[LA] Five great places to go in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northern Laos. It has stunning natural scenery and cultural heritage. Below are five great places to visit for first-timers:

1. Phousi Hill

Phousi Hill is the highest point in the center of the old town of Luang Prabang. Whilst standing only 100 meters high, it provides a nice view of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang city. At the top of Phousi Hill is the sacred That Chomsi Stupa built in 1804.

To visit Wat Chomsi, you will first have to climb 328 steps and pay an entrance fee of 20k kip (as of Nov 2023). With some heavy breathing and panting, the climb should be manageable for most people with average fitness.

There are three entrance/exit points to Phousi Hill: near Icon Klub, along Kingkitsarath Road, and opposite the Royal Palace Museum. recommend to enter near Icon Klub and exit near the Royal Palace Museum. This will allow you to discover sights and Buddha images within the Phousi compound on the way to Wat Chomsi. Once you’ve concluded exploring Phousi Hill, you can connect seamlessly to the Royal Palace Museum or the vibrant night market.

Tips:

Visit during sunset to capture the amazing Mekong River sunset view and city night views! Then, connect to the night market for some delicious local delicacies!

2. The Royal Palace Museum (Former Royal Palace of Luang Prabang)

Constructed in 1904, the Royal Palace Museum was once occupied by King Sisavang Vong and Crown Prince Savang Vatthana. Ticket to the well-maintained compound costs 30k kip (as of Nov 2023) and grants admission to the former Royal Palace, the Wat Ho Pha Bang, and the Royal Palace Car Collection. Admittedly, the former Laos Royal Palace might not boast the grandiosity seen in palaces elsewhere. However, it stands as a repository of the country’s rich history and cultural legacy. I found the visit worthwhile and particularly liked the murals within the King’s reception hall which vividly portrayed traditional Lao lifestyles.

Tips:

• Take note of the opening hours when visiting. The compound is closed off during lunch hours (11 am to 1.30 pm)!
• Backpacks are not allowed inside the building; there are lockers available to safe-keep your backpacks
• Respectful dressing is expected (i.e. no bare shoulders, short skirts, or pants); rental is available on-site
• Photo-taking is not allowed inside the buildings.

3. The Mekong and Nam Khan riverbank

Two iconic rivers—the Nam Khan and the Mekong gracefully cradle Luang Prabang. The Nam Khan River is characterized by a tranquil ambiance and offers a more intimate and serene experience. Its meandering course creates a scenic backdrop of lush landscapes and traditional wooden houses.

On the other hand, the Mekong River, one of the world’s major waterways, commands a majestic presence. The Mekong frames the horizon with hills, temples, and greenery as its broad expanse and flowing currents contribute to the town’s overall charm.

Together, these rivers weave a tapestry of natural beauty around Luang Prabang. Whether you’re strolling along the banks or enjoying a boat ride, the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers provide a picturesque setting that encapsulates the tranquility and timeless charm of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Don’t miss this experience!

Can’t get enough of the Mekong River? Visit Meili Snow Mountains to appreciate the upper sections of the Mekong (also called Lancang River) in China.

4. Luang Prabang Night Market

The Luang Prabang Night Market situated along Sisavangvong Road opens daily from 6 pm to 10 pm. It is a bustling market with a wide array of handmade crafts, textiles, jewelry, and local artwork. This is the perfect place to shop for souvenirs and local gifts!

Furthermore, this market offers a more laid-back and enjoyable shopping experience compared to other night markets in the region. As an introvert, I appreciated the absence of aggressive sales tactics and promotions and was able to explore local crafts at my own pace.

5. Chomphet District, Luang Prabang

Chomphet district situated across the Mekong River is part of the UNESCO World Heritage Protection Zone. It offers a more secluded and authentic experience compared to the bustling center of Luang Prabang with its temples, traditional villages, and scenic landscapes. The more rural and laid-back atmosphere contrasts with the urban feel of Luang Prabang and provides an excellent avenue to glimpse into the local life and customs.

To get there, take a cross-river ferry from the main town of Luang Prabang for 5k kip (as of Nov 2023). The ferries transport motor vehicles as well and depart when full. You will pay directly to the operator on the ferry. These ferries are frequent and serve as the main mode of transport across the river for the locals.

Tips:

• Traditional village to visit: Xieng Mene village
• Temples to visit: Wat Long Koon, Wat Chomphet (20k kip)
  • Wat Long Koon is historically significant as the site for a three-day ceremonial bathing and meditative retreat of the chosen king-to-be before his coronation. Also interestingly, the temple features paintings of two Chinese deities on its entrance wall. During the war, Chinese soldiers who sought refuge in the temple encountered nocturnal disturbances so they painted the deities at the entrances of the temple to ward off evil spirits.
  • Wat Chomphet is praised for its panoramic views of the Mekong River and is recommended for watching the sunset.
• The distance from the ferry terminal to Wat Long Koon is around 1.7km. It can get pretty hot during the day and renting a bicycle for the trip may be desired. I didn’t spot bicycle rentals in the Chomphet district so it will be wise to rent one before crossing to Chomphet
• Villagers collect entrance fees near Wat Chomphet and failure to pay will prohibit access to the path leading to Wat Long Koon. If you only wish to visit Wat Long Koon but not Wat Chomphet, take the path on the left for a detour to Wat Long Koon without having to pay the entrance fees.
• Wat Tham Sakkalin down the path is a temple with an upper cave. When I visited in November 2023, the gate to the cave was locked and it appeared to not be maintained so a special visit to this temple is not recommended.

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