Laos · City Guide
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia's most beautiful and spiritually significant cities, a UNESCO World Heritage Site of golden temples, French colonial architecture, the dramatic confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and the daily ritual of saffron-robed monks collecting alms at dawn. Combined with the spectacular Kuang Si Falls, the Pak Ou Caves and an outstanding night market, Luang Prabang provides one of the most serene and culturally profound experiences in Southeast Asia.
Elect's take
"Luang Prabang is the most spiritually peaceful place I have visited in Southeast Asia. The combination of the morning alms-giving ceremony, the golden temples, the beautiful river setting and the relaxed atmosphere creates an experience that I find genuinely restorative."
The morning alms-giving ceremony, where hundreds of saffron-robed Buddhist monks process through the streets at dawn to receive offerings of rice from kneeling residents and visitors, is one of the most moving daily rituals in Southeast Asia. Wat Xieng Thong is the most important temple in Luang Prabang, an exquisite example of Lao temple architecture with extraordinary decorative detail. Mount Phousi provides outstanding sunset views over the city and the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Kuang Si Falls, approximately 30 kilometres south, is one of the most beautiful waterfall systems in Southeast Asia with multi-tiered turquoise pools perfect for swimming. The night market provides excellent traditional Lao textiles and crafts.
Best time to visit
How to get there
What to expect
Alms-Giving Ceremony
One of Southeast Asia's most moving daily rituals at dawn with hundreds of monks.
Wat Xieng Thong
The most important temple in Luang Prabang with exquisite Lao decorative architecture.
Mount Phousi
Outstanding sunset views over the city and the confluence of two rivers.
Kuang Si Falls
One of Southeast Asia's most beautiful multi-tiered turquoise waterfall systems.
Night Market
Excellent traditional Lao textiles, crafts and street food.
Mekong Confluence
The dramatic meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers at the heart of the UNESCO city.
