Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang, Laos

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Last Updated on: 2nd August 2021, 02:38 pm

Kuang Si Waterfalls

The Kuang Si Waterfalls is one of Luang Prabang’s most famous attractions. It’s popular among tourists and locals alike due to its overwhelming beauty. The Kuang Si Waterfalls is a three-tiered waterfall that stands 50 meters high in the middle of lush, green jungles. The falls drop into gorgeous pools of turquoise water before flowing further downstream. Most of these pools are open for swimming and are a favorite among children in particular.

Utopia Bar

The Utopia Bar is a quiet spot overlooking the Nam Khan River. It’s widely considered a great place to simply sit and relax for a while. They offer yoga classes as well as a volleyball court. Alternatively, a person could just kick back with a Beerlao and watch the river run. The Utopia Bar isn’t a party bar. Rather, it’s a place to chill with your friends while finding peace and tranquility.

Living Land Rice Farm

If you’ve ever wanted to know what it’s like to be a rice farmer in Southeast Asia, this is your chance to learn. At the Living Land Rice Farm, you can get hands on experience in planting rice and other vegetables. You can even try your hand at ploughing the field with a real water buffalo. These methods are 100 percent organic, and your participation helps support the local community.

Pak Ou Caves

This is one of the most sacred sites to the Laotian people. The Pak Ou Caves are thousands of years old and contain over 4000 Buddha statues. The site itself consists of two different caves named Tham Ting and Tham Theung. Both are considered shrines to the Buddha and are a popular pilgrimage site among locals during the Lao New Year. If you have an interest in Buddhism, then you absolutely must see this for yourself.

Lao Cooking Lesson

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This is something that all food lovers need to experience. At Tamarind, one of Luang Prabang’s most popular restaurants, you can learn how to make a number of Lao dishes yourself. Some of these include different varieties of jeow, mok pa, laab, and more. You’ll also learn how to make sticky rice the way they do. In this way, you’ll not only get to try lots of delicious food, you’ll also be able to take it home with you.

Tad Sae Waterfall

Tad Sae is another popular waterfall attraction in Luang Prabang. Rather than one large waterfall, the Tad Sae consists of several different cascades that fall into beautiful pools below. Like the Kuang Si Waterfalls, you are welcome to swim in these pools. You also reach this waterfall by boat, making the journey there an adventure in itself. This attraction is best seen during the wet season from August to November.

Whisky Village

Whisky Village, locally known as Ban Xang Hai, is located on the banks of the Mekong River. It’s a small village that’s known for their production of lao-Lao, the country’s rice whisky of choice. While you’re there, you can learn more about the whisky’s fermentation, which is still very traditional in nature. Whisky Village is also located near the Pak Ou Caves, and the two destinations can easily be seen in the same day.

Phan Phao Temple

Of course, Luang Prabang is famous for its many Buddhist temples, and Phan Phao is among the best. It is a singular golden temple overlooking the city on a hill and surrounded by lush jungle. It is well-known for its unique octagonal architecture and for being the burial site of Ajahn Saisamut, an important Buddhist abbot. It is also decorated with a number of amazing murals, many of which depict the Buddhist version of hell.

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UXO Lao Information Center

It may surprise you to learn that Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history. Because of this, the country continues to be plagued by UXO, or unexploded weapons. At the UXO Lao Information Center, you can learn more about this part of their history along with their current predicament. Those who are interested in history or social issues will certainly find this to be an eye-opening experience.

Green Jungle Park

The Green Jungle Park is a relatively new attraction in Luang Prabang. This beautiful park covers a large area and is a great place to wander around and reconnect with nature. It also offers a wide variety of activities such as zip lining and rope walking. Additionally, there are some really incredible flower gardens, a massive waterfall, swimming pools, and a restaurant. It’s a great destination for children and adults alike.

Bun Awk Phansa

Here is a great reason to visit Luang Prabang during November. Bun Awk Phansa, or the Festival of Lights, marks the end of Buddhist Lent. During this time, temples and homes are decorated with paper lanterns and candles. On the second day, tiny boats made of banana leaves and flowers are sent down the Mekong River with candles inside them. It’s a truly beautiful celebration and something you must see for yourself.

Pi Mai

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