When heading to Laos, visitors cannot miss spending two days in Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of the country. While many visitors flock to Vientiane, the capital of the country, Luang Prabang offers an insight into the life of Laotians and a much slower pace.
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History of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang formerly served as the royal capital of the Lane Xang Kingdom. It is also known as the “Land of a Million Elephants.” According to legend, the city’s site was chosen by the Buddha during his travels. Its political rise began in the 1300s when King Fa Ngum unified the region. The city was eventually named after the “Phra Bang,” a highly revered gold Buddha statue gifted by the Khmer monarchy. This became a symbol of the kingdom’s right to rule and remains a sacred icon of the city to this day.
Though the administrative capital moved to Vientiane in 1560, Luang Prabang remained the cultural heart of Laos. The 1800s brought about the fusion of traditional Lao wooden architecture and tiered temples with European brick villas and shuttered windows, creating the distinct aesthetic that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995.
Currency in Luang Prabang
Laos uses the Lao Kip (LAK), banknotes that range from 500 to 100,000. At the time of publishing, it is about 22,000 LAK to $1.
Language in Luang Prabang
Lao is the official language of Laos. However, most people we encountered spoke English.
When to Spend Two Days in Luang Prabang
The best time to visit Laos is between November and February when the weather is mild, and the humidity is low. June to October is the monsoon season, so you will want to avoid those months as much of the tourism shuts down. March and April will be the hottest months, but the Lao New Year is celebrated in mid-April.
How to Get to Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang has one small airport: Luang Prabang International Airport. It has direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Siem Reap, Vientiane, and a couple of other smaller cities. Skyscanner is my favorite way to search for flights.
You can also get to Luang Prabang from Vientiane by train. You can buy tickets online here. This trip will take you about two hours.
The last method to get to Luang Prabang is by slow boat, or this luxury slow boat. This journey takes two days and stops you overnight at a hotel. You can check out these tours.
Transportation in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is not a large city, so you can get everywhere by walking. From the airport to the city center, it is under a 10-minute drive. There is a taxi stand at the airport where you can pre-pay for your taxi.
There is no Grab or Uber. Instead, download the LOCA app to hail a ride. However, we never needed to use it since we just walked everywhere.
Visa for Laos
To visit Laos as an American, you will need a visa. The application process was very easy, as you can do it online prior to arrival here. It will cost about $40. Note that there are 9 spots where you can enter Laos using the eVisa, so make sure you enter through one of those prior to applying.
Alternatively, you can get a visa on arrival. You will need to have $40 USD in new/like-new banknotes, or they will not accept them.
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Check out the best hotels in Luang Prabang here! You can always try searching Priceline Express Deals for a better price or try to price match a hotel.
We opted to stay at the Apsara Rive Droit. This hotel was just across the river from the main part of town. The hotel had a boat that took you into town whenever you needed it. Other hotel options include the Avani Luang Prabang, Sofitel Luang Prabang, Satri House, and Pullman Luang Prabang.
What to do During Two Days in Luang Prabang
Day 1
To start off your first of two days in Luang Prabang, you will want to embark on this tour that takes visitors to two of the main sites outside of town: The Kuang Si Waterfalls and the Pak Ou Caves. This tour can be run with the Waterfalls or the Caves first. I recommend booking the Waterfalls first so you can have a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.
Although you can visit all of these places on your own, booking a tour takes care of all the transportation logistics.
Hmong Village
As part of this tour, visitors will visit a local Hmong Village where you can learn about the traditions and daily life of the Hmong ethnic community. This stop will take about 15-20 minutes, and visitors will have the opportunity to do some souvenir shopping.
Kuang Si Waterfalls
Cost: $3
Hours: 8am-5:30pm
Next, visitors will head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. These falls are the most famous waterfalls near Luang Prabang. They are known for their bright turquoise pools, jungle setting, and multi-level cascades. Visitors are able to swim in designated pools, hike to several viewpoints, and view the black bears at the nearby rescue center.
The complex also has changing rooms and several places to grab a snack or a meal. You can even book ziplining if you are up for an extra adventure. The tour allows you to spend a couple of hours visiting the falls.
Buffet Lunch
After spending the morning at the falls, visitors will head to the lunch stop at the banks of the Mekong River. Here, visitors have the opportunity to view wild elephants while enjoying a delicious buffet lunch. After lunch, visitors will embark on a slow boat to enjoy a cruise on the Mekong River, along with a couple more stops.
Whiskey Village
The next stop on the tour is a visit to the “Whiskey Village,” also known as Ban Xang Hai. This small riverside village is known for producing traditional Lao rice whiskey, called lao lao. Visitors learn about the distillation process and are able to sample different varieties.
Pak Ou Caves
Cost: $1
Hours: 8am-5pm
The final stop on this tour will be a visit to the Pak Ou Caves. This is located where the Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers meet. These caves are filled with thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims throughout the centuries. There are an upper and a lower cave to visit. The upper cave has had many Buddhas removed throughout the years to be placed in museums. This reminded me a lot of the Batu Caves in Kuala Lumpur.
L’Elephant
Cost: $$
Hours: 11am-10pm
To finish off your first of two days in Luang Prabang, head to L’Elephant. This French-Laos fusion restaurant is set in a gorgeous colonial-style building. It is known for its French cuisine and is a popular dinner spot for those looking for a more upscale meal.
Day 2
Start your second of two days in Luang Prabang with a UNESCO tour. This guided tour will take you to all of the main sites in Luang Prabang. It only takes a few hours to see them all, but it makes for a fascinating morning learning about the history of the area.
Royal Palace and National Museum
Cost: $1.50
Hours: Wed-Mon: 8am-11:30am and 1:30pm-4pm
The Royal Palace is the former royal residence of Laos and has since been converted into a museum showcasing the royal artifacts, religious treasures, and the history of the Lao monarchy. The palace blends Lao and French colonial architecture. It is the best place to learn about Luang Prabang’s history. Plan to spend about an hour here.
Phousi Hill
Cost: $3
Hours: 7am-6pm
Phousi Hill is located across from the Royal Palace in the center of Luang Prabang. It is famous for its panoramic sunrise and sunset views over the area. The climb is short but steep with temples along the way, but you will be rewarded with gorgeous views.
Wat Xiengthong
Cost: $1
Hours: 8am-5pm
Wat Xiengthong is one of the most popular temples to visit during your two days in Luang Prabang. It is known for its sweeping roofs, intricate mosaics, and peaceful grounds. Bilt in the 1500s, it is one of Luang Prabang’s most important Buddhist templs and showcases the traditional Lao architecture.
Little Lao Culture Bar
Cost: $
Hours: 11am-11:30pm
After spending the morning sightseeing, head to the Little Lao Culture Bar for a delicious modern Lao lunch. It is known for its creative take on traditional dishes and excellent drinks. It is a great option if you are looking to try some traditional Lao dishes.
Tangor
Cost: $
Hours: Varies
Next, grab cocktails at Tangor. This popular French-Lao fusion restaurant has a cozy garden and excellent food and drinks. It is a great place to relax after spending the morning touring.
Manda de Laos
Cost: $$
Hours: 5pm-10:30pm
Tonight, grab dinner at Manda de Laos, one of Luang Prabang’s most famous restaurants. It is set beside a UNESCO-protected lily pond. The menu focuses on traditional Lao cuisine using local ingredients, and they have some great cocktails. Make sure to make a reservation as it is a very popular place.
Luang Prabang Night Market
Cost: Free to enter
Hours: 5pm-10pm
When spending two days in Luang Prabang, you will not want to miss the night market! This is the best place to shop for souvenirs, handicrafts, and clothes. There is also a ton of street food if you are still hungry. It is the perfect place to wander after eating dinner and to wrap up your time in Luang Prabang.
More than Two Days in Luang Prabang
If you have more than two days in Luang Prabang, you can add in things like a food tour or a cooking class.
Final Tips for Two Days in Luang Prabang
Two days in Luang Prabang is the perfect introduction to Laos’ rich culture and stunning scenery. It makes for a great addition to a Southeast Asia trip. It is easy to get to from both Bangkok and Hanoi. From the turquoise pools of the Kuang Si Waterfalls to sunset views atop Phousi Hill, this UNESCO city offers a memorable mix of history and incredible food.
