Is Luang Prabang still worth visiting & What to Expect? 

Is Luang Prabang still worth visiting? What shall I expect when visiting Luang Prabang? 

This is a constant question I asked myself when I was in Bangkok, Thailand and considering making my way to Luang Prabang. It was also a common question when I was in Hanoi, Vietnam after meeting other travellers. 

Thus, having decided to visit Luang Prabang in December 2024, I will share my thoughts on whether Luang Prabang is still worth visiting. 

Haw Phra Bang, a well-visited temple in Luang Prabang

DISCLOSURE
Some of the links here are affiliate links and I may earn if you click on them, AT NO EXTRA cost to you. I hope you find the information here useful! Thanks. 

Where is Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

Luang Prabang has a small, sleepy town vibe on the Mekong River in Northern Laos. However, Luang Prabang is packed enough for you to stay focused to work on your business. 

What to expect when visiting Luang Prabang? 

The crowd

In December 2024, I was excited to visit Laos as I don’t foresee many tourists and will have a true local experience. 

However, I was wrong! I saw quite a handful of tourist buses throughout my 3 days in Luang Prabang. Most tourists were visiting from China and Thailand and were exploring the main streets in Luang Prabang. 

While I highlight that there is a crowd, Luang Prabang is not as crowded and overwhelming as the capital cities in Bangkok, Thailand and Ho Chi Minh, Vietnam. Unlike in both these capital cities, I felt the urgency to leave as I started to feel overwhelmed with the crowd. 

Luang Prabang is still a beautiful city to visit. As you stroll the streets, take a slight detour and walk on the side streets. There are local guesthouses along these streets. 

The crowd at Luang Prabang morning market

Is Luang Prabang still worth visiting: What to do in Luang Prabang? 

Walk along the Mekong River on Khem Kong Road

Khem Kong Road is parallel to the Mekong River. It is a great place to stroll as you enjoy the Laos and French colonial-style buildings with many coffee shops and restaurants. 

I took a stroll along this road on the last evening of my 3 days in Luang Prabang. And while I was strolling, I felt a great sense of regret for not learning about this street earlier! I loved the vibe of the area and building’s architecture.

Khem Kong Road as the sun sets

I found some quiet pockets along Khem Kong Road that instantly reminded me of how blessed I am with the opportunity to travel. 

On my next visit to Luang Prabang, I will be sure to spend most of my evening strolls along Khem Kong Road.

Evening stroll overlooking the Mekong River

Check out Buddha’s Footprint Temple

If you are not a fan of temples, you may think twice about climbing up the flight of stairs to Buddha’s Footprint Temple. 

However, I assure you the climb up is worth it! This is a great gem in Luang Prabang.

At the viewing platform near Buddha’s Footprint Temple, I had a beautiful view of the Nam Khan River. The crowd was minimal. I enjoyed the view peacefully. I felt calm. With caution, I sat on the wall and wrote my postcards.

Phousi Hill from the afar where you are unable to see the massive crowd

While enjoying the calm view, I met Els from Belgium. She had just walked over from Phousi Hill. She shared that this is a very similar view you get from Phousi Hill, except without the crowd! Hearing such a comment gave me a sigh of relief as I was on the fence about visiting Phousi Hill after hearing how crazy the crowd was there. 

View from Buddha’s Footprint Temple

Wake up to watch the sacred Alms Giving Ceremony

I learnt about the Alms Giving Ceremony just the night before catching the slow boat to Thailand the next morning. 

I was determined not to miss this experience, although I will not get to witness the full Alms Giving Ceremony. I woke up to catch a part of the Alms Giving Ceremony on the same street as the Luang Prabang Night Market. 

I witnessed how the monks walking down the street, dressed in orange robes, accepting the offerings. One advice I will give is to be respectful and not continuously want to snap photos as the monks are performing the morning rituals.

Witness a group of monks on Kingkitsarath Road

Visit Kuang Si Waterfall

After seeing Kuang Si Waterfall through social media, I had a great expectation before visiting Kuang Si Waterfall. However, my expectations changed after I visited Kuang Si Waterfall. Here’s my guide to get the best experience on your visit to Kuang Si Waterfall. 

Kuang Si Waterfall

Kuang Si Waterfall looks great in photos, but may or may not be better in person! I highly encourage you to be at Kuang Si Waterfall very early in the morning. If you are not a morning person, waking up to visit Kuang Si Waterfall is worth it. 

Kuang Si Waterfall just before my friends and I were leaving at 10AM

Bargain at Luang Prabang Night Market

Luang Prabang Night Market is unlike any other night market I visited in Southeast Asia. There is a great variety of items sold at the night market with minimal repetition of similar items sold by each vendor. A visit to Luang Prabang Night Market is worth a visit. 

While the Luang Prabang Night Market is rather crowded, I will recommend going just slightly after the vendors start their business in the evening. This avoids the crowd, but you still get to enjoy shopping. 

The items at Luang Prabang Night Market are very similar, design-wise to the items sold in Thailand and Vietnam. However, they are of much better quality by hand-feel. 

Some of the lovely scarfs and table runners at Luang Prabang Night Market at a good bargain!

Expenses in Luang Prabang

Laos is experiencing high inflation, given the current country’s political and economic stability. Many local businesses in Luang Prabang are happier accepting US dollars and Thai Baht instead of Lao kip.

In Luang Prabang, expect to spend slightly more on food and accommodation compared to other regions in Southeast Asia. However, they are not as expensive as in the capital cities in neighbouring countries like Thailand and Vietnam.

How many days is Luang Prabang worth visiting for?  

Three days is just enough time to visit Luang Prabang. 

There are various ways to arrive in Luang Prabang, such as by flight at Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) or taking the Lao-China Train (LCR). 

What did I feel when in Luang Prabang?

After staying in Luang Prabang for three full days to get a vibe of the town, I am confident that Luang Prabang is great to stay while travelling through Southeast Asia.

While there are many international travellers, Luang Prabang does not give you an overwhelming feeling. It was a good place for working online with minimal distractions. 

Lu La Lao Coffee that has a great open space for working

So, is Luang Prabang still worth Visiting?

Having shared my experiences and the expectations of Luang Prabang, I still highly encourage you to visit. Go and experience it yourself. 

Luang Prabang is unlike any other city in Southeast Asia. I’m glad I made a trip to Luang Prabang as part of my Southeast Asia trip.