Luang Prabang 5 Day Itinerary

Luang Prabang 5-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

  • Accommodation: Maison Souvannaphumhouse or Villa Santi - centrally located, with charming Lao architecture and comfortable rooms.
  • Breakfast: Tamarind Cafe - delicious organic meals and a great spot for people watching.
  • Morning: Visit Wat Visoun (the oldest temple in Luang Prabang), Wat Aham (known for its beautiful murals) and Wat Xieng Thong (most famous and ornate monastery in Luang Prabang).
  • Lunch: Phousi Cafe - offering a variety of local dishes.
  • Afternoon: Climb Mount Phousi to enjoy the panoramic view of the city and temples at sunset.
  • Dinner: Lao Kitchen - authentic Laotian food with a friendly atmosphere.
  • Tips: Dress respectfully when visiting temples (long pants, no tank tops).

Day 2: Temples & Traditional Arts

  • Breakfast: Artisans Lane Cafe - art gallery and cafe in one, with a focus on traditional Lao crafts.
  • Morning: Visit Wat Mai, Wat Sene, and the National Museum (Royal Palace).
  • Lunch: L’Elephant Restaurant - French-Laotian fusion cuisine located near the Mekong River.
  • Afternoon: Take a Traditional Lao Cooking Class or a Baci Ceremony workshop to learn about local traditions.
  • Dinner: Khaiphaen Restaurant - traditional Lao food served in an old house with live music.
  • Things to Know: The city is small and walkable, but you may want to rent a bike for longer trips.

Day 3: Pak Ou Caves & Boat Trip

  • Breakfast: Villa Santi - enjoy the complimentary breakfast before setting off on an adventure.
  • Morning: Take a boat trip upstream along the Mekong River to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues.
  • Lunch: Luang Say Riverside Restaurant - delicious Lao and French dishes served in a beautiful riverside setting.
  • Afternoon: Continue downstream and visit the Ban Xang Hai village, known for its rice wine production.
  • Dinner: Le Banneton - French bakery with a delightful selection of pastries and sandwiches.
  • Transportation: Boat trip provided by most tour operators. Alternatively, rent a bike or hire a tuk-tuk.

Day 4: Kuang Si Falls & Elephant Sanctuary

  • Breakfast: Tamarind Cafe or Artisans Lane Cafe - both are good options for your last day in the city.
  • Morning: Visit the Kuang Si Falls, a stunning three-tiered waterfall with crystal clear turquoise pools.
  • Lunch: The Food Stall at the Falls - casual eatery offering local dishes and a scenic view of the falls.
  • Afternoon: Spend time relaxing at the falls or visit the nearby Elephant Sanctuary, where you can learn about and interact with rescued elephants.
  • Dinner: Lao BBQ - street food stalls serving grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables on Phousi Road.
  • Things to Know: Bring swimming gear for the falls, and be prepared for a bit of a hike.

Day 5: Departure

  • Breakfast: Your choice from Day 1 or Day 2.
  • Departure: Luang Prabang International Airport - airport taxis are available outside your hotel, or you can take a tuk-tuk to the airport (about 15 minutes away).