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

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Luang Prabang Itineraries

Classic Laos

Travel Laos from north to south on this classic 8-day journey that will take you to the country’s must-see spots. Visit charming Luang Prabang, swim in gem-colored waterfalls, shop boutiques in the capital and countryside, bike around villages in Champasak, and kayak in Don Khone.

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

Laos’ colorful history is only a holiday away on this 9-day luxury tour. Discover the ancient capital of the country as you stroll through old-world Luang Prabang and compare it to the country’s more modern capital of Vientiane. This French-Asian fusion culture is a historical, culinary and architectural treat. 

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

Be captivated by Northern Laos on this 8-day luxury voyage. You’ll stay in a comfortable eco-lodge and luxury accommodation, hike steep mountains, interact with locals in a remote village, trek through thick jungles, and ride an elephant along the mighty Mekong river in charming Luang Prabang. 

Duration
9 days / 8 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
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Beyond Luang Prabang: Exploring Northern Laos

Spend 7 days in Laos’ stunning Northern region, where you’ll visit ancient UNESCO-listed temples, hike a mountain, kayak down a river keeping an eye out for exotic wildlife, and sit down to a traditional village dinner, all while staying in some of the best hotels in Laos, like Luang Prabang’s Amantaka.

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

Take in the stunning scenery and encounter friendly locals on this whirlwind 5-day adventure through Northern Laos. You’ll sleep in luxury along the banks of the Mekong river, ride an elephant bareback, and explore the cultural wonders of charming Luang Prabang, where you’ll stay in one of Laos’ best hotels.

Duration
6 days / 5 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,300
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Classic Southeast Asia

This 20-day classic journey to Southeast Asia is a great way to experience the best of what this diverse region has to offer. With an extended trip, you’ll have plenty of time to explore the cities, villages, and beaches of Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Duration
20 days / 19 nights
Price Per Person
From $21,000
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Indochina's Heritage Sites by Air: Bangkok to Bagan

On this 12-day luxury private jet adventure, stroll the streets of emperors in Vietnam, visit old-word temples scattered across Southeast Asia, and try your hand at bargaining with the locals at different fresh markets. This trip hits all of Southeast Asia’s must-see destinations, traveling from Thailand to Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, and Myanmar. See isolated cities and towns not frequented by the average traveler, made accessible by a private jet.

Duration
12 days / 11 nights
Price Per Person
From $93,100
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Peak Laos: Heights of Phongsaly

Discover the charms of Northern Laos with this five-day, off the beaten path itinerary. Start in Vientiane before flying on to the country’s northernmost airport at Boun Neu. You’ll head to Akha Nugui for a local homestay, all before exploring mountain-top stupas, markets and villages around the main town of Phongsaly.

Duration
5 days / 4 nights
Price Per Person
From $4,200
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Stepping into Southeast Asia’s Spiritual Side

Go beyond mere tropical paradise into the sacred world of Buddhist blessings and spiritual history with this 11-day expedition across Thailand, Laos and Cambodia in order to unwrap another layer of the marvel that is Southeast Asia. With great ceremony and celebration, tap into the spirit of adventure and prepare for a journey of the mind, body and soul.
 

Duration
11 days / 10 nights
Price Per Person
From $22,300
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Amantaka
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...
Belmond La Residence Phou Vao
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...
Rosewood Luang Prabang
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...
Sofitel Luang Prabang
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...
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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