Luang Prabang Province, Laos

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a peaceful old royal capital of gilded temples, French colonial houses and saffron-robed monks on a peninsula in the Mekong.

Luang Prabang: Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Featured walk: Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings · Photo supplied by Viator

The city on foot

Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang. The whole town is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The old town is small and flat, with temples on almost every street and Mount Phousi in the middle.

What makes Luang Prabang distinctive

  • Morning alms giving
  • Wat Xieng Thong
  • Mount Phousi sunset
  • The night market

Walking tours in Luang Prabang

Hand-picked guided walks in Luang Prabang, each rated highly by travellers. Ratings and photos are from Viator; select a tour to see dates, prices and full details, and to book.

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By theme: Food tours in Luang Prabang

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Main sights

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Neighbourhoods worth wandering

  • Old town peninsula

    Temples and colonial houses.

  • Ban Xieng Mouane

    Quiet lanes.

  • Riverside

    Along the Mekong.

Free self-guided walk

Temples of the old town

A free self-guided walk in Luang Prabang, from the Royal Palace along the main street to Wat Xieng Thong and back along the Mekong.

2.6 km · 4 stops · map and directions

See the walk

Best areas to explore on foot

  1. Sisavangvong Road

    The main street.

  2. Mekong riverside

    Shaded paths.

  3. Mount Phousi

    Steps to the top.

Practical walking notes

  • Terrain

    Flat, except Mount Phousi.

  • Heat

    Hot; walk early.

  • Etiquette

    Watch the alms giving respectfully from a distance.

When to visit

  • Dry season

    November to March is best.

  • Hot season

    March to May.

  • Rainy season

    June to October.

Getting there and getting around

Arriving

  • By air

    Luang Prabang Airport is about 4 km away.

  • By rail

    The Laos–China railway links Vientiane.

Local transport

  • On foot

    The town is small.

  • Tuk-tuks

    For trips further out.

Questions travellers ask about Luang Prabang

How many days do I need?

Two or three days.

How can I watch alms giving respectfully?

Stand back, keep quiet and never use flash.

Is it walkable?

Yes; the old town is small.

Luang Prabang: Mekong Meals Food Tour with 15+ Tastings
Country overview

Laos

Temples and saffron robes on the Mekong

Explore destinations

Sources and review date

This guide was last updated on 2026-10-28. Opening hours, fares and services change; please confirm details with official sources before travelling.