Luang Prabang

A UNESCO-listed old town of more than 30 Buddhist temples, French colonial houses and river views, set between the Mekong and Khan rivers.

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Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang Province in north-central Laos, set between the Mekong and Khan rivers. The town was historically called Xieng Thong. Its name means Royal Buddha Image, after the Phra Bang statue, a symbol of Lao sovereignty. It became capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in 1353 and later the royal seat of its own kingdom. UNESCO inscribed the town as a World Heritage Site in 1995 for its temples, old houses and riverside setting. Its architecture mixes traditional Lao buildings with French colonial ones from the 19th and 20th centuries.

Visitors come for the temples and the morning alms procession, when monks walk the streets at sunrise and residents offer food. Climb Phou Si for views over the town and rivers, then walk the main street past smaller temples such as Wat Hosian Voravihane. Kuang Si Falls is a common day trip. Plan at least a few days for the old town. Cool, dry months from November to February suit most trips.

Luang Prabang in five

Stand back from the monks' alms walkMonks walk the streets at sunrise and residents offer them food. Keep to the side of the route, speak quietly and do not block the line of monks.
Go to Kuang Si Falls earlyKuang Si is a common day trip from town, so go early before the tour groups arrive. Book a tour or transport before you set out.Tours and tickets
Check the transfer from the airport or stationThe airport is about 4 km from the centre and the railway station about 15 km out. Arrange a ride before you land or board, since neither is a short walk.Getting around
Use the right bus station for your routeThe southern station serves Vang Vieng and Vientiane, and the northern station serves Muang Xay, Luang Namtha and Houayxay. Confirm which station your ticket uses.Getting around
Carry small kip notesKeep small kip notes for the night market, tuk-tuks and the boat to the pottery village.Money and costs

Things to do in Luang Prabang

See all attractions in Luang Prabang

Church · Luang PrabangHaw Phra BangThe temple is inside the Royal Palace Museum grounds, which require paid entry.

Temple · Luang PrabangWat Mai SuwannaphumahamDress respectfully and follow local visitors’ lead inside the prayer hall.

Temple · Luang PrabangPhousi HillGo in the morning if you want more space at the summit; sunset is a popular and crowded time.

Free trip plannerPlan a trip to Luang PrabangPut the places you like in Luang Prabang on a map, give them days, and let one button order each day. Free, with no account.Plan a trip

Need to know

Currency: Kip (LAK)
Entry: Visa rules vary by passport; check before you fly
Emergency: 191 police, 190 fire, 195 ambulance
Tipping: Not expected
Time: UTC+7, no daylight saving

Weather by month

Rainy days
Days with storms

Best
Good
Mixed
Poor

JanuaryClear5 rainy daysHigh28°Low14°Cool, dry
FebruaryClear2 rainy daysHigh31°Low16°Dry, pleasant
MarchClear6 rainy daysHigh34°Low19°Hot, dry
AprilPartly cloudy10 rainy daysHigh35°Low22°Lao New Year
MayRain19 rainy daysHigh34°Low23°Hot, rains start
JuneRain21 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh32°Low23°Rainy season
JulyRain26 rainy daysHigh31°Low22°Rainy, green
AugustRain28 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low22°Rainy, green
SeptemberRain24 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh31°Low22°Rainy, green
OctoberRain14 rainy days1 day with stormsHigh30°Low20°Rains ending
NovemberClear6 rainy daysHigh29°Low18°Boat races, dry
DecemberClear4 rainy daysHigh27°Low14°Cool, dry

Average daily high and low in Luang Prabang, 2016–2025. Rainy day: 1 mm of rain or more.

Right now in Luang Prabang

Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.

Feels like: 28°
Humidity: 96%
Wind: 1 km/h
Chance of rain: 84%

Luang Prabang

07:52 AM

Tuesday, November 3

GMT+7

Today31°23°84%Tuesday: Rain. High 31°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 84%.
Wed32°23°16%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 32°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 16%.
Thu33°23°43%Thursday: Thunderstorms. High 33°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 43%.
Fri30°23°77%Friday: Thunderstorms. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 77%.
Sat30°23°51%Saturday: Drizzle. High 30°, Low 23°. Chance of rain 51%.
Sun31°22°21%Sunday: Fog. High 31°, Low 22°. Chance of rain 21%.
Mon30°21°22%Monday: Partly cloudy. High 30°, Low 21°. Chance of rain 22%.

Updated 05:38 AM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com

Money

Mid-market rate1 USD = 22,380 LAK

Amount

Converted to

LAK · Laotian Kip

Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API

Day trips by train

Before you go to Luang Prabang

eSIM for Luang PrabangOffline maps help on the old town lanesRead the guide

Travel insurance for LaosCover for boat trips and day toursRead the guide

Money in Luang PrabangKip cash for markets and tuk-tuksRead the guide

Where to stay in Luang PrabangOld town and riverside optionsRead the guide

Rules for Luang Prabang, checked

Cover shoulders and knees before entering temples, including Wat Xieng Thong and the other temples in town.
Do not touch monks, and women should not hand them items directly; step back to let them pass.
Declare cash above the legal limit on arrival; check the current amount with Lao customs before you travel.
Drug offences carry heavy penalties in Laos, so do not carry any drugs in your bag or across the border.

Plan around Luang Prabang

All of Laos

Regions, entry, transport and money for a Laos trip

Read the guide Getting around

Flights, trains and buses to and from the town

Read the guide Visas and entry

Check entry rules before you book a flight

Read the guide Money and costs

Kip cash, cards and typical daily prices

Read the guide Where to stay

Old town and riverside options by budget

Read the guide Festivals and boat races

Boun Pi Mai, boat racing and Boun Lai Heua Fai

Read the guide

Luang Prabang FAQ

How many days do you need in Luang Prabang?

Two nights covers the old town, Phou Si and one day trip to Kuang Si Falls. Add a day for the pottery village by boat or the Pak Ou Caves.

How do you get to Luang Prabang?

Fly into Luang Prabang International Airport, about 4 km from the centre. Trains stop at Luang Prabang Railway Station, about 15 km out, and buses use the southern and northern stations.

Is Luang Prabang worth visiting?

Yes for the temples, the riverside setting and old houses that mix Lao and French colonial styles. It suits travelers who want temples and river views more than big museums.

When is the best time to visit Luang Prabang?

November to February, when the days are dry. The rainy season from May to October is greener but wetter, and April is hot and brings Lao New Year.

What is Boun Pi Mai?

It is Lao New Year, held every April with merit-making, water blessing and processions. Luang Prabang is one of the main places it is celebrated.

Can you ride elephants in Luang Prabang?

Elephant riding is offered at some sites around the town. Ask how the animals are treated before you book.