About Luang Prabang
Set among the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is one of the country’s most charming and atmospheric cities. The former royal capital, it is known for its beautiful temples, French colonial buildings and traditional Lao architecture, all set between the Mekong River and surrounding green hills.
Luang Prabang was founded in the 14th century and became the centre of the Lan Xang Kingdom, playing an important role in the country’s history, religion and culture for centuries. Although the capital later moved to Vientiane, Luang Prabang remained an important spiritual and cultural centre. Its historic buildings and well-preserved character led to the city being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
There are more than 30 temples to discover in the city, including Wat Xieng Thong, one of Laos’s most important monasteries. Built in 1560, the temple is a wonderful example of traditional Lao architecture, with sweeping roofs, intricate carvings and colourful mosaics. Look out for the striking Tree of Life mosaic on the rear wall of the main temple.
For some of the best views over Luang Prabang, climb the 355 steps to the top of Mount Phousi. The small temple of Wat Chom Si sits at the summit, with panoramic views across the city and surrounding mountains. The hill is particularly beautiful at sunrise and sunset.
The Royal Palace Museum offers another glimpse into Luang Prabang’s past. Once home to the Lao royal family, the former palace contains royal artefacts, religious objects and original furnishings, while the building itself combines traditional Lao design with French Beaux-Arts influences.
Beyond the city, the Kuang Si Waterfalls are one of the area’s most popular natural attractions. Just under 30 kilometres outside of Luang Prabang, the waterfalls cascade through a series of turquoise pools surrounded by lush forest. There are walking trails to explore, as well as a bear rescue centre where rescued Asiatic black bears are cared for.
Luang Prabang is also a great place to experience Lao food and local life. Sticky rice, fresh vegetables and fragrant herbs feature heavily in the local cuisine, with dishes such as laap, tam mak hoong (green papaya salad) and khao soi well worth trying. In the evenings, the Night Market along Sisavangvong Road is a good place to browse locally made textiles, handicrafts and souvenirs.
The city has a tropical monsoon climate, with a dry season from November to April and a wetter season from May to October. November and the early part of the dry season tend to be cooler, with temperatures around 20°C to 25°C, while March and April can reach 30°C to 35°C. The wet season is more humid, with frequent afternoon showers and the heaviest rainfall usually between July and September.