About Luang Prabang

Tradition & Experience

Luang Prabang: The Ancient Town of Luang Prabang in the center of northern Laos has been described as one of the most charming and best preserved towns in Southeast Asia. There are 34 Buddhist temples among Luang Prabang's colonial and Chinese architecture, all set in a backdrop of lush green mountains. The Mekong River frames the town's western border, and it remains an important commercial and recreational transportation link.

Vibrant cultural traditions, rituals and distinctive artwork such as temple murals, wood carvings and pottery make Luang Prabang an attractive destination for a wide range of interests. Due to its outstanding cultural and natural features, the town was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

The town is directly accessible by air from Bangkok, Vientiane, Chiang Mai, Siem Reap and Hannoi and travelers looking for a bit of adventure can opt for overland travel from all directions. There is also regular boat service on the Mekong (a two-day voyage) to and from Houeixai, which borders Chiang Kong in northern Thailand.

Ecotourism Attractions

Luang Prabang Province’s main attraction is the Luang Prabang UNESCO World Heritage Town, which is known for its Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture. Visiting the temples and historic sites helps support their protection and maintenance. The night market in Luang Prabang
has a display of locally produced handicrafts unmatched in the region; Purchasing the crafts supports local artisans and traditional production techniques. Travelers can also visit many of the villages that produce handicrafts to see how they are made and to buy them directly from the producers.

For those planning to visit an ethnic village in Luang Prabang, start or end your trip at the Traditional Art's and Ethnology Center.

Ecotourism

Luang Prabang has also become a popular base for community-based Ecotourism.

There are some good treks in Chomphet district located close to Luang Prabang town. Kwangsi Waterfall, typically visited by car, now has an alternative walking route that follows a foot path through forests, fields and ethnic villages. Ngoi Kao Village, for instance, is a new, relaxing destination reached by a trek operated by the villagers themselves.

This village offers bungalow accommodations on a peaceful and remote stretch of the Nam Ou River. From Ngoi Kao you can also take overnight excursions through mountainous terrain to nearby ethnic communities. For those looking for a scenic alternative to bus travel, boats can be taken downriver from Muang Ngoi to Luang Prabang.