10 Awesome Destinations to Visit in Luang Prabang, Laos

1. Kuang Si Waterfall

 

Various levels of breathtaking cascades make Kuang Si Waterfall become a major attraction of the city. Tourists going here can swim in crystal blue waters to cool down, jump on liana from trees, climb up to rocks. Although you can reach to the top of the fall, standing on the wooden bridge is said to be the best site to see the whole natural spectacle. Besides, it is easy to meet Hmong villagers dressing traditional costume and buying their hand-made woven crafts.

 

 

2. Mount Phousi

 

The hill is famous as an ideal site to take a sightseeing the sunrise or sunset over the Mekong River. At the peak of Phousi mountain is the golden Wat Chomsi and some nearby small shops buying caged birds. According to Laotians, you will receive good luck and happiness in case of realising a bird here. At its summit, travelers will get a good view of the entire city. 

 

 

3. Living Land

 

It is an organic farm using the ancient methods, avoiding pesticides or chemical fertilizers and supplying fresh vegetables, herbs and rice for Luang Prabang’s hotels and restaurants. The greatest thing when visitors take a trip to here is an experience of a real farm worker. They will be guided by local people how to produce rice, control a water buffalo, crush sugar canes for the juice, weave bamboo, etc. 

 

 

4. Royal Palace Museum

 

The charming Royal Palace Museum or Haw Kham (Golden Hall) is a cultural and historical site of Laos. The museum built with the combination of French and Lao traditional style used to be the residence of the king and reflects partly the colonial period. Next to the museum, there are some buildings including a chapel, a statue of King Sisavang Vong – the last King of Laos and an exhibition with royal religious objects, weapons, paintings. 

 

 

5. Pak Ou Caves

 

A visit to this cavern, the first things you will see are dramatic limestone cliffs and beautiful Mekong River sceneries. It is divided into 2 caves: the lower cave – Tham Ting and the upper cave – Tham Theung. Inside, there are a large number of wooden Buddha statues in varying sizes and styles such as thinking, reclining, praying, etc. Therefore, it is considered as a place of worship for more than a thousand of years. 

 

 

6. Wat Xieng Thong

 

Known as a must-see temple in Luang Prabang, the wat consists of great cultural, historic and architectural significance. Because located near the peninsula at the confluence of Mekong river and Nam Khan river, it was considered as a ceremonial gate of the city for centuries. This Golden City Temple has many structures on the grounds such as chapels, shrines, pavilions, residences and gardens with flowers, trees and shrubs. The most valuable heritage of the temple is a mosaic in a tree called a tree of life. 

 

 

7. Night Market

 

What makes markets in the city as special places are daily night markets filled with lots of craft and silverware. It is really suitable for tourists to purchase something as souvenirs. In the market, they not only buy gifts but also try BBQ river fish, Lao noodles and other street food.

 

 

8. Whisky Village

 

Called another name Ban Xang Hai, this village is appreciated by local Lao whisky or Lao Lao which is fermented from insects, bugs and snakes. Lao Lao whisky bottles are displayed to sale for tourists. This kind of wine is made by traditional methods involving a wooden fire, an old drum and some pipes. Besides, hand woven Lao silk is also popular goods produced by many households in the village.

 

 

9.  Wat That Luang

 

There is a reputation that the central stupa contains the ashes of King Sisavang Vong and his brother. However, the most attractive highlight of this temple is the huge bronze Buddha statue which is about 600kg in weight. It has been a long time since Wat That Luang became an important ritual site for Buddhists, folk and ceremonials.

 

 

10. Tad Sae Waterfall

 

If travelers prefer peace and tranquility, Tad Sae Waterfall is the best destination. The locals usually enjoy their picnic near the fall and waterwheels on weekends. At the entrance, there are some elephants tourists can ride and feed. That the water teems over the different levels of rocks into the pools below will be a natural photo in your trip. 

 

Wonderful experience for Laos family holidays.