Tourist Attraction

• Royal Palace Museum:  The National Museum, former Royal Palace. Constructed as a place between 1904 and 1909 A.D. During the reign of King Sisavangvong, now turned into a National Museum, It houses the Royal throne of Lane Xang Kingdom in its original splendor, and many other regalia and religious treasures. it is located on the bank of the Mekong river, facing mount Phousi. The building itself features a mixture of French beaut - arts style and traditional Lao motifs. The ground floor of the museum is divided into several halls and rooms in which are displayed gifts from other countries  to the Lao king and collections of swords and Buddha images. The room to right of the entry, hall, once the King's reception  room has walls covered with large-scale murals painted in 1930 by the French artist Alix de Fauteau. They depict scenes from traditional Laos life. A room in the rear of the former palace contains a small collection of traditional musical instruments and dancers' masks used for performances of the great Indian and southeast Asia epic the Ramayana.
  
  
  
  
  
  
  
• Phousi Mountain: Phousi Mountain and That Chomsi situated 150 m and about 328 steps zigzag stair up above the peninsular views of the city and surrounding countryside. The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. From the top  you can see the  old Royal palace museum, the river and surrounding villages. The temple has a gold spire stupa that can be seen from the parts of the city.  That Chomsi of Luang Prabang was constructed on top of the Phousi hill in 1804 A.D. During the reign of King Anurut. It is a meaningful symbol as it stands in the center of the town. At mid-slope, and at the foot of the hill are several religious  sites including caves, Buddha footprints, and templates. Drumming on top of Phousi hill was once a tradition of Luang Prabang people. The sound of the drum, every three hours could be heard from miles around.  
• KuangSi waterfall: The Kuang Si waterfall is a waterfall about 25 km south of Luang Prabang. The spectacular Kuang Si waterfall is located in an ideal area deep in the forest, away from human habitation. It's perfect for rest and relaxation. On the way to falls, quint villages with their traditional hydro-rice mills can be also visited.
  
• Vat Visounarath
  
  This is the oldest surviving temple in Luang Prabang, originally erected in 1503 by King Photisarat and rebuilt in 1898. The carved wooden railings in the temple's windows are reminiscent of those found in the Vat Phou temple in southern Laos. Inside you can admire ancient statues and steles. Also located on the grounds of this temple is That Pathoume, also known as that Mak Mo (watermelon stupa) because of its shape.

  • Vat Mai Suwannaphummaham

  Built in 1796, Vat Mai (New Monastery) was given its present name following the restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat.
  Notice the four-tiered roof when visiting the temple, as well as the scenes from daily life and the legend of vessantara on the bas-relief walls.

  • Vat Chomphet

  Located across the Mekong river to the north of Ban Xieng Mene, Vat Chomphet is built on the top of a hill, and offers stunning views of Luang Prabang town and the river. The temple was built in 1888, and although currently undergoing renovation, the dragon and bird designs on the ceiling still retain their mystical power.

  • Binthabat

  While in Luang Prabang, you may observe the morning alms giving ceremony where monks walk through town in single file carrying their alms bowls to give laypeople the opportunity to offer alms and gain merit. Offerings by the people are usually comprised of sticky rice, fruit or simple traditional snacks. Known as Binthabat in Lao, this is a sacred religious ceremony. Tourists may participate and photograph the ceremony. However, the people of Luang Prabang, especially the monks, ask that this is done is a respectful way and visitors do everything they can not to disrupt this ancient tradition.

  • National Museum

  
  The former Royal Palace, which was constructed between 1904 to 1909 during the reign of King Sisavangvong, has now been converted into the National Museum. A collection of personal artifacts belonging to the former Royal Family, historical photographs, musical instruments and gifts to the nation from foreign countries are on display.

  • Vat That Chomsi Temple

  Located at the top of Mount Phou Si in the heart of the town, this delightful stupa was built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth. Wat That Chomsi has become a symbol of Luang Prabang's spiritual significance to Laos. The view of the Mekong and the city from the hilltop is superb, especially in the evening. However, you must first climb 328 steps to see the 20m high Vat Chomsi Stupa. - please dress accordingly and be aware that the consumption of alcohol is strictly prohibited.
  During the Pimai Festival, woman carry flower offerings up the stairs and leave as offerings at the foot of the stupa. A spectacular view is afforded from the top of Mount Phou Si.
  In the foreground the National Museum and gabled roofs of the many Buddhist temples can be seen scattered around the palm-tree label urban landscape. In the distance, the Mekong and Khan rivers are set against the dramatic mountain backdrop.

  • Tad Sae Waterfall

  This waterfall is accessible by car, tuk-tuk, bicycle but during the rainy season can be raech by boat only. It is divided into three limestone steps and is ten minutes ride up the Nam Khan River from Luang Prabang. This waterfall is perfect for picnicking, swimming and relaxing.

  • Tad Kuang Si Waterfall

  This impressive waterfall is located about 28 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. You can take a tuk-tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport. Several villages inhabited by people from ethnic minorities can be visited along the way to the waterfall. The scenery on the way to Tad Kuang Si is beautiful featuring fresh air, flowers and wild animals.

  • Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi Gao

  Nong Khiaw is a small district capital bisected by the Nam Ou River north of Luang Prabang, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs and lush vegetation. From Nong Khiaw take a boat one hour upriver to Muong Ngoi Gao, where you can get a taste of traditional Lao village life and relax in riverside bungalows.

  • Trekking-Chomphet & Muang Ngoi

  In Luang Prabang, two community-based treks have been supported by the Mekong Tourism Development Project. One trek begins just across the river from town in Chomphet district; the other starts in Muong Ngoi. Both are 2-day. 1-night treks where you can enjoy nature, interact with local people, and be confident that you are contributing to the sustainable development of tourism in Laos. More details are available at the Tourism Information Center.

  • Ban Phanom

  This village located 4km to the north of Luang Prabang was a former royal weaving village. You can view women working on their looms, buy their products and take a stroll through the vaillage. It can be reached by bicycle or tuk-tuk.

  • Ban Long Lao/Ban Nong Heo

  A Hmong and Khmu village one hour's journey from Luang Prabang (travel by car or tuk-tuk). This village is located in a beautiful valley is the starting point for a three hour trek that finishes at the Kuangsi waterfall. Local guides are available to lead you to the falls (note they speak only Lao). You can also begin a longer five hour trek to Kuangsi Waterfall from Ban Nong Heo, which has a spectacular view over the valley and river. Ban Nong Heo is 20 minutes from town by tuk-tuk.

  • Ban Xieng Mene

  Located across the Mekong from Luang Prabang Town in Chomphet District, Ban Xieng Mene is part of the World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Lao village life. There are several temples worth visiting in the village, including Vat Chomphet (visible up on the hill) which offers a spectacular view of Luang Prabang Town and the Mekong. Ban Xieng Mene is also the starting point for several short walks and bike-rides in the district, as well as longer two and three day treks.

  • Ban Chan

  This village is famous for its traditional pottery-making, where you can watch pots being hand-thrown and fired in old ovens. The village's lamps and pots decorate the small streets of Luang Prabang's old town, and are known all over northern Laos. Ban Chan is located in Chomphet District, across the Mekong River and to the south. It can be by boat in 15 minutes, or by taking a boat across to Xieng Mene and walking downstream along the river for 25 minutes.
  

  • Where to shopping / what to buy

  • Night Market

  Open between 5pm-10pm, the atmospheric night market is set up on the main road between the post office and the museum, selling a large variety of local textiles and ethnic handicrafts, There is also a small lane with lots of food stalls serving inexpensive local fare located next to the Ancient Luang Prabang Hotel.

  • Phosi Market

  The largest market in Luang Prabang, the newly constructed Talat Phosi has lots of fresh produce, meat, household goods and clothing. It is a located on the road to Kuangsi Waterfall and can be reached in about 5 minutes by bicycle or tuk-tuk.