Arrival in Luang Prabang
I flew into Luang Prabang from Siem Reap, arriving at 7 PM. As soon as you land, you’ll find a taxi ticket counter at the airport—$6 per car for a ride into town. Super convenient!
Pro tip: Make sure to exchange some cash into Lao Kip since most places only accept the local currency. If you miss the exchange at the airport, there are money changers and banks in the city center. Two banks stay open until 8 PM, and their rates are better than most money changers!
Day 1: Night Market & Trip Planning
After checking in, I still had time to explore the Night Market and drop by a local agency to book a private car for the next few days. The agency also doubled as a money changer, which was handy!
Day 2: Temples, Culture & Mekong River Sunset
Morning: Wat Xieng Thong
Start your day at Wat Xieng Thong, one of the most stunning temples in Luang Prabang. Built in 1560, it features golden carvings, intricate mosaics, and elegant multi-tiered roofs. Don’t miss the Tree of Life mosaic, a breathtaking artwork that tells the story of Lao mythology.
Afternoon: Luang Prabang National Museum
Visit the Luang Prabang National Museum, which was once the royal palace. If you’re interested in catching a traditional Lao cultural show, tickets are only available for purchase inside the museum—no online booking available! The show takes place in the evening.
Evening: Mekong River Sunset Cruise
I booked a sunset boat ride through the same local agency—$12 per person (without drinks and snacks), but they picked us up from our hotel, which was super convenient. Watching the sun dip below the horizon while floating on the Mekong was such a peaceful experience.
Day 3: Kuang Si Waterfall & Hmong Village
Wake up early and head to Kuang Si Waterfall, about a 45-minute drive from town. After buying your entrance ticket, you’ll take a short tram ride up before walking past the Bear Rescue Center. Within minutes, you’ll be greeted by the most stunning turquoise waterfall!
Don’t forget mosquito spray—trust me, you’ll need it!
On the way back, stop by a Hmong village to check out local handicrafts and get a glimpse of traditional Lao culture.
Evening: Cultural Show at the Museum
End your day with a traditional Lao cultural performance inside the museum. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the country’s rich heritage.
Day 4: Pak Ou Caves, Whisky Village & Mount Phousi
Morning: Pak Ou Caves & Whisky Village
You have two options to visit Pak Ou Caves—by boat or by road. Since I had already done the Mekong River sunset cruise, I decided to go by road. I hired a private car for $40 (half-day trip).
The caves are famous for their thousands of Buddha statues, and the nearby Whisky Village is a fun stop where you can see how traditional Lao rice whiskey is made.
Evening: Mount Phousi & Night Market
For sunset, climb Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of Luang Prabang. Afterward, take a leisurely stroll through the Night Market—a great spot to pick up local souvenirs.
Dinner Recommendation: Popolo – If you’re craving Italian food after days of Lao cuisine, this place is known for its amazing pizzas!
Day 5: Local Market & Departure
Spend your last morning exploring the local market, where you’ll find fresh produce, traditional snacks, and unique local products. It’s a great way to experience the everyday life of Luang Prabang residents.
Getting to the Airport
I booked a private car for $12 to take me to the airport. The airport is just 6 km away, but prices vary:
From airport to city → $6 per car
From city to airport → $12–15 per car
Hotel airport transfers are usually $15
In Luang Prabang, I didn’t see any regular taxi services—only private car services. There’s no Grab or any ride-hailing apps available either. The only “taxi” option you’ll find is tuk-tuks, but they aren’t the safest choice, especially if you’re traveling with elderly family members or young children. If comfort and safety are a priority, I highly recommend booking a private car instead!
Where I Stayed: Elegant Boutique Hotel
What I loved about this place is that it was brand new when I visited—just a few months old! Everything felt fresh and clean, which made the stay really comfortable. The location was pretty good too—tucked in a quiet neighborhood, yet only a 15-minute walk to the city center. A great balance of peace and convenience!
Final Thoughts
Luang Prabang is truly a magical destination, blending nature, culture, and history in the most beautiful way. Whether you’re chasing waterfalls, exploring ancient temples, or just soaking in the laid-back atmosphere, this 4-night itinerary gives you a perfect mix of adventure and relaxation.
Short on time? No worries! If you have fewer days in Luang Prabang, you can combine Kuang Si Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves into a single day for a more packed but efficient itinerary.
Food & Getting Around
Food in Luang Prabang is quite affordable, costing around $3 to $5 per person for a meal.
Unlike Siem Reap, where tourism is more developed and you can book most services online through platforms like Klook, Luang Prabang doesn’t have that yet. You’ll need to go through local agencies to book things like private cars, tours, or Mekong River cruises. Prices can vary depending on the boat or tour package, so it’s always good to compare before booking.
As for getting around, the city itself is very walkable, and you can explore most of it on foot or rent a bike for a more relaxing way to see the sights.
