Luang Prabang
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At a glance
- Country
- Laos
- Region
- Luang Prabang Province
- Population
- 55,000
- Best time to go
- November to February
- Main airport
- Luang Prabang International (LPQ)
- Coordinates
- 19.89°N, 102.13°E
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Overview
Luang Prabang, the old royal capital of Laos, sits on a peninsula where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong. Its UNESCO-listed old town is a peaceful mix of gilded temples, saffron-robed monks and French-era shophouses.
The pace is slow and the setting lovely, with forested hills all around. Stay longer than you planned, rise early once for the alms round and spend the afternoons by the water.
Things to see
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Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 Wat Xieng Thong
The most beautiful of the town's temples, with sweeping layered roofs and a glittering mosaic tree of life.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Basile Morin, CC BY-SA 4.0 Mount Phousi
Climb the steps in the centre of town to a hilltop stupa for sunset views over the rivers.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Jakub Hałun, CC BY-SA 4.0 Royal Palace Museum
The former royal residence, with throne rooms, gifts from foreign states and the revered Phra Bang Buddha.
Tickets and tours -
Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Pak Ou Caves
Two river caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues, reached by boat up the Mekong.
Tickets and tours
Things to do
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Photo: NruasPaoYPP, CC BY-SA 4.0 Kuang Si Falls
Tiered turquoise pools in the forest, about 45 minutes from town, with a bear rescue centre by the entrance.
Find tours -
Photo: Akiyoshi Matsuoka ( 松岡明芳 ), CC BY 3.0 Watch the alms round
At dawn monks walk the streets collecting sticky rice. Watch quietly from a distance and never use flash.
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Photo: Ekrem Canli, CC BY-SA 4.0 Night market
Browse textiles, paper lanterns and silver along Sisavangvong Road, then eat at the food alley nearby.
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Photo: Bjørn Christian Tørrissen, CC BY-SA 4.0 Sunset on the Mekong
Take a slow boat cruise or sit at a riverside bar as the sun goes down over the hills.
Where to stay
Old town peninsula
Guesthouses and boutique hotels among the temples, walkable to everything.
Hotels in Old town peninsulaAlong the Nam Khan
Quieter streets on the peninsula's south side, with river views.
Hotels in Along the Nam KhanOutside the centre
Resorts in the hills and countryside for a more secluded stay.
Hotels in Outside the centre
Getting around
The old town is best on foot or by bicycle. Tuk-tuks and minivans take you to the waterfalls, caves and railway station.
The airport is about 15 minutes from town. The railway station is further out, around 20 to 30 minutes by minivan, with trains from Vientiane taking about two hours.
When to go
November to February is dry and pleasant, with cool mornings. Smoke from field burning can bring haze from March to April, and the rains run from around May to October. Lao New Year in April is celebrated with water fights and processions.
Plan your trip to Luang Prabang
Guide last checked October 2026. Opening times and prices change, so check before you go.