Tucked away in the mountains of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is the kind of place that makes you want to throw your phone into the Mekong and live your slow-life fantasy. Golden temples on every corner live alongside French colonial buildings. This UNESCO World Heritage town is where peace meets postcard perfection. You’ll find yourself sipping Lao coffee, watching the river roll by, and wondering why no one ever told you relaxation was in Laos.
We spent just over one week in Laos so check out some of our other blogs about Vang Vieng and Vientiene!
Curious about other destinations on our journey? Check out our blogs on Japan, Indonesia, Thailand or the Philippines!
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TLDR 🫣
Luang Prabang is the kind of magical town where time slows down, temples sparkle in golden light, and every corner whispers “stay a little longer.”
Itinerary
- Day 1: Explore the heart of town—Royal Palace, Mount Phousi, and tasty eats—then wrap it all up with sunset drinks and the bustling night market.
- Day 2: Kuangsi Waterfalls,and one final riverside feast before you fall head over flip-flops for Laos.
Pro Tips:
- Bring cash—some places don’t take cards OR if they do take cards, they will charge a fee.
- Plan your Kuang Si trip the day before—shuttle schedules fill up and private drivers get booked quickly!
Top Awards:
- Best Experience: Swimming in the turquoise pools of Kuang Si Waterfalls (with bear sanctuary bonus!)
- Best Eats: Khaiphaen—for the food, the mission, the vibes… chef’s kiss x100
- Best "Bang for Your Buck" Hotel: Villa Wanika Luang Prabang—charming, central, and total boutique bliss without breaking the bank
- Best e-SIM: Airalo (You can use our referral code “CELINA4205” to save $4.50 CAD OFF your first purchase).
HOW TO GET TO LUANG PRABANG
Alright, let’s talk travel. The fastest and most scenic way to get to Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng is via the bullet train. Yes, Laos has a high-speed train and it’s glorious. Book your ticket in advance (especially during high season) and enjoy the ride—it’s smooth, air-conditioned, and you’ll be whisked through mountains and lush landscapes in under two hours. Pro tip: bring snacks. The train is fast, but your cravings are faster.
HOW TO GET AROUND LUANG PRABANG
Once you arrive, getting around Luang Prabang is blissfully easy. The town is compact and walkable, and honestly, strolling is half the charm. Want to save your legs? Rent a bicycle or hop in a tuk-tuk for the longer stretches. There’s also the occasional LOCA (aka Uber or Grab) if you’re feeling too comfy post-noodle coma.
WHERE TO STAY IN LUANG PRABANG
We stayed at Villa Wanika Luang Prabang on Kounxoau Road, and it was an absolute dream. Think vintage chic meets tropical serenity. Quiet, stylish, and within walking distance to basically everything. Bonus points for the friendliest staff and a garden that makes you feel like you’re starring in your own Southeast Asian rom-com. Everywhere in town, you’re met with lush gardens and beautiful trees with little flowers at the end of each branch.
ITINERARY
Day 1 : Do all the things, but chill
Take the morning train out of Vang Vieng
Catch that high-speed train early and arrive in Luang Prabang before the town has fully rubbed the sleep from its eyes.
Royal Palace
Your first stop: the Royal Palace Museum. Once home to Lao royalty, it’s now a history-packed museum with shimmering interiors and a sacred Buddha statue (the Phra Bang, the town’s namesake). It’s small, so you won’t get museum fatigue, and the gardens are perfect for a slow stroll. Is this a must? Honestly, No. We’d actually recommend saving your money if you’re not into museums or if you’re just tired of seeing them from your SEA adventures. Entry for two people: ₭120,000
Mount Phousi for panoramic views
Next, prepare your legs for the hundred-something steps up Mount Phousi. It’s the best spot for sweeping views of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Entry for two people: ₭60,000
There’s a tiny temple at the top, but let’s be honest—you’re here for the view.
Pro tip: bring water. And patience. Those stairs aren’t playing. We actually wished we spent more time here, enjoying the views of the entire town, instead of the Royal Palace!
Lunch: Latanna Restaurant
After that hike up Mount Phousi, you’ll probably be hungry or tired. We headed back to our hotel to refresh and then made our way to Latanna Restaurant for a simple but tasty lunch. We ordered yellow curry, noodles, and spring rolls for only ₭140,000 (~$8.50 CAD).
Tour Recon
Now’s a good time to plan your Kuang Si Waterfall visit for tomorrow. Kuang Si Waterfall is the main attraction in Luang Prabang and for good reason – it’s absolutely beautiful. You can either hire a private driver (bougie, but flexible) or join a shuttle bus (budget-friendly, leaves at scheduled times, what we opted for). Decide what fits your vibe. Either way, future-you will thank present-you for getting it sorted early. Shared shuttle bus for two people is the most economical option: ₭200,000
Drinks at 360 Sunset
Feeling fancy? Head to 360 Sunset Bar for pre-dinner drinks with a view. It’s got that laid-back, toes-in-the-sky kinda vibe, and the cocktails are chef’s kiss. Time it right, and you’ll catch a technicolor sky show as the sun dips behind the hills. We spent ₭60,000 for two drinks and it was worth it, just for the views!
Dinner: Tamarind at 6:00pm
Dinner time! Tamarind is a must—one of Luang Prabang’s most beloved restaurants. We spent only $14 CAD for two people. Go for the tasting platter or try their signature lemongrass-stuffed fish. They also do cooking classes if you want to upgrade your skills beyond instant noodles. This is a pretty good restaurant to try authentic Laotion cuisine, but it was not our favourite. Check out tomorrow’s itinerary!
Luang Prabang Night Market
Wrap the night with a wander through the Night Market. It’s colorful, lively, and packed with everything from handmade textiles to grilled bananas. Bring cash and your inner bargain hunter. Pro tip: the further into the market you go, the better the prices get.
Day 2: Waterfalls & Wats
Wat Xieng Thong
Start the day with some temple magic. Wat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang’s most iconic wat, and it’s a stunner—think intricate mosaics, golden carvings, and a roof that sweeps like a royal cape. It’s peaceful in the morning, and you might catch a few monks doing their rounds.
Lunch: Khaiphaen
This was our favourite restaurant in all of Laos! First off, they’re a great place to hunker down with a laptop if you need to get work done. Wifi is strong and there’s a fan if you need it. Next, the service is A1! Everyone there is absolutely lovely. They take in underprivileged kids and train them to work under the chef. And above all, the food is amazing! We ordered a fish dish, red curry (it was DELICIOUS), and two smoothies for roughly $17 CAD total!
Kuang Si Waterfalls (shuttle bus)
Time to chase waterfalls. Hop on the shuttle (or your hired driver from yesterday’s recon mission) and head to Kuang Si. Entry for two people: ₭120,000
These turquoise pools are straight-up unreal. Swim, snap pics, or just sit and let the jungle vibes sink into your soul.
Don’t skip the bear sanctuary at the entrance—it’s as wholesome as it sounds.
Dinner at sunset: Belle River
For your final meal, Belle River is a winner. Right by the water, chilled-out atmosphere, and tasty Lao cuisine with a view. Order something spicy and watch the boats drift by as the sun says its goodbyes. We ordered Laotian sausage (appetizer), minced pork with rice and a fried egg, steamed fish, and two drinks. Cost for two people: $25 CAD
TOTAL COST for 2 Full Days in Luang Prabang (Approximate CAD for 2 people):
Activities: $30
Accommodations (2 nights): $102
Food: $87
Transportation (LOCAs): $11
Souvenirs: $0
TOTAL: $229 (Roughly $57 per person, per night)
FINAL THOUGHTS
Two days in Luang Prabang is just enough to fall in love and leave wanting more. It’s the kind of place that slows you down in all the right ways. From misty mountain mornings to golden hour strolls, this little Lao town has a way of staying with you. Pro tip: next time, stay longer. Your soul will thank you. Just look at this beauty
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