Luang Prabang 7 Day Itinerary

Luang Prabang 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival & Exploring the City

  • Arrival: Luang Prabang International Airport is your destination. Taxis or tuk-tuks are available outside the airport for transportation to your hotel.

  • Accommodation: Consider staying at Villa Santi Hotel, a boutique hotel located in the heart of Luang Prabang.

  • Lunch: Visit Tamarind for Laotian and Asian fusion dishes.

  • Afternoon: Explore the city, visit the Royal Palace Museum to learn about the history of Luang Prabang. Take a walk along the Mekong River promenade for beautiful sunset views.

Day 2: Temples & Alms Giving

  • Morning: Start your day early (around 6 AM) to witness the traditional alms giving ceremony. Visit Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Visoun.

  • Lunch: Try local dishes like Laap, Tamale, or Kaipen at CafĂ© de la Paix by the Mekong River.

  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum and explore the local night market for souvenirs.

Day 3: Pak Ou Caves & Kuang Si Waterfalls

  • Morning: Take a boat trip to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues.

  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch during your boat ride or have lunch at a riverside restaurant upon return.

  • Afternoon: Visit the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls. Swim in the turquoise pools and explore the bear sanctuary nearby.

Day 4: Elephant Sanctuary & Cooking Class

  • Morning: Spend a day at an ethical elephant sanctuary like Elephant Rescue Center.

  • Lunch: A homemade lunch is usually included in your elephant sanctuary visit.

  • Afternoon: Join a Laotian cooking class to learn local recipes and techniques at places like Tamarind Cooking School.

Day 5: Tad Sae Waterfall & Phousi Mountain

  • Morning: Head to the less crowded Tad Sae Waterfall. Enjoy a relaxing day surrounded by nature.

  • Lunch: Pack a lunch or try local food at restaurants near the waterfall.

  • Afternoon: Climb Phousi Mountain for sunset views and visit the sacred That Chomsi temple on top.

Day 6: Baci Ceremony & Night Market

  • Morning: Learn about Laotian culture by participating in a Baci ceremony.

  • Lunch: Relax at your hotel or try local eateries around the city.

  • Afternoon: Visit the beautiful Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham and explore the city’s temples and architecture.

  • Evening: Stroll through the night market for unique souvenirs, food, and cultural experiences.

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy your last Laotian meal at a favorite spot before heading to the airport for your departure.

Transportation: Taxis or tuk-tuks are widely available in Luang Prabang. Some tours may include transportation, so be sure to check with providers. Renting a motorbike is another option if you’re comfortable driving.

Things to Know:

  • Luang Prabang’s Old Quarter has no cars, only bicycles, motorbikes, and pedestrians.
  • Laos operates on Indochina Time (ICT) which is 6 hours ahead of UTC and 1 hour behind Thailand.
  • Dress modestly when visiting temples or religious sites, with shoulders and knees covered.
  • Tipping is appreciated but not expected in Laos. Round up your bill if you’re satisfied with the service.
  • Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage City, so do your part to preserve its beauty by disposing of waste properly and respecting local customs.