While there are many things to do in Luang Prabang per se, just being there is the best part. One of the great highlights of South East Asia, it has an aura of its own. Historic temples and other buildings now blend in with the modern tourist development to retain its charm.
Strolling
One of the best activities is free and easy. Stroll around the main roads and even better the smaller back streets to see both the tourist attractions and the local way of life.
Mount Phousi
Beat the heat by going early up the 300 or so steps for spectacular 360-degree views of Luang Prang and the Mekong river. Either that go up later on, for the even better sunset views. The charming temple of Wat Chomsi awaits at the peak also.
Cooking Courses
Anyone who wants to learn some Laos dishes could not do much better than a cooking course in Luang Prabang.
Temple hopping
Luang Prabang historic town has both French colonial architecture and over 30 Buddhist temples, that welcome visitors and is still home to monks and novices today Many can be visited on that easy stroll.
Massage and/or Sauna
Luang Prabang has a great reputation for top class Spa treatments and massage treatments for those wanting an easy day.
Kuang Si Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves
A visit to Kuang Si waterfall with the Asian bear rescue centre. and/or the Pak Ou caves are two of the top activities to do. These are the two quintessential tourist attractions in Luang Prang. The first reached by taxi a short distance out of town and the caves via a boat trip on the Mekong river. Local operators will include both on a local tour.
The Night Market
Every evening the main road in Luang Prabang closes to all traffic and a street market sets up selling numerous odds and ends geared up towards tourists. Want that Beerlao T-shirt? You will need to brush up on your bartering skills to get that great bargain price. Amazing number of arts and crafts and who knows what else to delight and tempt you to part with your Lao Kip. Barter hard but always with a smile.
Food & Drink
Perhaps the best is the last thing to do for the day for top things to do in Luang Prabang. There is an amazing choice of great restaurants and having that relaxing Beerlao after a hot day. For frugal vegetarians, it doesn’t get much better than the one plate buffet dinner for a dollar or two in the heart of the night market. Either that after a pre-dinner drink as the sun goes down beside the Mekong and followed by a meal in one of the more upmarket restaurants riverside or scattered all over town. Beerlao is voted by most travellers as the best in the region. It is a source of pride for the locals.
Conclusion
The above are only a handful of the top things to do in Luang Prabang. One of the really great travel destinations, not only in Asia but the entire world. Safe & friendly while relaxed and vibrant at the same time. You also will be charmed by whatever you do.
