Luang Prabang

Tuk-tuk from airport to old town(15 minutes)

Fixed price 50,000 LAK per person. The drive passes rice paddies and the Nam Khan River bridge

Check in and rest(1.5 hours)

Book a guesthouse on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers (200,000-500,000 LAK/night) for walkability to everything

Sunset at the Mekong riverbank(1.5 hours)

Walk along the lower Mekong promenade. Grab a Beer Lao (15,000 LAK) at one of the riverside bars and watch the sun drop behind the mountains across the river

Dinner at Tamarind Restaurant(1.5 hours)

The best introduction to Lao cuisine — try the tasting platter (85,000 LAK) with sticky rice, jaew dipping sauces, Mekong river weed, and laap. Book ahead in high season

Morning Alms Giving Ceremony(1 hour)

Wake at 5:15AM and position yourself along Sakkaline Road by 5:30AM. Watch from at least 3 meters distance — no flash photography, no blocking monks' path. If participating, buy fresh sticky rice from the morning market, not from street vendors

Breakfast at Joma Bakery Cafe(45 minutes)

French-Lao cafe on the main street. Excellent coffee (25,000 LAK), croissants, and baguette sandwiches. The colonial building has a shaded terrace

Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham)(1.5 hours)

Former royal residence housing the sacred Phra Bang Buddha image. Entry 30,000 LAK. Open 8-11:30AM and 1:30-4PM, closed Tuesday. No photos inside. Leave shoes and bags at the entrance

Lunch at Dyen Sabai(1 hour)

Cross the Nam Khan River on the bamboo bridge (10,000 LAK toll) to this riverside restaurant with cushions and hammocks. Lao set lunch 60,000 LAK

Sunset from Mount Phousi(1.5 hours)

Climb 328 steps to the golden stupa of That Chomsi (20,000 LAK entry). 360-degree views of both rivers and the town. Arrive by 4:30PM for position. More popular than sunrise but the light is better

Tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Falls(45 minutes)

30km south of town. Shared tuk-tuk 60,000-80,000 LAK per person round trip (arrange return pickup time). Depart by 8:30AM to beat tour buses

Bear Rescue Centre at the entrance(30 minutes)

Free with Kuang Si entry (20,000 LAK). Rescued Asiatic black bears in large enclosures. The viewing platforms are well-designed

Swim and explore Kuang Si Falls(3 hours)

Swim in the turquoise lower pools (bring swimwear). The water is cold but refreshing. Hike 15 minutes to the top for views of the main cascade. The trail continues to a viewpoint above the falls. Avoid the crowded main pool — the upper tiers are quieter

Lunch at the small restaurant near the falls(45 minutes)

Simple Lao dishes and drinks. Fried rice 30,000 LAK. Pack snacks as options are limited

Night Market on Sisavangvong Road(2 hours)

Opens at 5PM nightly. Handwoven textiles, mulberry paper products, Hmong handicrafts. Silk scarves 50,000-150,000 LAK. The food stalls on Khem Khong Road side street have all-you-can-fit buffet plates for 15,000 LAK and fresh fruit shakes for 10,000 LAK

Wat Xieng Thong(1.5 hours)

Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple (1560) — the sweeping roofline, mosaic tree of life on the rear wall, and gilded funeral chapel are extraordinary. Entry 20,000 LAK. Open 6AM-6PM

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham(30 minutes)

Next to the Royal Palace — the largest temple in the city with a stunning gold-relief front wall depicting the Ramayana. Entry 10,000 LAK

Wat Visounnarath(30 minutes)

The oldest active temple in the city (1513) with a distinctive rounded stupa locals call the Watermelon Stupa. Entry 20,000 LAK

Lunch at Cafe Toui(45 minutes)

A local favorite tucked away from the main street. Khao piak sen (Lao noodle soup, 25,000 LAK) is the comfort food to try

Ban Xang Khong weaving village(1.5 hours)

A quiet village 3km east of the old town known for traditional Lao weaving and saa (mulberry bark) paper making. Watch weavers at their looms and try your hand at paper-making. Scarves from 100,000 LAK. Hire a bicycle (30,000 LAK/day) to ride there along the river road

Morning slow boat to Pak Ou Caves(2 hours)

Boats depart from the landing near the Royal Palace at 8:30AM. Half-day tour 200,000-300,000 LAK per person. The 25km upstream journey through limestone karst mountains is the real attraction

Stop at Ban Xang Hai (Whisky Village)(30 minutes)

A riverside village famous for lao-lao (rice whisky) production. Free tasting of various infusions — the snake whisky is for the brave. Small bottles from 20,000 LAK

Pak Ou Caves (Tham Ting and Tham Phum)(1 hour)

Two limestone caves at the Mekong-Nam Ou confluence packed with over 4,000 Buddha statues of every size. The lower cave (Tham Ting) is open and well-lit. The upper cave (Tham Phum) requires a headlamp. Entry 20,000 LAK

Afternoon free time(2 hours)

Rest afternoon — nap, read by the river, or get a traditional Lao massage (60,000-100,000 LAK for 1 hour) at one of the old town spas

Sunset cruise on the Mekong(1.5 hours)

1.5-hour evening cruise (150,000-250,000 LAK) from the boat landing. Some include a Lao whisky tasting. The light on the limestone mountains at dusk is spectacular

Tamarind cooking class(4 hours)

Half-day class starting with a morning market tour at Phosy Market (6:30AM). Learn to make laap, sticky rice, mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaf), and jeaw sauces. 250,000-350,000 LAK including lunch. Book a day ahead

Free afternoon — rest or explore(3 hours)

Wander the quieter side streets between the Mekong and Nam Khan. The southern tip of the peninsula where the two rivers meet is serene and uncrowded. Or rent a bicycle and ride along the river road

Dinner at L'Elephant Restaurant(1.5 hours)

French-Lao fusion in a colonial villa. The pork confit with tamarind glaze (120,000 LAK) bridges both culinary traditions beautifully. Reservations recommended

Optional: Second alms ceremony viewing(45 minutes)

If you missed it or want to experience it again — each morning is slightly different. Stand further down Sakkaline Road near Wat Sene for a quieter vantage point

Breakfast and coffee at Le Banneton(1 hour)

French bakery with exceptional croissants and pain au chocolat (20,000-30,000 LAK). The Lao coffee is strong and sweet

Last-minute shopping on the main street(1 hour)

Pick up saa paper notebooks, woven textiles, or Lao coffee beans (excellent quality, 30,000-50,000 LAK per bag) as souvenirs

Tuk-tuk to airport(15 minutes)

50,000 LAK. LPQ is tiny — arrive 1.5 hours before departure

Tuk-tuk from airport to old town(15 minutes)

50,000 LAK per person. Guesthouses on the peninsula (200,000-500,000 LAK/night)

Sunset on the Mekong riverbank(1.5 hours)

Beer Lao (15,000 LAK) at a riverside bar. Watch the sun drop behind the mountains

Dinner at Tamarind Restaurant(1.5 hours)

Lao tasting platter (85,000 LAK) with sticky rice, jaew sauces, Mekong river weed, and laap

Morning Alms Giving Ceremony(1 hour)

Position on Sakkaline Road by 5:30AM. Watch from 3+ meters. No flash. Buy fresh rice from the market if participating

Breakfast at Joma Bakery Cafe(45 minutes)

Coffee 25,000 LAK, croissants, shaded terrace

Royal Palace Museum(1.5 hours)

Phra Bang Buddha image, royal regalia. 30,000 LAK. Closed Tuesday. No photos

Lunch at Dyen Sabai(1 hour)

Cross bamboo bridge (10,000 LAK) to riverside cushions and hammocks. Set lunch 60,000 LAK

Sunset from Mount Phousi(1.5 hours)

328 steps to That Chomsi stupa. 20,000 LAK. 360-degree views of both rivers

Tuk-tuk to Kuang Si Falls(45 minutes)

60,000-80,000 LAK per person round trip. Depart 8:30AM

Bear Rescue Centre(30 minutes)

Free with 20,000 LAK falls entry. Rescued Asiatic black bears

Swim and explore the falls(3 hours)

Turquoise lower pools, 15-min hike to top. Upper tiers are quieter than the main pool

Night Market on Sisavangvong Road(2 hours)

From 5PM. Textiles, crafts. Food stalls on Khem Khong: buffet plates 15,000 LAK, fruit shakes 10,000 LAK

Wat Xieng Thong(1.5 hours)

Luang Prabang's finest (1560). Sweeping rooflines, mosaic tree of life, gilded funeral chapel. 20,000 LAK

Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham(30 minutes)

Gold-relief Ramayana wall. 10,000 LAK

Wat Visounnarath(30 minutes)

Oldest active temple (1513). Watermelon Stupa. 20,000 LAK

Lunch at Cafe Toui(45 minutes)

Khao piak sen noodle soup 25,000 LAK

Ban Xang Khong weaving village(1.5 hours)

3km east. Traditional weaving and saa paper making. Bicycle there along the river road (30,000 LAK/day rental)

Slow boat to Pak Ou Caves(2 hours)

Depart 8:30AM. 200,000-300,000 LAK per person. The river journey is the real attraction

Ban Xang Hai Whisky Village(30 minutes)

Free lao-lao tastings. Snake whisky for the brave. Bottles from 20,000 LAK

Pak Ou Caves(1 hour)

4,000+ Buddha statues. Lower cave is well-lit; upper cave needs headlamp. 20,000 LAK

Afternoon rest or Lao massage(2 hours)

Massage 60,000-100,000 LAK for 1 hour at old town spas

Sunset Mekong cruise(1.5 hours)

Evening cruise 150,000-250,000 LAK. Lao whisky tasting optional

Tamarind cooking class(4 hours)

Market tour at Phosy Market (6:30AM), then cook laap, mok pa, sticky rice. 250,000-350,000 LAK

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Peninsula tip where rivers meet, bicycle ride, or read by the water

Dinner at L'Elephant(1.5 hours)

French-Lao fusion in colonial villa. Pork confit with tamarind 120,000 LAK

MandaLao Elephant Conservation(3 hours)

Ethical no-ride sanctuary 15km from town. Walk alongside rescued elephants through the forest and watch them bathe in the river. Half-day program 600,000-900,000 LAK. Book ahead. Pick-up included

Tad Sae Waterfall(2 hours)

Multi-tiered limestone falls reached by a short boat ride across the Nam Khan River (10,000 LAK return). Less crowded than Kuang Si but equally beautiful. Ziplining available across the falls (150,000 LAK). Best during rainy season when flow is strongest

Evening at Utopia bar(2 hours)

Iconic riverside bar with cushions overlooking the Nam Khan. Cocktails 40,000-60,000 LAK. The perfect mellow evening spot

Half-day kayaking trip on Nam Khan(4 hours)

Paddle through limestone gorges and past riverside villages. Trips run 250,000-400,000 LAK per person including transport, equipment, and lunch. Green Discovery and Tiger Trail are reputable operators. Suitable for beginners — mostly calm water with gentle rapids

Afternoon rest at guesthouse(2 hours)

Recovery time after kayaking

Dinner at Khaiphaen restaurant(1.5 hours)

Social enterprise training disadvantaged youth. The crispy Mekong river weed (khaiphaen, their namesake) is excellent — 30,000 LAK. Profits fund education programs

Ban Chan pottery village(2 hours)

5km from town. Villagers have made pottery here for centuries using traditional wood-fired kilns. Try shaping clay on a wheel (free). Small pots from 20,000 LAK. Hire a bicycle to ride there

Wat Aham and Wat That Luang(1 hour)

Two quiet temples near the Royal Palace that most tourists walk past. Wat Aham has two enormous banyan trees said to house the town's guardian spirits. Free entry

Lunch at Coconut Garden(1 hour)

Hidden garden restaurant near the Mekong. Lao fusion dishes 40,000-80,000 LAK. The coconut curry is excellent

Traditional Lao textile workshop at Ock Pop Tok(2.5 hours)

Half-day weaving or batik class at the riverside center (200,000-350,000 LAK). Learn indigo dyeing techniques from master weavers. Take your creation home. The riverside location adds to the experience

Late breakfast and reading by the river(3 hours)

Pick up a book from one of the street-side book exchanges. Sit at the Mekong bank with a Lao coffee

Traditional Lao herbal sauna and massage at Red Cross(2 hours)

Herbal steam sauna (20,000 LAK) followed by a traditional massage (60,000 LAK). The Red Cross center on Sisavangvong Road — proceeds fund medical services. Open 5-9PM daily

Evening stroll and dinner(2 hours)

Walk the old town at golden hour when the temples and colonial buildings glow. Dinner at Manda de Laos — set in a restored 1920s palace garden with candlelit seating (mains 80,000-150,000 LAK)

Minivan to Nong Khiaw(3 hours)

Shared minivans depart from the northern bus station at 9AM (65,000 LAK). The drive follows the Nam Ou River through increasingly dramatic scenery

Pha Tok Caves(1 hour)

Caves used by Pathet Lao soldiers during the Secret War (1964-1973). Entry 10,000 LAK. Bring a headlamp. The historical significance is heavy — the bomb crater entrance tells the story

Nong Khiaw viewpoint hike(2 hours)

The Phadeng Peak trail (1.5 hours up) offers jaw-dropping views of the Nam Ou valley and limestone karsts. Entry 20,000 LAK. Bring water and start early — it's steep

Return to Luang Prabang(3 hours)

Last minivan back around 2PM. Or stay overnight (guesthouses 100,000-200,000 LAK) if you want a slower pace — there's a morning boat option too

Living Land Farm rice experience(3 hours)

Hands-on organic rice farming — plant, harvest, thresh, winnow, and cook rice using traditional methods. Morning session 250,000 LAK. A humbling and fun experience that shows how much work goes into every grain

Bicycle ride to Mekong villages(3 hours)

Ride south along the Mekong to Ban Phanom and surrounding villages. The road is flat and scenic. Stop at village temples and weaving workshops. Pack water and snacks

Farewell drinks at Ikon Klub(1.5 hours)

Rooftop bar with cocktails (50,000-80,000 LAK) and views of the night market and Mount Phousi lit up at night

Sunrise photography along the Mekong(2 hours)

The mist rising off the river at dawn creates ethereal light. Walk from the tip of the peninsula upstream past Wat Xieng Thong. The monks doing morning rounds add saffron accents to every frame

Book exchange and cafe hopping(3 hours)

Luang Prabang has excellent small cafes. Try Saffron Coffee (Lao single-origin, 25,000 LAK) and browse the Garavek Bookshop for English-language books on Lao history

Final Night Market visit(1.5 hours)

Pick up any souvenirs you spotted earlier. The mulberry paper journals and hand-dyed silk scarves travel well

Optional: Final alms ceremony(45 minutes)

Stand near Wat Sene for a quieter vantage point

Breakfast at Le Banneton(1 hour)

Croissants, pain au chocolat (20,000-30,000 LAK), strong Lao coffee

Last shopping — Lao coffee beans(30 minutes)

Excellent quality beans 30,000-50,000 LAK per bag. Saffron Coffee roasts their own

Tuk-tuk to airport(15 minutes)

50,000 LAK. LPQ is small — arrive 1.5 hours before departure

Tuk-tuk from airport(15 minutes)

50,000 LAK. Guesthouses on the peninsula 200,000-500,000 LAK/night

Mekong riverbank sunset(1.5 hours)

Beer Lao 15,000 LAK at a riverside bar

Dinner at Tamarind(1.5 hours)

Lao tasting platter 85,000 LAK

Morning Alms Giving Ceremony(1 hour)

5:30AM on Sakkaline Road. 3m distance. No flash

Breakfast at Joma(45 minutes)

Coffee 25,000 LAK, croissants

Royal Palace Museum(1.5 hours)

30,000 LAK. Closed Tuesday. No photos inside

Lunch at Dyen Sabai(1 hour)

Cross bamboo bridge (10,000 LAK). Set lunch 60,000 LAK

Mount Phousi sunset(1.5 hours)

328 steps. 20,000 LAK. 360-degree views

Tuk-tuk to Kuang Si(45 minutes)

60,000-80,000 LAK round trip. Depart 8:30AM

Bear Rescue Centre(30 minutes)

Free with 20,000 LAK falls entry

Swim and explore falls(3 hours)

Turquoise pools, hike to top. Upper tiers quieter

Night Market(2 hours)

5PM on Sisavangvong. Buffet plates 15,000 LAK

Wat Xieng Thong(1.5 hours)

1560. Mosaic tree of life, gilded chapel. 20,000 LAK

Wat Mai and Wat Visounnarath(1 hour)

Gold Ramayana wall and Watermelon Stupa. 10,000 + 20,000 LAK

Lunch at Cafe Toui(45 minutes)

Khao piak sen 25,000 LAK

Ban Xang Khong weaving village(1.5 hours)

3km east. Weaving, saa paper making. Bicycle there

Slow boat to Pak Ou(2 hours)

200,000-300,000 LAK. Depart 8:30AM

Ban Xang Hai Whisky Village(30 minutes)

Free lao-lao tastings. Bottles from 20,000 LAK

Pak Ou Caves(1 hour)

4,000+ Buddhas. Lower cave lit; upper needs headlamp. 20,000 LAK

Afternoon massage(1.5 hours)

60,000-100,000 LAK at old town spas

Sunset cruise(1.5 hours)

150,000-250,000 LAK from boat landing

Tamarind cooking class(4 hours)

Market tour at 6:30AM. Cook laap, mok pa, sticky rice. 250,000-350,000 LAK

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Peninsula tip, cycling, reading by the river

Dinner at L'Elephant(1.5 hours)

French-Lao colonial villa. Mains 80,000-150,000 LAK

Late breakfast by the river(2 hours)

Pick up a book from a street exchange. Lao coffee and baguette

Red Cross herbal sauna and massage(2 hours)

Sauna 20,000 LAK, massage 60,000 LAK. On Sisavangvong Road. Open 5-9PM

Dinner at Manda de Laos(1.5 hours)

Restored 1920s palace garden. Candlelit. Mains 80,000-150,000 LAK

MandaLao Elephant Conservation(3 hours)

No-ride sanctuary. Walk with rescued elephants, watch river bathing. 600,000-900,000 LAK including pickup

Tad Sae Waterfall(2 hours)

Boat ride across Nam Khan (10,000 LAK return). Less crowded than Kuang Si. Ziplining 150,000 LAK

Evening at Utopia(2 hours)

Riverside cushions. Cocktails 40,000-60,000 LAK

Half-day kayaking(4 hours)

250,000-400,000 LAK including transport, equipment, lunch. Green Discovery or Tiger Trail

Dinner at Khaiphaen(1.5 hours)

Social enterprise. Crispy Mekong river weed 30,000 LAK. Profits fund education

Ban Chan pottery village(2 hours)

5km out. Wood-fired kilns, try the wheel. Pots from 20,000 LAK

Ock Pop Tok textile workshop(2.5 hours)

Half-day weaving or batik. 200,000-350,000 LAK. Take your creation home

Wat Aham and hidden temples(1 hour)

Giant banyan trees, guardian spirits. Free. Rarely visited

Coconut Garden dinner(1 hour)

Hidden garden by the Mekong. Coconut curry 60,000 LAK

Minivan to Nong Khiaw(3 hours)

65,000 LAK from northern bus station at 9AM. Scenic Nam Ou River drive

Check into riverside guesthouse(30 minutes)

Simple rooms 100,000-200,000 LAK. The riverside ones have balconies over the Nam Ou

Pha Tok Caves(1 hour)

Secret War caves (1964-1973). 10,000 LAK. Bring headlamp. Bomb crater entrance

Sunset from Nong Khiaw bridge(1 hour)

The bridge over the Nam Ou gives extraordinary views of limestone cliffs turning pink at sunset. Free, always accessible

Phadeng Peak viewpoint trek(3 hours)

1.5 hours up, steep but incredible views of Nam Ou valley and karsts. 20,000 LAK. Bring water. Start early before heat

Lunch at Coco Home Bar(1 hour)

Riverside restaurant in the village. Fresh fish from the Nam Ou, 40,000 LAK

Boat to 100 Waterfalls hike(4 hours)

Boat upstream (200,000 LAK per group) then hike through jungle alongside cascading falls. Requires a guide (included). Wet and wild — bring water shoes. One of Laos' best kept secrets

Evening stargazing(1 hour)

Zero light pollution. The Milky Way is clearly visible from the riverbank

Boat from Nong Khiaw to Luang Prabang(4 hours)

Depart around 9AM. 120,000-150,000 LAK per person. Downstream journey through gorges and past farming villages. Bring snacks and water — no stops

Afternoon rest at guesthouse(2 hours)

Settle back into the old town

Farewell dinner at Le Banneton bistro(1.5 hours)

French comfort food meets Lao ingredients. Duck confit 130,000 LAK

Living Land Farm rice experience(3 hours)

Plant, harvest, thresh, winnow, and cook rice. 250,000 LAK. Humbling and fun

Free afternoon(3 hours)

Last chance for anything you missed — return to Kuang Si, browse the market, or simply sit by the river

Sunset drinks at Ikon Klub(1.5 hours)

Rooftop cocktails 50,000-80,000 LAK. Views of night market and Mount Phousi

Spa day at L'Hibiscus or Spa Garden(3 hours)

Full spa treatment — body scrub, herbal wrap, and massage package 400,000-600,000 LAK. Reserve the riverside room at Spa Garden for the sound of the Nam Khan

Light dinner at a night market food stall(1 hour)

Return to the Khem Khong food stalls. The simplicity of 15,000 LAK buffet plates eaten on plastic stools by the river never gets old

Train to Vang Vieng(1 hour)

The new high-speed railway (opened 2021) connects Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng in under 1 hour (74,000 LAK for 2nd class). Trains at 7AM and 9AM. Book at the station a day ahead

Blue Lagoon 1 and Tham Phu Kham cave(3 hours)

The most beautiful of the lagoons — turquoise water at the base of a cliff with a cave shrine above. Entry 10,000 LAK. Swim in the lagoon, then climb to the cave. 7km from town by tuk-tuk (30,000 LAK)

Lunch at a riverside restaurant in town(1 hour)

Vang Vieng's restaurant scene has massively upgraded. Riverside tables with karst views. Lao food 40,000-80,000 LAK

Return train to Luang Prabang(1 hour)

Afternoon trains available. Check schedule at station

Guided Hmong village trek(6 hours)

Full-day guided trek (300,000-500,000 LAK) through jungle and rice terraces to a Hmong village. Learn about traditional animist beliefs, textile patterns, and subsistence farming. Includes lunch prepared by villagers. Moderate difficulty. Tiger Trail or White Elephant Adventures are ethical operators

Dinner at 3 Nagas restaurant(1.5 hours)

In a heritage Luang Prabang house. Traditional Lao royal cuisine — dishes once served to the king. Set menu 180,000 LAK

Morning meditation with monks at Wat Pa Phon Phao(2 hours)

The golden hilltop temple 3km south of town offers meditation sessions (by arrangement, donation-based). Sit in silence with monks in the morning. Wear modest clothing. Contact the monastery a day ahead

Visit UXO Laos Information Centre(1 hour)

Small but powerful exhibit about unexploded ordnance (bombs dropped during the Secret War) that still kills Lao people today. Free entry. Understanding this history is essential to understanding modern Laos

Lunch at Bouang(1 hour)

Modern Lao bistro. Inventive cocktails using lao-lao as base (50,000 LAK)

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre(1 hour)

Museum of Lao ethnic minorities — textiles, tools, and customs. 25,000 LAK. The Hmong, Khmu, and other groups' traditions are well-presented

Bicycle ride along the Mekong south of town(3 hours)

Flat, scenic river road past villages, temples, and rice paddies. Pack water and a camera. Turn back whenever you like — there's no destination, just the ride

Final sunset from Mount Phousi(1.5 hours)

Return to the summit. After three weeks, you'll notice details you missed the first time

Morning: Revisit a favorite spot(3 hours)

Kuang Si Falls again in different light? The pottery village for another piece? Wat Xieng Thong in morning silence? Your call

Farewell lunch at Tamarind(1.5 hours)

Full circle — return to where you had your first Lao meal

Final Night Market walk(1.5 hours)

One last wander through the silk and handicraft stalls. The familiar faces of vendors you've seen over three weeks

Final alms ceremony viewing(45 minutes)

By now you understand the ceremony's significance. Stand quietly near Wat Sene

Breakfast at Le Banneton(1 hour)

Croissants, strong Lao coffee. A fitting farewell

Tuk-tuk to airport(15 minutes)

50,000 LAK. Arrive 1.5 hours early