24 HOURS IN LUANG PRABANG, LAOS
I arrived in Luang Prabang, Laos after two days on the slow boat with no expectation and not a lot of time. This UNESCO World Heritage City surprised and delighted me and only made me want to go back to Laos to see more.
I had a lot to see in a little bit of time, so this is what to do with 24 hours in Luang Prabang.
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Arriving with no expectations
My plans for Laos were limited – I knew I wanted to experience the slow boat journey up the Mekong River, but I didn’t exactly have the time to really see more of the country afterwards. I had a flying visit that left me wanting to return, but in all honesty, I arrived with no expectations. What I learned was that I was actually quite charmed by Laos – the slow boat experience, and my day in Luang Prabang.
I only had a short time in Luang Prabang, but I feel like it has the special feeling that Thailand probably had for tourists and travellers 15-20 years ago. There’s enough other travellers so that you can find company, and you don’t feel so exposed as a foreigner, but there’s few enough of you that it feels a bit more authentic. Thailand, now, is so (over) saturated with tourists that you lose some of the special shine of the country. I obviously still love Thailand, but wow I definitely want to pay Laos another, deeper, visit.
CLIMB PHOUSI HILL
Standing tall above the city is the sacred Phousi Hill. From the top you will get absolutely stunning panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the joining rivers. It is well worth the 20-30 minute climb to the top.
Entry is 30,000 kip per person ($2 CAD / $1.40 USD) and is paid halfway up the hill. It is open 5:30AM to 6:00PM, but if you’re up there already you can stay to watch the sunset.
It really is beautiful all day, but it is quite a gorgeous spot to watch the sun dip behind the lush green mountains surrounding Luang Prabang. If you’re really committed, to making the most of your 24 hours in Luang Prabang, you could watch the sunrise from the top.
Atop Phousi Hill you will also find the Wat Chom Si temple. This is a sacred place for Buddhist monks, so when you visit Phousi Hill, keep in mind it is important to behave respectfully and dress appropriately.
Go Temple Hopping
Luang Prabang is the cultural heart of Laos, and has the temples to show for it. All over the city you’ll find beautiful Buddhist temples to visit.
Some of the most popular to visit are Wat Xieng Thong (the temple of the Golden City) and Wat Visounnarath, one of the oldest in Luang Prabang. Pictured left and right respectively.
Other popular temples to visit in Luang Prabang include Wat Aham, Wat Sop Sickharam, and of course Wat Chom Si on top of Phousi Hill.
Take a dip at the Kuang si Waterfalls
This might take up a big part of your day if you really only have 24 hours in Luang Prabang, but it is one of the iconic things to do when you’re there. It is a gorgeous cascading waterfall with ribbons of turquoise water, collecting in natural pools.
The Kuang Si Waterfalls are located roughly 30 KM south of the city, on roads that are not great (ie. lots of potholes) so it generally takes an hour to drive, each way. There are tuktuks you can take out to the falls, but the cheapest and often more popular way to get there is to rent a scooter and drive yourself.
At the waterfall you can take a refreshing dip in some of the natural pools. Some however are considered sacred – so just be sure that if you are going swimming, you’re doing so in a pool designated for it. Swimming is really only possible/advised in the dry season, because in the rainy season the waterfall all but doubles in size. The gentle turquoise waters turn to a sediment-filled, muddy, brown and rage down the rock wall.
Entrance for Kuang Si Falls is 60,000 kip per person and motorbike parking is 5,000 kip.
have a local brew at sunset
The many restaurants and bars along the river is a great place to watch the sunset and have a local brew. A beerlao is nothing special (respectfully), but I simply cannot leave a country without trying the local beer!
It should be mentioned, beer is generally a safe bet for travellers looking to stay away from spirits/cocktails but still have a drink. Given the news about the tragic backpacker deaths that occurred in Vang Vieng, be extra careful with your drinks, don’t leave them unattended, and advisably, don’t accept free alcohol.
Wander the Night Market
You can’t beat a mooch around a night market while in Southeast Asia – and Luang Prabang delivers. Open every day from 5 PM to 10 PM (though it was starting to pack up closer to 9 PM when I was there), you’ll find an array of handmade artisan goods, kitchy little trinkets, and unique souvenirs to take home for friends and family. There is also a busy food section with a delicious array of stands to satisfy your appetite.
Compared to some of the night markets in Thailand, the Luang Prabang night market is modest in size and scale, but it does not disappoint. In fact, I was quite charmed by some of the wares that were being sold because they were new and unique compared to all the typical elephant pants you find in Thailand. I bought a darling hand embroidered coaster and a pouch with a great nonsense saying about milk.
Other options
If you arrive to Luang Prabang by slow boat, you’ve probably seen enough of the Mekong River, but if you haven’t, you can take a river boat up to the Pak Ou Caves or karaoke sundowner cruise.
And with that, your 24 hours in Luang Prabang have come to an end. Without a doubt you will have a full day if you follow these recommendations for the day. I hope you find Luang Prabang as lovely as I did!
If you are also wanting some information about the journey from Thailand to Laos on the slow boat, check out my guide that covers everything you need to know before taking the slow boat.
WHERE TO STAY IN LUANG PRABANG
The UNESCO World Heritage city of Luang Prabang is a charming blend of ancient Lao architecture mixed with French colonial. The historic streets of the Old Town are rich with history, Buddhist temples, traditional shophouses, and great cafes and restaurants.
It is best to base yourself close to the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, on the side of with the elongated peninsula. Most hostels are located on that side and it is most convenient for travellers to explore Luang Prabang.
Best budget accommodation: Funny Riverside Backpackers
Best mid-range accommodation: Pha Nya Residence
Best luxury accommodation: The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel
More Laos Travel Guides
Happy trip planning!
From one traveller to another, I hope this guide was helpful for you as you make your plans and set out on your next adventure!
If you read through this guide and still have questions about the experience or have other questions… fear not, because I can still help! I have a personalized trip planning and advice service available to all Everywhere Travel Club readers. I’d love to chat for an hour with you and help answer any questions you’re working through, share fun ideas, and help bring your big trip into reality! For more info about the one-on-one call for advice, check out the details of my Personalized Travel Planning Sesh.
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