Start the day with observing the morning almsgiving ceremony, an important religious tradition in Laos. Then, continue to visit Wat Xiengthong, one of the most beautiful temples in Luang Prabang with intricate carvings and mosaics. End the day by exploring the Royal Palace Museum, the former royal residence of Lao monarchs.
Spend the day surrounded by nature at Kuang Si Waterfalls, a stunning 3-tiered waterfall with clear turquoise pools. Next, visit Elephant Village, where you can interact with rescued elephants and learn about their life in Laos. Finally, climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang during sunset.
Learn more about the diverse culture and ethnic groups of Laos at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, which features exhibitions on clothing, music, and daily life of different tribes. End the trip with shopping at the Night Market, where you can find a wide variety of local handicrafts, textiles, and street food.
Luang Prabang is a small city that can easily be explored on foot or by bicycle. Tuk-tuks and taxis are also available for hire. A shuttle service is available for both Kuang Si Waterfalls and Elephant Village, offering a convenient way for visitors to get there.
Cost ranges from 5000 kip for a short tuk-tuk ride to 100000 kip for a full-day bike rental.
If you have more time, consider taking a boat trip along the Mekong River to visit the famous Pak Ou Caves. Alternatively, you can also take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Lao dishes.
If you have less time, you can combine Day 2 and Day 3 into one day, leaving more time for relaxation or other activities.
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) is the main airport serving Luang Prabang. It is located 3.3 km northwest of the city center and takes about 10 minutes to drive there. It offers direct flights to several cities in Asia, including Bangkok, Hanoi, and Singapore.