Luang Prabang

Why visit Luang Prabang?

Travel in Southeast Asia can be hectic and discombobulating: with so many people, smells and sights constantly competing for your attention. Sleepy Laos is the exception; life is a little slower here. You can take a breath. And nowhere epitomises this as much as lovely Luang Prabang – which is about as serene as it gets.

This is a city without a rush hour…unless you count sunrise, when lines of saffron-robed monks silently file out of their monasteries for their morning alms rounds. As for the rest of the day, well, time in Luang Prabang seems to melt away. As you sit watching the Mekong River gently glide by with a fine French pastry in your hand, it feels as if the clock is permanently set to 4pm on a lazy Sunday.

Just a short flight or a scenic boat ride from the Laotian capital, Vientiane, Luang Prabang's popularity is increasing – but it's a blessing for us all that, for now, it remains off most travellers' itineraries. While it may not be the most famous city in Southeast Asia, its rich culture and beauty make it a gem worth exploring.

By planning a customised trip to Laos, you'll uncover the best this beguiling city has to offer.

Top things to do in Luang Prabang:

• Rise with the monks and witness the serene Morning Alms Ceremony before exploring the morning market
• Enjoy Kuang Si Waterfall and take a refreshing dip in its multi-tiered turquoise pools
• Include farm and nature trips around the city, with visits to Living Land farm to learn about rice making, a trip to the Free the Bears sanctuary and a stopover at the Buffalo Dairy farm.
• Take a walk up Mount Phousi in the late afternoon and hang around for a breathtaking sunset
• Explore the vibrant Night Market for local handicrafts and tasty street food.

When to visit Luang Prabang?

We’d recommend visiting from November to February. This is the dry season, with cooler, more comfortable temperatures – a great time to walk around the pagodas of Luang Prabang and to explore its countryside, even though the waterfalls will be pretty chilly!

March to April is the hot season, with temperatures often above 35°C (95°F)...nice for riverside lounging, less so for trekking as the area can also be affected by the burning season, with less-than-beautiful views. However, on the flipside, accommodation will be more available and better priced during these months.

The rainy season falls between June to October: bringing welcome relief from the heat…but the frequent downpours might not be to everyone's taste. That said, the jungle is its most lush at this time, so if you’ve got a decent raincoat, you might enjoy visiting during off-season.

It’s also important to be aware of local celebrations such as Pi Mai (Laotion New Year) in April, as travel around these dates can get a little more complicated. Chinese New Year in late January or early February also sees a steep rise in visitors from mainland China, which can see hotels booked out and prices rising.

Psst…Our local travel team can advise you on the best times to visit Luang Prabang, and we can arrange everything for you to prevent any planning headaches!

Ready to book your Luang Prabang holiday?

A few years ago, reaching Luang Prabang was a serious undertaking. These days, an expanded airport, a new train line and increased interest in Laos as a destination has made visiting the city much easier. Thankfully, it still hasn’t made it onto the typical Southeast Asia itinerary – so get there now, while it maintains its charm!

Our local team can advise you on the best things to do in Luang Prabang, depending on your particular travel style, the kind of trip you’re interested in, who’s going with you and your budget. We can also recommend the best Luang Prabang accommodation, which is rich and varied, to help you get the most comfort and enjoyment out of your vacation.

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