Luang Prabang is a city in the north of Laos. Protected by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. The meaning of Luang Prabang literally can be translated as “Royal golden Buddha”. The population is only 50,000 people, so if you have a chance to visit, expect a charming and relaxing town.
Until the formation of the Lao People’s Democratic Republic in 1975, Luang Prabang was the royal capital. So you can guess there is something to see in Luang Prabang, but the historical part of the city is compact, so in half a day of stroll you can see everything that is interesting here.
Let’s have a look at the places to visit and things to do in this incredible little town!
1) Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong was built between 1559 to 1560 years by King Chai Chetthathirat. It is a beautiful temple of Luang Prabang located on the Mekong River. This is an old temple and one of the most beautiful in Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong has been called by archaeologists “Gem of the Chang Lan Xang Architecture”, referring to its unique and beautiful Northern Lan Xang architecture.
Read more about Wat Xieng Thong in our blog post!
The highlight that must not be missed is In the back of the temple. And the reclining Buddha Hall, which exterior wall is painted rose pink with a beautiful flower decoration pattern.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/QUQsW9HzS4nUSx6M7
🏠 Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
🕒 Hours: 8AM–5PM
💲 Admission: 20.000 kip
2) Wat May Souvannapoumaram (Royal Temple)
Wat May Souvannapoumaram (or just simply Wat Mai) is another important temple in Luang Prabang. Because here used to be the residence of the Supreme Patriarch Bunthan, which was the last Supreme Patriarch of Laos. And still used to be the place to enshrine Phra Bang. The priceless Buddha image of Luang Prabang, before moving to the palace, also was in this temple.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/hrtPhqU4TdgHmDuh8
🏠 Address: Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
🕒 Hours: 7:00-6:00 PM
💲 Admission: 20,000 kip
3) Wat Sensoukharam
Wat Sensoukharam was built in 1718 after Luang Prabang was separated from Vientiane for 11 years. It is another ancient temple of After visiting Phra That Phousi, it was early in the evening at the bottom of Phousi. There will be a long line of shops and shops through the old palace to the roundabout. This place is called the black market, the mood is similar to the one you can find on some walking streets in Thailand. We had amazing friend chicken here with signature Luang Prabang Som Tam (Luang Prabang style spicy papaya salad). We loved it so much, we came to eat here three times during our stay.. The highlight of Wat Saen Sukaram is Big Standing Buddha. There is only one statue like this in Luang Prabang. The people of Luang Prabang will call this Buddha image Phachao 18 cubits because it has a height of 18 cubits. Besides, the temple is very beautiful with red and fine golden paintings.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/RWQsGYPdz2zSCCGD6
🏠 Address: Sakkarine Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
💲 Admission: Free
4) Wat Sop Sickharam
Since there are never enough temples, the next stop is Sop Shikhara Temple. This place is assumed that the origin of the temple’s name “Sop” should refer to the remains of the King. Very nice and peaceful place!
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/HmThtFoqpsEQwStHA
🏠 Address: Sakkarine Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
💲 Admission: Free
5) Nagini by 3 Nagas
The Nagini Bar is located at the 3 Nagas Hotel, where we were lucky enough to stay for one night. There is an excellent selection of drinks and food, as well as a very cozy and stylish interior, in which you just want to take pictures!
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/XS7x6GFPJuzmASaU7
🏠 Address: 3 Nagas Luang Prabang MGallery Sakkarin Road Bat Vat Sene, Laos
🕒 Hours: 12-11 PM.
☎️ Phone: +85671253888
6) Heritage Shop by Ock Pop Tok
A colorful shop Heritage Shop by Ock Pop Tok where you can buy souvenirs, clothes, and much more, and at the same time support local producers. We didn’t get anything here for ourselves, but it was great to wander around and window shopping. Several places around the store may be interested in lovers of vibrant photos.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/6cw8R5zbeoMPGKfq5
🏠 Address: Sakkaline Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
☎️ Phone: +85671254406
7) Night Market
After visiting Phra That Phousi, it was early in the evening at the bottom of Phousi. There will be a long line of shops and shops through the old palace to the roundabout. This place is called the black market, the mood is similar to the one you can find on some walking streets in Thailand. We had amazing friend chicken here with signature Luang Prabang Som Tam (Luang Prabang style spicy papaya salad). We loved it so much, we came to eat here three times during our stay.
As for the items that are on sale, they will be vertical. A variety of souvenirs, handmade crafts, silk, and various accessories. Is that there are enough products in various styles. Anyone looking for a souvenir from a visit to Luang Prabang can come to walk and shop here.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/3QhDbvjZUqFWmoNL8
🏠 Address: 16 Chaofa Ngum Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
🕒 Hours: 05:00 pm – 10:00 pm
8) Royal Palace
Luang Prabang Palace is the old palace of Chao Maha Life Sai in Luang Prabang. It has very beautiful architecture with a blend of European architecture. It is now an important museum and visitors can walk around the rooms, but taking photos is forbidden inside, so we don’t have any. You can expect old Royal interiors inside with mixed between Asian and European style furniture.
Inside there are bedrooms, workrooms, royal rooms, a large hall, ceremonial rooms, reception rooms, including utensils. The clothes of the King, the Queen, and the Royal Family of Laos during the reign of King Srisawangwong Until the time of the great life Sri Sawangwattana, the last King of Laos.
Also, this place houses the ancient Buddha images of Luang Prabang.
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/aAa6vxjwx53dgcoD9
🏠 Address: 27 Ounheun Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
🕒 Hours: 8AM-11.30AM และ 1.30PM – 4PM (Close on Tuesday)
☎️ Phone: +85671212122
9) Saffron Coffee’s Espresso, Brew Bar, & Roastery
Saffron Coffee’s Espresso, Brew Bar, & Roastery can be called a coffee shop that has been carefully selected from around the world. As they said, they are picky with selecting coffee grades. And most importantly, they roast their own coffee beans as well. The coffee here is a coffee that has a unique taste of Laos. The menu at the shop includes cakes, desserts, coffee, hot and cold beverages, appetizing menus such as a carrot cake.
📍 Location: https://g.page/SaffronCoffee
🏠 Address: Wat Nong and Houa Xieng Villages, 0600 Luang Prabang
🕒 Hours: Monday – Saturday, 7:00 a.m. – 9:00 p.m
☎️ Phone: +85671212915
10) Zurich Bread Factory and Café
Zurich Bread Factory and Café is an Amazing bread shop in Luang Prabang, Laos. Each baked piece is big, thick, and delicious. There are many different options available, including pizza, croissants, pasta, steak, salad, pumpkin soup, and even authentic Lao local dishes.
And believe us, you don’t want to miss it is a sandwich filled with fresh avocado. The more we tried, the more we liked it! Zurich Bread Factory and Café pays much attention to the ingredients and focuses on organic and fresh ingredients to fit the concept of clean eating.
This place is suitable to have a good cup of coffee in a simple but charming atmosphere to escape the heat. Come to soak in the cool air-conditioned at Zurich Bread Factory and Café to try some good bakes, coffee, or eat some delicious food.
You also can read full review about Zurich Bread Factory and Café, including our experience with the delivery in Bangkok!
📍 Location: https://goo.gl/maps/LoNtT3sz7ag62Qyw8
🏠 Address: Sakkaline Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
🕒 Hours: 5-9 PM
☎️ Phone: +8562058528953
Deer is Travelling 