Luang Prabang 2 Day Itinerary

Luang Prabang 2-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Exploring the Ancient City

Morning:

  • Start your day with a traditional Lao breakfast at Tamarind Cafe. Try their sticky rice with mango or Laap, a popular dish made from minced meat and herbs.
  • Visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn about Luang Prabang’s royal history.
  • Stroll around the nearby Haw Pha Bang Temple, home to a beautiful golden Buddha statue.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Wat Xieng Thong. Admire its stunning architecture and intricate murals.
  • Take a traditional Lao boat trip on the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves. Inside, you’ll find thousands of Buddha statues placed by devoted followers over centuries.

Evening:

  • Witness the monks’ alms giving ritual at sunrise or sunset at Tak Bat. It’s a spiritual and cultural highlight not to be missed.
  • Enjoy dinner at L’Elephant, a restaurant supporting the Lao Children’s Hospital. Try their signature Lao dishes like Laap Moo, Grilled Sticky Rice with Dip, and Kaeng Khiaw Wan (Vegetarian).

Night:

  • Relax at 3 Nagas Boutique Hotel or Sala Prabang, two highly-rated hotels in Luang Prabang. Both offer comfortable accommodations and great service.

Day 2: Nature and Wellness

Morning:

  • Begin your day with yoga at De La Warr Pavilion. They offer classes overlooking the Mekong River, a peaceful and serene setting.
  • Visit the Ban Xang Khong Village, known for its traditional silk weaving and Saa (Lao paper) making. You can also find beautiful handmade souvenirs here.

Afternoon:

  • Head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Swim in the crystal clear turquoise pools, walk through the bear sanctuary, and enjoy a picnic lunch.
  • On your way back, stop by the Tad Sae Waterfall, another beautiful natural attraction.

Evening:

  • Have dinner at Utopia Asia Restaurant for a fusion of Lao and international cuisine in a charming setting.
  • Experience the traditional Baci ceremony, a Lao healing ritual, usually performed by local tour agencies. It’s a unique opportunity to learn about Lao spiritual beliefs.

Things to Know:

  1. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage City, so it has strict building regulations to preserve its architectural and cultural integrity.
  2. Respect the local culture by dressing modestly, especially when visiting temples or monasteries. Long pants and covered shoulders are recommended.
  3. Tuk-tuks (motorized rickshaws) and taxis are common forms of transportation in Luang Prabang. Bargain before getting into a tuk-tuk to ensure a fair price.
  4. The town is small, so walking is a great way to explore, but wear comfortable shoes as the streets can be steep or uneven.
  5. Visit during the annual Tak Bat Fai (Lantern Festival) in October/November for a truly magical experience.