Luang Prabang: Where History, Nature, and Street Food Collide

Discover Luang Prabang, a place of beauty, rich history and unique nature. This is a bucket list destination for all South East Asian itineraries.

Welcome to Luang Prabang, a dreamy slice of paradise that feels like stepping into a postcard. Tucked between rolling green hills, flanked by the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this UNESCO World Heritage town blends the charm of French colonial architecture with the soul of Southeast Asia. It’s the kind of place that leaves you wide-eyed and drooling—over the landscape, the culture, and of course, the street food. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or a first-timer to Laos, Luang Prabang is a must on any Southeast Asian itinerary.

So, pack your bags, and let’s dive into this gem of a town. Trust me, your taste buds won’t forgive you if you skip it.

Getting Here: Planes, Buses, and Tuk Tuks—Oh My!

Getting to Luang Prabang? Easy-peasy. You can fly into its tiny airport from most major Southeast Asian cities, or, if you’re feeling adventurous, take the bus like I did from Vang Vieng. A word of warning, though: it's not for the faint of heart. Eight hours of winding roads, bumps, and sheer cliffs, but hey—snacks are your best friend here. Stock up, hydrate, and bring your favorite podcast or playlist for entertainment. You’ll need it!

Once you're in town, getting around is a breeze. Luang Prabang is small enough to explore on foot, but if you want to venture out, rent a tuk-tuk or, better yet, a moped. I snagged a Honda Click for just £3-5 per day, and it was worth every penny. Make sure you download NaviMan for offline navigation, and—pro tip—always check the lights before renting a bike. I learned that the hard way in Vietnam, and trust me, driving blind on a highway at night is not the kind of thrill you want!

Where to Stay: From Bougie to Budget

Now, let’s talk accommodation. Whether you’re splurging on a five-star experience at Avani+ or slumming it (in style) at Mad Monkey Hostel, there’s a bed for every budget in Luang Prabang. I personally went for Tingkham Guesthouse, a charming spot right in the old town. For just £13 a night, I had a comfy double room with an en-suite. Clean, cozy, and the perfect spot to launch your adventures. Plus, waking up to the serene sight of monks collecting alms at dawn is a spiritual experience you won’t forget. Just make sure you set that alarm clock—this happens at sunrise, folks.

Day 1: Exploring Luang Prabang Town—Eat, Stroll, Repeat

Day 1 in Luang Prabang is all about soaking up the town's laid-back vibes. This is your “La Dolce Far Niente” day—Italian for the sweet art of doing nothing. Except, we’re doing a little bit of something. Start your day at Le Banneton Café, a quaint French bakery where you can enjoy buttery almond croissants or savory salmon galettes paired with strong, smooth Laotian coffee. Perfect fuel for your morning wander.

From here, head to Phousi Hill—the town's highest point. Yes, it’s a bit of a climb (prepare for stairs, lots of stairs), but the panoramic views of the rivers, temples, and mountains are worth every step. By the time you make it down, you’ll have earned yourself a massage—and luckily, there are tons of local spas offering just that along the main street. Trust me, it’s a must after all that walking.

Lunch calls for an authentic Laotian experience at Tamarind Restaurant. Their set menu is the perfect way to sample traditional dishes like fermented sausage (Sai Oua), laap salad, and Sinh Savanh—which is basically buffalo jerky but taken to the next level. You’ll leave feeling both full and more in touch with Laotian food culture.

Day 2: The Kuang Si Waterfalls Adventure

Rise and shine—Day 2 is waterfall day! Kick off your morning with a strong coffee and something carb-heavy at Le Banneton (again—hey, it’s that good). Then, hop on your moped or grab a tuk-tuk for the 45-minute scenic ride to the Kuang Si Waterfalls. Picture lush greenery, cascading turquoise pools, and the soothing sound of water crashing into pristine swimming spots. It’s pure paradise, and yes, the photos are as good as they sound.

Pro tip: wear comfy clothes and pack swimwear because you'll 100% want to take a dip in the icy but refreshing waters. After you’ve splashed around, dried off, and snapped a few hundred Instagram-worthy shots, stop by the Free the Bears Sanctuary nearby. These adorable creatures have been rescued from the cruel practice of bile farming, and the sanctuary offers a great opportunity to see them up close and learn about conservation efforts.

But wait, the day isn’t over! Just a short drive from the falls is the Buffalo Dairy Farm, where you can get hands-on with water buffalo (yes, you can even give them a bath), plus taste some of the most incredible cheeses and yogurts made from—you guessed it—buffalo milk. The cheeseboard here is a rare treat in Southeast Asia, where cheese is usually hard to come by.

After your fill of buffalo cuddles and dairy delights, head back to Luang Prabang and wind down at Utopia, the ultimate chill-out spot. Imagine sinking into floor seats with a cocktail in hand, overlooking the river as the sun sets. The perfect end to a packed day.

Day 3: Culinary Exploration—Cook Like a Local

It’s your final day in Luang Prabang, and we’re going out with a bang—a cooking class at the legendary Tamarind Cooking School. Get picked up and whisked away to a local market, where your guide will explain all the exotic ingredients you’ll be working with (prepare to be amazed by the variety of herbs, spices, and things you’ve never seen before). You’ll sample snacks, haggle for veggies, and maybe even try something a bit out of your comfort zone.

Then, it's off to Tamarind’s beautiful countryside cooking school, where you’ll learn to prepare classic Laotian dishes like laap, lemongrass chicken, and mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves). The best part? You get to eat everything you make, and let me tell you—there’s something magical about devouring a meal that you’ve just cooked with your own hands in the heart of Laos.

Final Thoughts

Luang Prabang is more than just a stop on your Southeast Asian adventure—it’s an experience that’ll stick with you long after you've left. From the peaceful early-morning alms ceremony to the vibrant night markets and adrenaline-pumping waterfall treks, this town offers a little bit of everything for every kind of traveler. So whether you’re here for the food, the views, or the culture, one thing’s for sure: Luang Prabang will steal your heart. And your appetite.