Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang: The City of Gold

Luang Prabang, originally known as the Xieng Dong Xieng Thong or the city of gold, is historically the center of Laos’s first kingdom. After years of royal leadership, Vientiane was chosen as the new capital and Luang Prabang entered into eras of civil war and foreign oppression. There are french colonial influences everywhere and as of 1989 Luang Prabang is open to tourism and much of the city has been brought back to its former glory, including recognition as a UNESCO world heritage site.

The Best Activities in Luang Prabang

We’ve put together a few of the best and most interesting ways to enjoy your time in this magical city. If you are looking for something a little more rare, please let us know and we will use our local contacts to find something more in-line with your wishes.

Dining with the Baci: Join a local family for a traditional Baci ceremony that marks important events with blessings, while enjoying a lovely Laotian meal, and of course, much sticky rice with a spicy chili paste.
Morning Alms: Experience or be a part of an exciting ritual at sunrise, when monks as part of a sacred tradition, collect rice from local people. This is a very significant aspect of Lao culture.
Night market: Walk through the Hmong Night Market to find amazing handmade textiles and crafts made by hill tribe artisans every night.

• Dining with the Baci:
  Join a local family for a traditional Baci ceremony that marks important events with blessings, while enjoying a lovely Laotian meal, and of course, much sticky rice with a spicy chili paste.
• Morning Alms:
  Experience or be a part of an exciting ritual at sunrise, when monks as part of a sacred tradition, collect rice from local people. This is a very significant aspect of Lao culture.
• Night market:
  Walk through the Hmong Night Market to find amazing handmade textiles and crafts made by hill tribe artisans every night.
• Pak Ou Caves
  Take a scenic boat ride up the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves where you will find many thousands of Buddha statues dating back many centuries.
• Royal Palace Museum
  Visit the former royal residence which is now a museum showing the old royal chambers of the former kings, traditional art and some vintage cars from the french colonial era.
• Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC)
  Learn about the breadth of the cultural diversity of Laos’s ethnic cultures at the independent TAEC with local handicrafts, cultural exhibits and educational programs.
• Village Visit
  Go to a nearby village to learn how to make floral arrangements for religious Buddhist purposes, then make your own Buddhist offering and take part in a temple ceremony.
• Wat Phou Si
  Hike up to the hilltop Wat Phou Si to catch the sunset views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River valley.
• Wat Xieng Thong
  Visit Luang Prabang’s most significant monastery featuring spectacular architecture and then have tea with a senior monk who will answer anything you want to know about Buddhist life.

Luang Prabang is a wonderful mix of historical, cultural and natural beauty and will not disappoint even as your first stop in Laos. Witness exceptional sights and create uniquely memorable experiences in this amazing city!