Luang Prabang is a widely revered location in Laos, often discussed in dorm rooms across Southeast Asia as a future destination or a great memory. Because of this buzz and chatter surrounding the town I had developed some high expectations. In this article, I will cover where to eat to stay on budget and the best things to do in Luang Prabang on a budget without paying for expensive tours.
I had expected amazing scenery, waterfalls, and possibly a huge backpacker scene. What I found was a highly developed, westernized little town. On the outskirts of the town the shacks, street carts, and other commonalities of Southeast Asia could be found. However, the town itself was planned out, with western food options in every direction, fancy cafes and restaurants, and manicured gardens.
I spent 8 days in Luang Prabang after catching the Luang Prabang bus from Siem Reap, and in amongst some relaxing days managed to visit most of the attractions and then some in this scenic region of Laos. For the purpose of this article know that 8000 Kip is $1 USD as of December 2016.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN LUANG PRABANG
MT. PHOUSI VIEWPOINT
In the center of the town, a staircase leads up Mt. Phousi, home to the Wat Tham Phousi Shrine. Entrance to the temple is 20,000 Kip and bizarrely you can buy a caged bird to release at the summit if that interests you. I made the mistake of visiting the shrine at sunrise hoping to catch a nice view, some color, and an interesting time-lapse.
Like most of the mornings in Luang Prabang in December, it seems the fog is a constant and not a once-off. The view was still great but nothing in comparison to the sunset I witnessed the following day. From the top, you will have views of the entire town, the Mekong River, and the mountains that surround the valley.
Be warned there will be a huge hoard of other tourists at the top so if you take your photography seriously, it is best to get there at least an hour before sunset if not earlier. I arrived late and stood atop a fence that had a pretty decent drop down to get a shot of the Mekong River as the sunset.
WITNESS THE MONKS RECEIVING ALMS
To be honest I came across this by mistake. I knew this tradition happened daily in the early hours of the morning but hadn’t risen early enough to experience it. I woke at 5 am the day I went to Mt. Phousi for sunrise. The streets were empty, except for the steady stream of fog that flowed above my head. All of a sudden a single-file line of steady-faced monks came out of the fog doing their morning rounds. Local vendors rest on the sidewalk, sitting on stools while waiting for the monks to pass by. Each monk is given a small portion of rice or food, which he places into his container. This is definitely one of the most unique things to do in Luang Prabang.
There is a great Luang Prabang tour that combines an almsgiving experience with the monks and a tour to Kuang Si Falls for under $25.
KUANG SI WATERFALLS LUANG PRABANG
These majestic waterfalls are the most popular tourist attractions and most common things to do in Luang Prabang. Any time you venture out of your accommodation, you will be propositioned by drivers offering you a trip to Kuang Si. The waterfalls are beautiful beyond belief, a grand attraction at over 50 meters. The falls cascade down several platforms before plunging into the azure pool below. Also at the falls, you will find the Kuang Si Bear Rescue Sanctuary and the Kuang Si Butterfly Park. The entrance is 20,000 Kip and a van ride to the falls will cost about 35,000 Kip depending on your haggling ability.
There is one Kuang Si Waterfall tour that I recommend as it is quite unique to the others! The best part about this top-rated tour is that you get to visit Kuang Si Falls but the tour also includes a visit to the Whisky Village and Pak Ou Caves. It’s very reasonably priced and a great trip for a group, family, or backpackers.
Book your tour: Kuang Si Falls, Whisky Village & Pak Ou Caves
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EXPLORE THE MEKONG AND NAM KHAN RIVER
While there are a number of boat tours to take you down the Mekong River, I opted to just explore the banks at an opportunity. There is always action on the river whether it be fisherman setting up nets in the strong current, bridges being built and families washing themselves and clothes.
TAD SAE FALLS
This was a bit of an obscure excursion from start to finish. I took a moped for 100,000 Kip for the day and drove 45 minutes to Tad Sae Falls. Well actually first you park your bike and pay 10,000 Kip for a boat to take you across the river. Now you pay 20,000 Kip to enter the falls. It was beautiful but also one of the most over-developed waterfalls I’ve ever visited. One cafe wasn’t enough, with multiple eateries parked right at the falls. Boardwalks criss-cross throughout the area and zip-line platforms hang overhead.
WHISKY VILLAGE / BAN XANG HAI
After the adventure to Tad Sae, I still had plenty of time left in the day to head north in search of a whisky village. It was a 45 minutes drive from Luang Prabang on some pretty dodgy roads. When I arrived I couldn’t see too much whisky aside from a few small alcohol bottles but there was plenty of silk and cotton weaving going on. This was one of my favorite parts of Luang Prabang, watching the weaving, hanging out with the kids, and exploring the banks of the Mekong at sunset. Definitely suggest making the effort to head out to Ban Xang Hai.
PHAN PHAO TEMPLE
Before Tad Sae Falls, I made a quick stop at Phan Phao temple, which had a decent view but wasn’t the prettiest temple I’ve seen in Southeast Asia. The golden temple is atop a hill overlooking Luang Prabang and is often referred to as the “other” temple in reference to the more popular Mt. Phousi.
RENT A BIKE/MOTORBIKE
Cruising around town on a townie is a great way to explore the temples in town, the museum, the night market, and the river. You can definitely walk it all but a bike makes the whole experience a bit more comfortable in the heat. If you rent a motorbike you can venture to the Whisky Village, Weaving Village, Tad Sae Falls, and venture through local towns along the way. I highly recommend renting some form of bike because, in my opinion, it is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.
NIGHT MARKETS
Each night the entire street below Mt. Phousi temple is covered in tents, each one displaying local goods, silk, whisky, and other trinkets. The markets were interesting but very repetitive. I bought a couple of drawstring bags and I am sure many, many tourists bought elephant pants because everybody seems to be wearing them.
UTOPIA
I don’t really need to include this in the Luang Prabang things to do guide, you are going to end up there anyway. The place to be on any night of the week is without a doubt Utopia. High up on the banks of the fast-flowing Nam Khan River, Utopia exudes chill. Bamboo seating, woven rugs lay on day beds, communal seating, a volleyball court, and good music are what to expect at this popular hangout. During the day they encourage relaxing, yoga, drinking, and sleeping, and at night relatively cheap alcohol and good food at a bit above budget prices are available. Each time I went to Utopia it was packed. As I mentioned earlier it closes at 1130pm due to the curfew but many people go bowling afterward, which is odd but probably a lot of fun. I never took my camera but shot from across the river on a different day. Hanging out is one of my favorite things to do in Luang Prabang.
WHAT TO EAT
Okay, so this isn’t going to be a foodie’s dissection of Luang Prabang. It is going to be how to get fed cheap on some average to pretty decent food.
Vegetarian Buffet: Alongside the market is a cramped lane full of people all attacking different Laotian delicacies. At the end of the lane is a buffet for 15,000 Kip. The catch: It’s only vegetarian although there were at least 15 different options on the buffet including pasta, rice, tofu, vegetables, salads, and other mixed rice type dishes.
Baguettes: The French definitely left their mark. Each morning I would grab bacon, avocado, and cheese baguette, which was pretty much a Subway footlong size. Price $1.25 or 8,000 Kip.
Smoothies: I have to say the quality of smoothies dropped a little in Luang Prabang after the heights of the Philippines, Thailand, and Cambodia. However, an average smoothie for a buck is still a great deal. A mango smoothie will set you back 10,000 Kip.
LUANG PRABANG WIFI
Internet Cafe in Luang Prabang: Joma Cafe definitely isn’t a budget option but it had the best of the worst wifi in Luang Prabang so consider it a Wifi fee when you buy a 15,000 Kip coffee if you are like me and need to hit the internet solidly every few days.
I hope you enjoyed my guide for the top things to do in Luang Prabang and have a great trip.
MORE LAOS TRAVEL BLOGS
HIKING IN VANG VIENG: HIKING TO BEAUTIFUL VIEWPOINT IN VANG VIENG
BLUE LAGOON IN VANG VIENG: BLUE LAGOON VANG VIENG DAY TRIP
KUANG SI FALLS: KUANG SI WATERFALL
THE WHISKY VILLAGE: THE WHISKY VILLAGE – LUANG PRABANG
Dan
Monday 6th of May 2024
A van ride to Kuang Si definitely doesn’t cost 35k in 2024. At mininum you can now get shared transport on a TukTuk for 100k - 200k. I took a van and it cost me 650k. Entry at KuangSi is also now 60k for foreigners. Prices are updated as of May 5th 2024 :-)
Friday 2nd of February 2024
Why is a post from 2023 basing prices on a 2016 exchange rate?
ChatGPT?
Jackson
Saturday 23rd of March 2024
I originally went in 2016... hard to keep updated with 1300 articles on my site with things like exchange rates.
Maya
Monday 27th of June 2022
I can't gather from your posts about Laos if you enjoyed it and liked it, or was it less exciting than other places in the East. do tell!
linneawade
Monday 23rd of December 2019
Hello, This is quite understandable post with the useful information. I really like it and I would like to see your next post with some growing things or info. Thanks for sharing it and keep it up… Trippymania Tours & Travel
KUANG SI WATERFALL EXPERIENCE – charleynn
Wednesday 23rd of October 2019
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