5 Days in Luang Prabang, Laos

A relaxed 5-day itinerary combining culture, food, nature, cycling and plenty of downtime by the pool and river. Luang Prabang is best explored at a slow pace and this itinerary balances sightseeing with opportunities to enjoy the town's laid-back atmosphere

Day 1 – Arrival & First Taste of Luang Prabang

  • Afternoon

    • Arrive in Luang Prabang and transfer to your hotel (taxi from airport should be approx. 250,000 Kip)

    • Recommend Jam Boutique Hotel

      • Quiet location away from the busy centre (approx. 10 minutes walk from the Old Town and Night Market)

      • Large swimming pool

      • Complimentary bicycles available for guests

      • Bookings include free daily breakfast

    • Spend some time settling in and relax after the journey

  • Late Afternoon

    • Enjoy early dinner at Manda de Laos, one of Luang Prabang's most renowned restaurants

      • Set beside a UNESCO-protected lily pond

      • Excellent introduction to traditional Laotian cuisine

      • Advance reservations recommended

    • Head to Mekong Chill Bar for sunset drinks overlooking the Mekong River (5 minute walk from Manda de Laos)

    • Finish the evening with a stroll through the Luang Prabang Night Market (open daily 5-10pm)

      • Browse local arts and crafts

      • Shop for handmade souvenirs and textiles

      • Sample local street food and desserts

Day 2 – Old Town Exploration & Local History

  • Morning

    • Take the hotel bikes and go on a early morning cycle around the Old Town and riverside before the day heats up

    • Stop at Lulalo Coffee for a quality Laotian drip coffee

    • Return to the hotel for breakfast (6.30-10.30)

  • Late Morning-Afternoon

    • Walk into the Old Town and climb Phousi Hill

      • Over 300 steps to the top

      • Home to Buddhist shrines and temples

      • Spectacular views over Luang Prabang and the surrounding rivers

    • Refuel at nearby Grasshopper Café

      • Recommended: fresh noodle salad bowl or panini

      • The cafe is part of a Yoga studio if you are interested in a local Yoga class during visit

    • Visit the Royal Palace Museum (located 2 minute walk from the cafe)

      • Former residence of the Lao royal family

      • Beautiful architecture, historical exhibits and landscaped gardens

    • Return to the hotel for a relaxing afternoon by the pool

  • Evening

    • Enjoy sunset drinks at Tropical Mekong overlooking the river

    • Dinner at Phan Souk Restaurant - authentic local flavours at budget-friendly prices approx. 40,000 Kip/£1.40 per dish

      • Recommended dishes; Garlic chicken or Chicken rice

Day 3 – Rice Farming Experience & Mekong Sunset Cruise

  • Morning

    • Experience rural Laos with a visit to Living Land Lao Farm

      • Tours typically begin around 8:00 AM

      • Hotel pick-up and drop-off included

      • Learn the traditional 14-step rice cultivation process from planting through to harvesting

      • A hands-on and educational cultural experience

    • Tours can be booked directly with the farm or through online booking platforms ($36pp)

  • Afternoon

    • Lunch at Jungala Café on the river

      • Recommended dishes: Pad Kra Pao, noodle dishes or fresh salads

    • Return to the hotel for Pool time or visit a local massage place for a Traditional Lao massage or spa treatment (Mora massage and spa luangprabang, Green Jungle Massage or BanLao Spa)

  • Evening

    • Enjoy a Mekong Sunset Cruise

      • One of the highlights of Luang Prabang

      • Complimentary local snacks are usually included

      • Tickets can be purchased directly from the boat on arrival at Sa Sa Sunset Cruise google pin daily at 5pm (approximately 195,000 Kip/£6.60 - boat departs 530pm and returns 730pm)

    • End the evening with a glass of wine and appetizers at Tangor Bistrol

      • French-inspired restaurant with Asian influences

Day 4 – Kuang Si Waterfalls Adventure

  • Morning

    • Early departure for Kuang Si Waterfalls

      • Waterfalls open at 8:00 AM

      • Recommended departure around 7:00 AM by taxi (most hotels will help organise private taxi - approx. 1m Kip/£34for 4 hours)

      • Arriving at opening time allows you to experience the falls before tour groups arrive

    • Explore the various waterfall levels

    • Swim in the turquoise pools

    • Relax and enjoy one of Laos' most iconic natural attractions

    • Climb the 500+ steps to View Café

      • Entry approximately 30,000 Kip/£1

      • Panoramic views across the surrounding countryside

    • On the return journey, stop at Buffalo Dairy Farm

      • Sample buffalo milk ice cream, cheese platters, milkshakes and coffee

  • Afternoon

    • Return to the hotel and spend the afternoon relaxing by the pool after the early start

    • Enjoy a leisurely cycle around town

    • Stop at Popolo (excellent pizzas and Mediterranean-inspired dishes)

    • Continue to Viewpoint Café for an afternoon drink overlooking the river

  • Evening

    • Start with drinks at Fat Cat Bar

    • Walk into the Old Town for dinner at Ajam Mora

      • Try an authentic Laotian soup

    • Optional Evening Activity

      • Visit the Luang Prabang Bowling Alley

      • Bowling: 50,000 Kip pp/£1.70 per game

      • Archery: 20,000 Kip/68p for seven arrows

      • Best visited after 9:00 PM when the atmosphere becomes more lively

      • Easily reached by tuk-tuk from town (50,000 Kip pp / £1.70)

Day 5 – Final Morning & Departure

  • Morning

    • Enjoy one final cycle through the streets of Luang Prabang

    • Breakfast at Le Khaoji Café & Hangout

      • Open daily from 6:30 AM – 11:00 AM

      • Known for excellent French-Vietnamese style bánh mì sandwiches

    • Stop by Rosetta Café for a final quality coffee

    • Visit the UXO Lao Visitor Centre

      • Free entry

      • Learn about the lasting impact of unexploded ordnance in Laos

      • A meaningful and informative insight into the country's recent history

  • Afternoon

    • Return to the hotel

    • Check out and transfer to the airport for your onward journey (taxi approx. 250,000 Kip/£8.50)

Useful Tips

  • Taxi from the airport to town shouldn’t cost anymore than 250,000/£8.50

  • Luang Prabang is best explored on foot or by bicycle

  • Temperatures rise quickly after 10:00 AM, making early morning activities ideal

  • Carry cash for markets, restaurants, cafés, entry for temples and tuk-tuks

  • Dress respectfully when visiting temples and religious sites

  • Book ahead for:

5 days in Luang Prabang, Laos |

5 days in Luang Prabang, Laos |