A lot to do in Luang Prabang

If you fly into Laos, landing in Luang Prabang was one of the most stunning landings with the green mountains surrounding the small place. It's full of friendly locals and is a pleasant surprise for a lot of backpackers when they realise how many memories they can make here.

Climb Mount Phousi for sunset

View from Mount Phousi

The many temples of Mount Phousi

It's not an easy climb up but it's a clear path of stairs for you to follow. When climbing the mountain, you can have a break whilst you take in the temples and various sculptures placed around the path. With there being temples, you must were long trousers/skirt and have your shoulders covered to respect the monks and Buddha. At the peak, you can see the most stunning view of the green mountains and sunset though it can get a little busy at this time.


Head to Utopia for a few drinks then bowl

Utopia Restaurant and Bar

Utopia is based next to the river and you can go during the day for some great food or in the evening for a few cocktails. With it's relaxed atmosphere, a lot of backpackers head here. It is a cash only business so make sure you've been to an ATM before you go. All the bars in Luang Prabang close at around 11:30pm, so everyone hoards into tuk tuks and head to a bowling bar 10 minutes away. It's the only place that is lively and still serves beer. It's also a nice change from ending the night in a club!

Kuang Si Falls

You can either get a shared minivan or rent a scooter to get to this waterfall. Just bare in mind that the drive isn't easy. Either way, you can't miss this whilst you're in Luang Prabang. It's huge, picturesque and it has swim spots. It's everything that you would want a waterfall to be. The only problem is, no picture does this place justice. On your walk up to the falls, there is also a bear sanctuary where you can see loads of cute bears if you're an animal lover. 

Pac Ou Caves

Although this is way down the Mekong River, you can get a boat tour to the Pac Ou Caves - made up of a lower and higher cave. They are full of Buddha statues which is quite impressive. The steps up to the higher cave are a struggle, just a warning. You also stop at a whisky village and learn about the medicinal values of the bottles of alcohol you see with the snakes, lizards and scorpions in them.

Brave the Communist Era Bridge

Sunset from the Communist Era Bridge

It may sound easy to cross a bridge but do you dare cross a bridge that has panels missing, screws loose and feels so rickety beneath your feet? The Communist Era Bridge crosses the Nam Khan River and if you can brave to walk across it, you can get an amazing sunset view.

The Royal Palace and markets

The Royal Palace is quite a small ground that you can explore. Although still stunning with the well looked after gardens and the golden palace being the place your eyes draw to on the street. It is also surrounded by the night market where you can buy all of your souvenirs and get the best street food. You can also see all the local children playing whilst their parents are at work in their stalls.

Alm's Ceremony

Every day at sunrise, the town wakes up to give the many monks walking to the temples offerings. Hundreds of monks can be seen and you can buy rice as an offering (around £1 per pot) that you kneel and give to the monks in the carry baskets. There are some rules but they're around all of the temples and the ladies selling rice are happy to help. It's a great experience if you can get up about 5am.

Luang Prabang is definitely a place a lot of backpacker's are surprised with. Everyone tends to love it more than expected and are sad to leave.