyone to go and visit this spa - it was certainly one of the highlights of my 3 months travel! Thank you so much!
7. Backstreet Academy
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 180 reviews
Explore Lao culture through our exclusive collection of travel experiences - craft a crossbow, hunt with local villagers or learn wood carving, the backstreets offer the richest interaction with the culture and people of a place. Immerse yourself in the de facto Lao experience where the local backdrop retains its integrity and originality and discover a side of the city you never knew.
Reviewed By milliesmum2016 - Christchurch, New Zealand
I can't recommend Backstreet Academy enough, really. This company offers fantastic opportunities to experience local life and customs and meet some local people who are simply willing to share their lives with you for a while. I went to meet a local family to learn about Lao cooking at their home and at Phousi Market. I had such a great time with them, cooking and discussing food and cookery. We started out at the market with a shopping list based on our lunch menu and then went home to cook in their wonderful outdoor kitchen. Hard work, it was too -all over open flame with lots of chopping and pounding to be done. Then we ate the fruits of our labour washed down with LaoLao. Transport was included to and from my accommodation, as was an emailed copy of the recipes we made. But this is only one of the options Backstreet offer. There is a whole suite of differnt activities to choose from they operate out of other countries as well as Laos. The one criticism I have is that, as a solo traveller, I did feel penalised because some of the activities depended on their being at least two of you, to operate. Thsi applied particularly to overnight type activies, where accommodation was involved. The really nice thing about Backstreet, though, is that you can be sure that your money really going to assist local families, as opposed to some off-shore business venture with no vested interest in the local community.
8. The Spa at Kiridara Luang Prabang
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 52 reviews
One of the best spas in Luang Prabang, The Spa at Kiridara is tucked away in the dense teak forest, creating an immediate sense of serenity and bliss for our guests. Add to it the soothing aromas of essential oils and you understand why The Spa at Kiridara is known to many as the top spas in Luang Prabang. Guests can choose from an extensive menu of therapeutic spa offerings including healing massages, body treatments, facials and baths . Our spa amenities include 3 treatment rooms, 1 steam room and plush massage beds. - 3 Treatment rooms, 1 steam room - Signature Treament: Laotian Original Wood Fire Herbal Steam - Free Pick-up and Drop-off in Luang Prabang
Reviewed By yjivan
My wife and I got full spa treatments from this amazing place, wife got the foot massage and facial and I got the Balinese full body massage. Both of us were extremely satisfied! Perfect ambience for a relaxing afternoon. The two ladies who attended to us, Su and Toun were friendly and courteous to every request. They kept both my wife and I in a relaxed and peaceful bliss for just under 2 hours. And the tea after your treatment is just the cherry on top ????
9. Queen Design Lao
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 41 reviews
Reviewed By luana_kaya - Newcastle, Australia
I sent time in this beautiful shop and came away with a number of wonderful clothing. The shop is beautifully set out and the ideal place to buy gifts for family and friends which are of good quality and unique. I was able to buy some beautiful clothing for my daughter and myself. Christine who designs many of the clothing pieces is so friendly and welcoming and makes your visit relaxed and enjoyable. She was so helpful in assisting me in choosing clothing which suited me and is very passionate about her clothing, i would highly recommended you visit Queen Lao if you want to buy clothing which are not only beautiful but unique pieces and more importantly Christine uses local materials and is ethically minded in supporting the local community. A visit here us a must and I know you will not be disappointed!
10. The Bamboo Experience
Overall Ratings
5.0 based on 132 reviews
The Bamboo Experience is a local family run workshop where you will discover Lao culture through bamboo products, activities & Lao foods using bamboo shoot as main ingredients. You will also be connected with our local community to learn about their way of life! To book the class you should contact us one day in advance or at least at 6pm the day before coming to our workshop. We offer two classes per day either daytime 8:30am - 13:30pm (lunch included) and/or evening 16:00pm - 21:00pm (dinner included). We can provide pickup from/to your hotel (to be confirmed when you make the booking).
Reviewed By Janb0211
This is a fabulous experience with many activities included. Learn about bamboo, cook sticky rice pudding, take part in Baci celebration, dinner and traditional music performance.
