Luang Prabang is a Must-Visit — Famous for Stunning Sunset Cruises, Jungle Treks, and Lively Markets

In the historic city of Luang Prabang, even the most popular attractions maintain a cozy charm. Boats glide along the Mekong River — most set out at golden hour, drifting into twilight — yet it feels like you're the only one on this legendary waterway, which travels from China to Vietnam through Northern Laos. As I reclined on the wooden deck of a traditional slow boat provided by Sofitel Luang Prabang, I admired the distant hills and the fishermen balancing on their sampans. For a fleeting moment, it felt like time paused; it was just the fishermen, me, and the Mekong. Although visitor numbers have recently surged (largely due to the reopening of the border with China), Luang Prabang remains relatively low-key among U.S. tourists. Those arriving in Vientiane can now reach Luang Prabang via a new high-speed rail link in just two hours, with plans to extend the route north to China. If you're like me, you'll likely fly in from Bangkok, where Air Asia and Bangkok Airways provide daily flights of under two hours to Vientiane.

The Vibrant Markets of Luang Prabang

Approximately 500,000 residents from over 60 ethnic groups, including the Khmu, Lao Loum, and Hmong, call Luang Prabang home. The lifestyle here is notably relaxed and unhurried, a striking contrast to bustling cities like Bangkok or Saigon, which offer international flights to this former royal capital. 

In early May, the weather was hot and humid, with the sky a hazy grayish-blue, always hinting at an impending storm that promised brief relief. I spent my early mornings and late evenings wandering the tranquil streets of Luang Prabang, particularly in the historic district between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, just east of the Royal Palace. These streets, rich in heritage buildings, provide a serene escape from the lively markets. 

The morning market, open daily from around 5 a.m. to 10 a.m., is nestled within a mini-maze of alleys and backstreets near the town center. It’s the perfect spot to experience daily life here. Most vendors — selling items like grilled sticky rice (khao jee), mung bean coconut rice cakes, sun-dried pork naem, and fresh catch — set up their stalls on the ground. The night market, running from 5 p.m. to 10 p.m., caters more to tourists, featuring vendors on streets closed to vehicles. While the red and blue tents along the main road showcase souvenirs and artwork, there's an abundance of street food available, including Laotian baguettes, laap, and green papaya salad.  

Additional Attractions in Luang Prabang

Every morning, before sunrise, hundreds of saffron-robed monks quietly walk in single file through the streets of the old town. This daily Buddhist ritual, known as tak bat, is a morning almsgiving ceremony. While visitors are welcome to observe and even offer alms, it's essential to approach this sacred tradition with respect; it's more than just a photo op. For a more informative and private experience, Rosewood Luang Prabang offers an almsgiving event in Phanom Village, just outside town. Guided by Noi, the hotel’s English-speaking monk-in-residence, participants engage in meditation at the temple, a symbolic water ritual, and enjoy a local breakfast of khao piak sen (noodle soup). 

A few miles from Luang Prabang, you’ll discover charming dirt roads, gentle rivers, and unspoiled forests. If you venture further—about an hour from the city—you’ll reach the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, where cascading waters glisten in milky turquoise. Visitors can wade into various natural pools and hike from the base of the falls to the top in roughly 30 minutes. For a mix of scenic adventure and cultural experience, I trekked from the nearby Khmu and Hmong village of Long Lao, a three-hour hike that culminated in a refreshing swim at the falls' base. 

Accommodations in Luang Prabang

Though often recognized as a backpackers’ destination, Luang Prabang offers a wealth of luxury hotels, including properties from Rosewood and Aman. Many of these boast intimate settings, with 25 rooms or fewer, ensuring personalized service. Rosewood Luang Prabang is located in a serene valley just a 10-minute drive from the town center, with complimentary transportation available. This stunning property features its own waterfall and river, an open-air lobby, and a restaurant that overlooks an oval-shaped pool. Guests can choose from 23 accommodations, including luxurious hilltop tents and riverside villas with private plunge pools. Amantaka, situated a short walk from the old town, offers 24 exquisite suites arranged around a lush courtyard, blending classic Laotian architecture with contemporary design. Its amenities include a deep-green swimming pool, yoga studio, library, spa, and boutique. For a premium experience that’s a bit more budget-friendly, Sofitel Luang Prabang could be the ideal choice. Set within the historic walls of the former French governor's residence, this hotel features 25 suites infused with local charm, each boasting a private garden with a gazebo and either an outdoor bathtub or private plunge pool.