The Top 10 Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos

The former royal capital of Luang Prabang has so many natural wonders, cultural gems and fun activities that it’s hard to choose only 10. While you won’t find Tad Kuang Si or Tad Sae on this list, we’d be remiss if we didn’t wholeheartedly recommend a visit to both waterfalls. Instead you’ll find a mix of attractions and activities that get to the heart of the people and culture in the former royal capital.
Tak Bat (Almsgiving)
Buddhist Temple

With over 80 temples and many monks, Luang Prabang has become a tourist destination for visitors who want to witness the religious practice of Tak Bat or almsgiving from the faithful Theravada Buddhists to the monks, who are prohibited from growing or preparing their own food. Every morning before the sun rises, monks across Laos walk barefoot with their alms bowls to silently collect rice and other food items that they will eat before noon, when their fast begins. If you participate, be respectful and take photos from a distance. As the practice has gotten more touristy, some enterprising tour operators sell tourists food or offer the option for tourists to give alms. Exercise discretion and do what feels right to you.
Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Center
Art Gallery

Tamarind Restaurant and Cooking School
Market, Restaurant, Asian

Big Brother Mouse
Bookstore
Big Brother Mouse is an incredible organization that’s been promoting literacy in Lao and English since 2006. Filling a need by publishing Lao language children’s books and educating rural villagers from pre-k to young adults at the new Big Sister Mouse school, you can contribute by volunteering! Join an English conversation hour in town, or spend a day at the school. A suggested donation of 100,000 kip (around $12) takes visitors to the province to read with students, learn Lao language and Lao sign language, play board games, eat lunch and more. The bus leaves on weekday mornings at 9 am and returns to town around 4:30 pm.
Laos Buffalo Dairy
Cheesemonger, Ice Cream, Dessert

Get out of town
With so many beautiful hiking trails, natural features and untouched landscape, the opportunities for outdoor recreation seem endless. Book a tour through one of the many operators in town and set off on a kayaking, trekking, zip lining or cycling adventure. If you’re not one for tours, many tour companies will rent bicycles and motorbikes for you to explore the surroundings on your own. Wear a helmet and bring your camera!
Lao Green City Tour
Archaeological site

Lao Green Group specializes in sustainable eco-friendly tours. If you’re looking to see as many temples as possible, take the Half-Day City Sharing Tour and ride an electric vehicle. Meet your guide at the fountain near the post office and head to the morning market. From there visit Wat Mai and the Royal Palace Museum. Drive to Wat Choumkhong, Wat Xieng Muan and visit a traditional Lao wooden house. Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunalat, Wat Aham, Wat Wisunalat, Wat Kili and Wat Sen round out the tour.
AVANISPA at AVANI+ Luang Prabang
Spa

AVANISPA is located at the newly acquired AVANI+ hotel in downtown Luang Prabang, which was rebranded in March 2018 at the property that was formerly Azerai. AVANIFit highlights lifestyle elements that focus on healthy bodies and minds, including a gym and daily yoga classes at the on-site studio. There is a swimming pool and pool bar. The spa offers two single and two double treatment rooms with a communal relaxation lobby.
The Living Land Company
Natural Feature

The majority of rural Lao people are subsistence rice farmers. The Living Land Lao Rice Experience takes visitors through the process of planting and harvesting rice in the paddies. The farm is in an idyllic mountain setting on rice terraces. Learn to thresh and bundle rice, along side Lao people and try your hand at tilling the earth with a plow pulled by buffalo. A restaurant on-site offers beautifully prepared Lao food on a balcony overlooking the fields. If you like the farm so much you don’t want to leave, a homestay option is available to spend the night.
UXO Laos Visitor's Center
Museum

Volcanic Iceland Epic Trip
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