This city truly surprised me with its vibrant vibes, incredible food, and stunning architecture. Spending three nights here felt just right, enough to soak it all in without feeling rushed. But if you’re someone who loves a slower travel pace, adding an extra night would be perfect. Honestly, I could have easily stayed longer to explore even more!
ACTIVITIES I LOVED DOING:
KUANG SI WATERFALL
This is hands-down one of the must-visit spots in the area, and trust me—it’s worth every bit of the hype! The waterfall is stunning, massive, and the turquoise water is just perfect for a swim.
How we got there? We were traveling as a group of five, so we asked our hotel to arrange a private tuk-tuk for us. It turned out to be super convenient and budget-friendly! Booking online tends to be pricier, so I recommend arranging it directly through your hotel 1–2 days in advance.
Why choose a private tuk-tuk?
With a private tuk-tuk, you get to set your schedule, no need to stick to fixed departure times. Our receptionist advised us not to leave too early because mornings can be chilly if you’re planning to swim. However, if you want to beat the crowds (which I strongly suggest), leaving at 8:00 AM is ideal. We left at this time and reached the waterfall around 9:00 AM. By then, a few people were there, but it was still peaceful. Or consider to rent a scooter and drive yourself, very adventurous. (; The experience
After paying the entrance fee, a shuttle bus will take you closer to the waterfall. From there, it’s just a short walk to the main attractions. Take your time to enjoy the beauty of the cascading water, it’s magical. We walked all the way up to the big waterfall, thinking we’d reached the top. But guess what? There’s more! Just when you think you’re done, you’ll spot a staircase leading to 'The View Luang Prabang'. It’s a big treehouse where you can sit down, enjoy a drink, and treat yourself to pancakes or noodles while soaking in the amazing view. Oh, and just a heads-up, there’s a 30,000 kip entrance fee (around €1.30), but hey, it comes with a bottle of water! Think of it as their way of ensuring you spend a little something while you’re there. If you’re on a budget or just not feeling like splurging, no worries, you can simply enjoy the view with your water in hand.
Here’s what we did: we kept walking past the treehouse and found a perfect spot for a swim! There’s a swing to a tree that feels like something out of paradise. While we were there, a local boat guide offered a peaceful little ride for just €0.50. It’s a super short trip, but it feels nice to support the locals. That said, you can also swim in the same area where the boat goes, so it’s entirely up to you. After swimming, when the chill started to set in, heading back to the treehouse for a hot cocoa and pancakes was the perfect move. Highly recommend hanging out here for a bit, it’s peaceful, scenic, and full of good vibes. When we went back, the place was packed, mostly with Chinese visitors. It was such a scene! Interestingly, most of them don’t swim (probably because they don’t know how), but they love taking pictures. If you’re not into the hustle and bustle, I’d suggest heading up to where the treehouse is. It’s usually quieter since most of the Chinese people don’t make it all the way to the top. Hiking isn’t their favorite thing, which is totally okay, different strokes for different folks!
We easily spent four hours here! Don’t forget to pack a towel, water shoes (some areas are pretty rocky), and of course, your swimwear. Pro tip: wear your bikini beforehand, as there aren’t any changing rooms. Trust me, it’ll save you the hassle.
On the way back to the city, consider stopping to try the local buffalo ice cream. It’s good, worth a taste, but it didn’t completely wow me. If you’re looking for a spot to pause and relax, the Fullhouse Café is an option. Honestly, I wasn’t a huge fan of the food, but a few of us really enjoyed it. Either way, it’s a gorgeous spot for a drink and a little break before heading back and it's on the way, so you don't have to make a detour.
Entrance fee: 60.000 kip / 2,60 EUR (including shuttle bus) Opening hours: 8 AM - 5 PM
MORNING ALMS
One of my favorite things to do here, though it wasn’t directly related to the morning alms themselves, was waking up early. Watching the world slowly light up and sipping that first cup of coffee, there’s something about it that just feels so good. That being said, the morning alms are definitely very touristy. Honestly, I felt a bit bad about it. There are so many people who don’t really respect the quiet or give the monks space, which takes away from the peacefulness of the moment. It’s just not as serene as I imagined it would be.
Honestly, if you’re already there, why not go, right? Just get up early, like, 5:30 AM early. You’ll notice lots of colorful, plastic chairs around, and at first, I was a bit confused. Turns out, they're for tourists who also want to give food to the monks. So, it kind of loses that authentic vibe. If you're thinking of watching from Chaofa Ngum Rd, be warned: it's packed with buses full of tourists. A much better spot for a peaceful moment is Kitsalat Rd, near the Houngvilai Hotel. It’s way quieter, and you can really soak it all in. I also read that close to Villa Chitdara is a good spot if you’re after that same peace. Just remember to be respectful and keep the noise down, let’s all enjoy it in peace!
I was curious about what the monks did with all the food they received, especially since there seemed to be so much more coming in with all the tourists. Then, I saw some monks handing out cookies and snacks to poor children they passed by, and honestly, it just filled my heart. Such a beautiful reminder of the kindness that’s always around us.
Next, you can go to the morning market. It's right at Mali Coffee, so you can just stroll through it, check out what everyone’s selling, and grab some delicious coconut pancakes. Then, settle in at Mali Coffee: it’s the best coffee in Luang Prabang. They only have one high table with two chairs, so you can sip your Lao coffee and watch the world go by. It’s the perfect way to start the day. And when you're ready, stroll back to your hotel and find a street food vendor selling the famous khao jee. This Lao-style baguette is seriously delicious, stuffed with meats, pâté, pickled veggies, fresh herbs, and a tangy sauce. It's the perfect mix of crispy, savory, and fresh.
THE NIGHT MARKET
If you're looking for an affordable and fun way to enjoy a meal, I’ve got the perfect spot for you! It's not just about Lao food here, you'll find flavors from all over, including Chinese, Korean, and more. There's something for everyone, so just pick whatever catches your eye, or head straight to my favorite place! (Check out my picture below). This stall isn’t in the main night market but tucked away in a side street next to Indigo Café. Walk down that little street, and when you reach the end, you’ll find an amazing mini cocktail stall. On Google Maps you can find it under the name 'Soodsoi mini bar'. But here’s the real treasure: just two vendors before that is a Chinese street food stall. My favorite? Their sliced noodles! Absolutely incredible!
SUNSET BOAT CRUISE ON THE MEKONG RIVER
A perfect way to wrap up your stay in Luang Prabang is with a relaxing boat ride on the Mekong River. We chose the Khopfa Mekong Cruise, and honestly, it’s the most beautiful boat on the water. Yes, it’s a bit more pricey than others, but trust me, it’s worth every penny.
Here’s how it works:
Price: Tickets are € 20 per person. Once onboard, you can treat yourself to cocktails, snacks, or whatever else catches your fancy. (drinks/food are not included in the price)
Timing: The Sunset Cruise lasts two hours and starts between 4:15 PM and 5:30 PM, depending on the season and sunset time.
Pro tip: Arrive about 20 minutes early so you can grab the best seat, whether you prefer a cozy nook or a prime viewing spot for the sunset.
The views of the Mekong at sunset are magical, and the laid-back atmosphere on the boat makes it the perfect way to soak in your last moments in this enchanting town.
WAT XIENGTHONG TEMPLE I don’t visit temples all that often, but this one? It’s different. The mosaic and colored glass tiles are just breathtaking, seriously, wow! The temple is open from 6 AM to 6 PM, and the entry fee is just 1 euro. Such a bargain!
Pro tip: Make sure your knees and shoulders are covered before you go. If you forget, no big deal, you can rent something to cover up for about an euro. But honestly, it’s way easier to come prepared.
WAT XIENGTHONG TEMPLE WALK AROUND IN THE CITY & SHOP
I absolutely loved Luang Prabang! The vibes are so unique and varied, it’s the kind of place where you can just wander and let the city take the lead. There are loads of cute shops to explore and plenty of terraces where you can kick back with a refreshing drink.
FOOD I LOVED EATING:
Popolo: hands down one of my favorite spots. If you're craving pizza, this is the place to be.
Two little birds: looking for a healthy brunch or lunch? This cozy spot has you covered. Think wholesome, delicious, and satisfying.
Yuni Yupoun: craving a mix of international flavors? This place offers dishes from all over the world, and we especially loved their local red curry.
The night market: cheap, flavorful, and packed with local goodness.
Manolo's taco bar: a decent spot for Mexican food, especially if you're craving tacos. While the food is enjoyable, it didn’t quite deliver the authentic flavors I was hoping for. It’s worth a try, but not somewhere I’d rush back to.
Coconut shake: my everyday obsession! Fresh coconut shakes are everywhere in the city, but here’s a tip: make sure they blend it fresshhh for the best taste.
FOOD THAT LOOKED GOOD BUT I DIDN'T TRY
Little Lao Culture Bar
Khao Soy Mueang Sing Resto: known for its noodle soup and papaya salad
Tim papaya salad restaurant
Tadam restaurant: known for its LAAP (meat salad)
HOTEL I STAYED IN:
We stayed at LuangPrabang Center Hotel, and honestly, it was such a good find! Super affordable, super clean, and right in the heart of the city. Bonus points for the swimming pool and the big breakfast buffet. Definitely a place I’d crash at again!
TIPS FROM MY TRIP
Airport Taxis: When you land at Luang Prabang airport, you’ll find a small counter where you can buy a taxi ticket. It’s super convenient because the price is fixed, no need to haggle or worry about extra charges.
Train to Vang Vieng: The train ride to Vang Vieng is stunning, with beautiful views along the way. If you get hungry, grab some noodles at the train station, there’s hot water on board to prepare them. And here’s a little treat tip: if you’re in the mood for something sweet, try the ice cream at Dairy Queen. Trust me, it hits the spot! It's best to book your ticket it advance to make sure you have a seat.
Safe travels and enjoy every moment in Laos!
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