Is 2 days enough in Luang Prabang?

With just two days in Luang Prabang, you may get a good perspective of the city, see a Mekong sunset, meet some monks, and take a culinary lesson. You may also explore the surrounding area by taking a river boat to the Pak Ou Caves and seeing one of the neighboring waterfalls, or perhaps working on a genuine farm.Here’s how.

Day 1: Morning

Begin the day early, like the locals do, by waking up to witness the monks collecting alms throughout the city and participating in the rite yourself. Take in the ambiance at a wet (product) market, which is buzzing long before daylight, and then walk in the footsteps of Laos' last king at the Royal Palace Museum.

Day 1: Afternoon

Culture vultures could spend the afternoon exploring the city's iconic temples, including Vat Visounarath and Wat Xieng Thong. Others may learn about Laos' distinctive cuisine, which includes elements from Thailand, China, and even France, by taking a culinary lesson.

Day 1: Night

The colors that the setting sun reflects in the Mekong will stay with you for the rest of your life. Experience your first sunset in Luang Prabang from a sunset boat, above Mt. Phousi in the city center, or from a humble riverbank bistro with a cool Beer Lao in hand.

Day 2: Morning

Continue your Mekong adventures with a traditional Luang Prabang adventure: a river trip to the Buddha-filled Pak Ou Caves. Many boats stop in traditional villages such as Whisky community (Ban Xang Hai) and Ban Xang Khong, a weaving community.

Day 2:  Afternoon

A number of beautiful waterfalls cascade through the trees just west of Luang Prabang. Spend the afternoon visiting Kuang Si Falls, a three-tiered waterfall that also houses a bear rescue facility that rescues bears from the brutal traditional medicine trade. Alternatively, visit a real organic farm and learn about the hard job of rice production.

Day 2: Night

The vibrant night market in Luang Prabang is one of the top places in Southeast Asia to browse for handicrafts. Purchase mulberry-paper notebooks, vibrant silks, and embroidered bags. Finish your tour to the city with a gourmet dining feast by candlelight in a tropical garden at one of Luang Prabang's beautiful restaurants.