Luxury Tours in Luang Prabang, Laos Holidays

Rouse your imagination and discover inner peace with Luang Prabang’s soaring mountains, thundering waterfalls, richly ornate temples and a meandering river

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We recommend watching the Tak Bat Ceremony, which is where monks receive alms from locals

Formerly the capital of the Kingdom of Laos, Luang Prabang has an ancient heritage that is immortalised in the city’s fusion of French-Indochinese architecture and traditional Buddhist temples. The city sits on the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, which is said to be a sacred spot, while the commanding undulations of Mount Phousi towers above this urban dwelling.

It's little wonder that Luang Prabang has been designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site and that it's the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. Not to mention Luang Prabang has some of Laos' best cuisine, and you can take a cooking class while in the city.

But despite its grandeur, Luang Prabang is a laid-back historic town. There are many things to do in Luang Prabang, and to acclimatise, take a stroll down its streets. Don't forget to explore the quieter side streets, which is where you'll find red-sloping roofs and orange-robed monks going about their daily routines.

With so much religious heritage, it’s unsurprising that Luang Prabang means “Royal Buddha Image”. Indeed, there are over 20 temples within walking distance of each other. You can also learn about Luang Prabang's history at the UXO Centre, where you'll find information about the time Luang was bombed during the Vietnam War.

Two of the most significant temples are Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunalat. The former has traditional Lao art, wooden carvings, and intricate mosaics, while Wat Winsunalat has many relics and artefacts collected over centuries.

Walk along the bamboo bridge to find a quieter area of town, or explore the Kuang Si Falls - here, you'll find whimsical cascades and turquoise-coloured pools that are great for swimming and a picnic.The city’s green landscape means activities like trekking the dense forest, visiting local communities, or circumnavigating rice paddies are incredibly easy. Cycling, kayaking, and climbing to Mount Phousi are adrenaline-packed adventures, while romantics should embark on a sunset river cruise to see hues of orange and yellow paint the landscape.

When to go to Luang Prabang

The best time to visit Luang Prabang is when the weather is dry and warm, which is typically between the months of October to May. With daily temperatures remaining around 25 degrees Celsius, the days are comfortable enough to explore Luang Prabang's famous sites. Although, this is when Luang Prabang receives the most tourists.Between March to May, the weather is at its hottest, with highs of 40 degrees Celsius, and the humidity is high, making it unbearable for some travellers.The rainy season is between June to September, which witnesses heavy rainfall. The Mekong River also tends to flood. However, these rain showers don’t last long, and there are fewer crowds.