Luang Prabang

At one time, Luang Prabang was the capital of the first kingdom of Laos, and was named Xieng Dong Xieng Thong, or the City of Gold for its splendor. Several centuries later, the capital was moved to Vientiane, and the kingdom was split by infighting, weakness, and foreign invasions. Faced with instability and uncertainty, the rulers of Luang Prabang accepted help from French, who in turn absorbed the city into their fledgling colony, and left their mark in the form of colonial buildings and structures. After Laos was opened to tourism in 1989, the city experienced a spate of restoration and renovation; in addition, it became a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Experiences

A handpicked selection of experiences endorsed by our experts. If you can’t see what you’re looking for, let us know, as our extensive network of local contacts can open many doors.

Baci Dinner

Join a local family for a traditional Baci ceremonial dinner. The Baci is used to celebrate a special event, such as a marriage, a homecoming, a birth, or one of Laos’s annual festivals, and combines a blessing in the local folk religion with a festive meal. You’ll be served typical Laotian food, a spicy melange of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cuisines, served with sticky rice and the ubiquitous local chili paste.

Morning Alms

Take part in the age-old tradition of making rounds for alms. Awake at sunrise, and meet a procession of monks as they make their way to homes and shops to receive their daily rice, an event of great merit for all Lao people.

Night Market

Enjoy a post-prandial stroll through Luang Prabang's Hmong Night Market, where various hill tribe people sell their textiles and other handmade creations every evening.

Pak Ou Caves

Board a small boat and cruise up the Mekong River to visit the Pak Ou Caves, famed because they are filled with roughly 10,000 small Buddha statues. When an image of Buddha cracks or is damaged, it is bad luck to keep it around, but it cannot be destroyed. For hundreds of years, old Buddhas in Laos have been retired to these caves.

Royal Palace Museum

See the Royal Palace Museum, originally built during the French colonial period as a residence for King Sisavang. This fascinating museum features the original royal chambers, paintings depicting traditional Lao life, a throne room, and four of the old royal cars - including an Edsel.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center

Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center (TAEC), an independent, non-profit museum dedicated to the ethnic cultures in Laos. The museum displays and sells a number of local handicrafts, and the center as a whole is also involved in research, preservation and documentation of cultural artefacts, outreach and education, and livelihood development.

Village Visit

Visit a traditional Lao house in a nearby village to participate in a hands-on lesson in religious floral arrangement. A local senior village member will introduce you to the spiritual principles involved in creating bouquets for Luang Prabang’s temples, ultimately helping you create a Buddhist offering for a nearby monastery. He will then bring you to the temple and guide you through the ritual of the floral offering.

Wat Phou Si

Climb the steep winding stone stairs to the golden Buddhas at Wat Phou Si, which sits on a hilltop at the highest point above Luang Prabang. The views over the city and the Mekong River valley are terrific at sunset.

Wat Xieng Thong

Visit Wat Xieng Thong, a Buddhist monastery considered to be the most outstanding in all of Luang Prabang, featuring a classic sim (ordination hall) and meticulous design. Visit the private chambers of one of the top monks and have tea and snacks with him, and chat with him about his life and his beliefs.

Laos Regions

Explore in-depth information, experiences and highlights by navigating to specific regions using the links below.

Luang Prabang Itineraries

Classic Laos

Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Price Per Person
From $8,700
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Ancient Laos: A Journey Back in Time

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,700
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Behind the Scenes in Northern Laos

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
See Itinerary

Beyond Luang Prabang: Exploring Northern Laos

Duration
7 days / 6 nights
Price Per Person
From $3,400
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Capital to Ancient Capital: A Glimpse of Northern Laos

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,300
See Itinerary

Classic Southeast Asia

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $19,200
See Itinerary

Discover Southeast Asia | Aman Jet Expeditions | November 10–20, 2024

Date
November 10–20, 2024
Price Per Person
$74,888
See Itinerary

Heritage of Northern Laos: Discovering the Past, Protecting the Future

Duration
10 days / 9 nights
Price Per Person
From $6,100
See Itinerary

Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $93,100
See Itinerary

Peak Laos: Heights of Phongsaly

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
See Itinerary
Preferred Hotel

Amantaka

Luang Prabang, Laos

Amantaka is set south of Phousi Mountain and close to the banks of the Mekong River and the Luang Prabang Night Market. The resort, an old French colonial building, is surrounded by a spacious courtyard, and has 24 suites – eight deluxe suites, four pool suites, eight Khan suites, two Mekong suites and two Amantaka suites, all with spacious interior and exterior living areas. Facilities include a spa, a fitness center, a library and a boutique art gallery. Amantaka is little more than a ten- minute drive from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ).

Preferred Hotel

Belmond La Residence Phou Vao

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located on an idyllic hillside around 10 minutes from the centre of Luang Prabang, La Residence Phou Vao is a gorgeous boutique property. Set in 2 acres of tropical garden, the resort was built in traditional Lao style and has fantastic views of the surrounding countryside. The hotel's 34 rooms and suites all have wonderful views, either of the gardens, mountains or infinity pool. The two garden suites have separate living rooms. The hotel restaurant offers superb Lao-French cuisine and is located by the pool. The spa was the first luxury spa in Luang Prabang and also has a stunning 13m fresh water infinity pool.

Preferred Hotel

Rosewood Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Kham and Mekong rivers, Luang Prabang is known for its Buddhist temples and monasteries, preserved traditional architecture, and remaining vestiges of Laos’ French colonial period. These elements earned it the distinction of being listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. The city of just under 60,000 continues to inspire awe in tourists to this day, and with the opening of the Rosewood Luang Prabang, luxury travelers have the option to visit this destination while enjoying the level of comfort that the Rosewood Hotels and Resorts brand has staked its reputation on. The 24-room, suite, villa, and tent accommodations are designed by celebrated architect Bill Bensley and combine world-class luxury with local aesthetics. Guests are invited to enjoy locally sourced Laotian meals at The Great House or a drink and view from the Elephant Bridge Bar. There is also an opulent spa on site and a centrally located swimming pool, around which guests can enjoy a drink or a bite to eat in this haven of luxury.

Preferred Hotel

Sofitel Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos

Sofitel Luang Prabang, located in a refurbished French colonial fort, is one of Luang Prabang's most historic luxury hotels. Formerly known as Hotel de la Paix, Sofitel Luang Prabang consists of 25 suites, including the Signature Governor's Residence, all designed in contemporary style with a bathtub, free WiFi, flat-screen TV, DVD player and iPod, as well as a private terrace/garden area. An all-day dining restaurant serves classic Lao cuisine, and the colonial-style bar is a great spot to enjoy a cocktail by the fireplace. The hotel also has a spa and library.

Luang Say Residence

Luang Say Residence

Luang Prabang, Laos

Enjoy the ultimate in relaxation and comfort at this luxury five-star resort. The Luang Say Residence is a stunning colonial-style resort situated in Luang Prabang, a charming town and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Offering 32 lavish suites, each spacious room is equipped with beautiful wood furnishings, teak flooring, a private balcony, as well as a lounge, writing bureau, and more. After check-in, guests can unwind on the gorgeous terrace, take a dip in the outdoor garden pool, explore the private library, or enjoy a smoke in the cigar lounge. Other services include a French bistro-style bar, an on-site restaurant featuring international cuisine, and bicycle rental. Set in the heart of Luang Prabang and along the scenic Mekong River, the resort is a 10-minute drive from the city center, and from Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ).

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