Alms-giving Ceremony (Tak Bat) is a long-standing tradition in Buddhist culture in Laos. Beginning around the 14th century, people participating in the ceremony needed to wake up very early to prepare an alms meal for the monks. The ceremony takes place early in the morning from about 5:00 a.m. to 6:30 a.m., so visitors need to prepare and get up early if they want to attend.
Kuang Si Waterfall is a mesmerizing natural gem nestled in the lush wilderness just outside of Luang Prabang, Laos. With its multiple tiers of cascading turquoise water, serene pools for swimming, and pristine natural surroundings, it’s a captivating destination for those seeking a serene escape and a taste of Mother Nature’s beauty.
Discover the secrets of Lao cuisine by joining a cooking class and learning how to prepare traditional dishes. Most tours start with a market tour where you'll pick the best ingredients for your experience! I recommend a class at Khua Mordin Cooking Class.
Wat Xieng Thong or Xieng Thoong Temple is one of the oldest and most important temples of Luang Prabang City. The temple was built during the reign of King Setthathirat in 1559 - 1560. The name Wat Xieng Thong means "Temple of the Golden City".
You will have the opportunity to get closer to Lao culture by visiting craft villages. I highly recommend Lao Pottery House and Ock Pop Tok Textile Center. These are all sustainable tourism hotspots, not only giving you the opportunity to engage with local culture but also helping local people in terms of cultural and economic development.
Living Land is where you can practice agricultural activities that provide insight into Lao agriculture. Built to recreate the lives of local people where the famous wet rice civilization developed, here you will experience traditional wet rice traditional farming practices: land preparation, sowing, and harvesting.
Pak Ou Cave attracts many tourists to visit because of more than 4,000 ancient Buddha statues dating back more than 300 years ago in all sizes and shapes. To get there, you have to take a boat up the Mekong, admiring the idyllic scenery along the river for about 2 hours.
Built in 1904 during the French colonial period, the royal palace was designed for King Sisavang Vong and his family. In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by communists and the royal family was sent to a re-education camp. The palace was later converted into a national museum. The entrance fee is 30,000 LAK (approx. $1.5 USD). Be sure to dress conservatively and note that photography is not allowed
Luang Prabang has many accommodation options. Our recommended places to stay when you visit are:
Luang Prabang is a small town and you can walk or bike anywhere. Transportation is only necessary when you are visiting locations outside of town or further afield
* Please note that these are approximate prices and you will need to negotiate the fare with the driver before starting your journey. Prices may vary depending on factors such as number of passengers, time of day, and your bargaining skills. You should clarify the price and destination with the driver before getting on the bus. Additionally, prices can change over time, so it's best to check with locals or your accommodation for the most up-to-date information during your visit.
The e-Bus – Luang Prabang has close to 15 e-Busses that follow three routes to provide an eco-friendly way to get around Luang Prabang. The price is quite affordable, typically around 15,000 to 20,000 LAK per person for a single journey (~$1 USD)
The best time to visit Luang Prabang, Laos is during the dry season, which usually lasts from November to March. This is when the area’s weather is consistently pleasant, cool, dry, and if you’re here primarily to do adventure activities, this kind of climate is perfect. The temperature never drops below 15°C (59°F), and the average daily temperature sits around 25°C (77°F). This is the busiest time of year as well, so you can expect higher prices and bigger crowds.
April to June is usually the hottest time of the year, with record temperatures reaching more than 40°C. The rainy season starts from July to September. This period often has heavy rains (especially in August) and can easily cause flooding. This will be difficult if you are exploring in rural or mountainous areas because the rain will make the ground muddy and difficult to move on. On the other hand, you can take advantage of fewer crowds and better accommodation prices if you don't mind the weather.
Luang Prabang is a fairly safe place to travel. However, it would help if you still be careful when coming here, especially with personal belongings, money, and expensive jewelry because pickpockets will be your biggest concern, especially at the night market. Therefore, always keep your valuables in an easily protected place.
Don't give money to child peddlers. Often these children are kept out of school so they can earn money in the streets. The moment you give money to a child, chances are there will be many other children surrounding you. Politely decline and move on.
Laos is stringent in punishing work related to drugs or the sex industry, so don't expose yourself to these troubles.
Save the phone numbers of hotel staff who can help you or emergency numbers in case of emergencies. 191 is the phone number to contact the police.
What a wonderful escape plan for you to do during your holiday! Just pack your luggage and we will take care of the rest of the journey!
With more than 15 years of experience in the tourism industry, Lux Travel DMC provides 100% tailor-made private tours in Southeast Asia. With the prior experience of the staff, we believe that this will be helpful for you when planning your holiday in Southeast Asia.
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