The Best Backpacker Hostels In Luang Prabang Laos

Taking in Laos’ temple-topped town on the banks of the Mekong River comes easy with these affordable homestays, sociable hostels and budget-friendly places to stay.

The sleepy town of Luang Prabang ranks highly on backpackers’ list of must-travel destinations in Southeast Asia. It’s hard not to see why – with its scenic valley setting at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and network of beautifully maintained ancient temples, this Unesco-listed town blends the best of city and country. For those on a shoestring budget, there’s a decent selection of hostels and affordable guest houses, too, bookable with Culture Trip.

1. Thavisouk Family Home

Hotel

Located just five minutes from the Night Market and Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre – a social enterprise that offers an insight into Laotian textiles – this humble accommodation is a great base for exploring the sights and sounds of Luang Prabang. While the interiors are pared back, each of the 14 rooms is clean and comfortable, and comes with its own en suite. Breakfast is included and can be enjoyed in the outdoor common room on the ground floor.

2. Moukdavan Guesthouse

Hotel, Guesthouse, Hostel

With just seven guest rooms, this wooden bungalow offers a homestay experience at wallet-friendly prices. Some rooms even look out into the leafy garden through traditional wood-accented windows. Adventure-seekers will appreciate the hostel’s proximity to Mount Phousi – just 700m (2,296ft) away – while creative types can check out the nearby Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. The city centre is also an easy stroll away for the Royal Palace, the Night Market and a variety of cafes and restaurants.

4. Mad Monkey Luang Prabang Hostel

Hostel

This stylish youth-centric hostel offers a mix of six-, eight- and 12-bed dorms, some female-only, others with views of the surrounding palm forests. There’s even an infinity pool and a lounge-style terrace where you can soak up the views while chatting with fellow travellers. Fun-loving staff can arrange day trips to nearby Pak Ou Caves.

5. Matata Garden Guest House

Guesthouse, Hostel

You can expect a laidback and carefree experience at this traditional greenery-draped guest house as staff work hard to provide five-star service. Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the inn features five bungalows built by local craftsmen, all using native building materials. Each is well-kept and comfortable, with dark-wood beds, plush linens and distinctive Laotian murals painted on the walls.

6. Muenna 1989 Guesthouse

Hostel, Guesthouse

A homespun experience awaits at this cosy guest house, situated a short distance from Mount Phousi and the Old Quarter of Luang Prabang. Rooms are done up to resemble a typical Laotian home, with potted plants and woven textiles used to dress up the space. In the evenings, kick back with a beer (or two) with fellow travellers in the lush courtyard or take a walk to the Night Market, just 10 minutes away.

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.