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Laos Laos

Luang Prabang

An ancient city in northern Laos where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet, with the entire town listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Wandering its quiet lanes and temples, you can feel the atmosphere of the past.

Updated August 15, 2026 · Edited by the World by City editors

Luang Prabang
Gateway airport
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)
Best season
Oct–Feb
Time zone
Asia/Vientiane
Sights covered
8 places

Sights worth seeing

Royal Palace, Luang Prabang

Castles & palaces

Royal Palace, Luang Prabang

This former royal palace was built on the riverbank in 1904 and served as the royal family's residence until the end of the Lao monarchy. After the monarchy fell in 1975, it was converted into a museum, where visitors can now see royal artifacts and glimpse into royal life.

Wat Sen

Temples & religious sites

Wat Sen

Wat Sensoukharam is one of several Buddhist temples in Luang Prabang, Laos, offering a peaceful glimpse into the former royal capital's atmosphere. It's a great stop to explore alongside nearby temples while wandering the lanes.

Wat Phol Phao

Temples & religious sites

Wat Phol Phao

A Buddhist temple on a hill southeast of Luang Prabang, known for its striking golden stupa and forest meditation retreat. Set across the Nam Khan River, it's a quiet place to experience Lao Buddhist culture on foot.

Wat Mahathat

Temples & religious sites

Wat Mahathat

This Buddhist temple is located in Luang Prabang, Laos. Its ornate roof and intricate carvings make it one of the city's most notable temples.

Vat Visounarath

Temples & religious sites

Vat Visounarath

One of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang, known for its distinctive watermelon-shaped stupa. It's a great place to photograph the striking stupa alongside the temple's antique wooden hall.

Wat Phabat Tai

Temples & religious sites

Wat Phabat Tai

Wat Phabat Tai, on the Mekong riverbank in Luang Prabang, has long served as a spiritual center for the local Vietnamese community. The grounds include a small cave enshrining a Buddha footprint and a reclining Buddha statue, making it a peaceful place to explore.

Wat That Luang

Temples & religious sites

Wat That Luang

A Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, Laos, notable for its large golden stupa. Strolling through the tranquil grounds offers a close look at traditional temple architecture and Buddhist culture.

Nam Khan

Nature

Nam Khan

A river in Laos and a major tributary that joins the Mekong at Luang Prabang. It's a lovely place to take in the scenery along its banks.

How many days do you need?

Routes grouped by travel distance so each day stays comfortable.

Average temperature by month

5-year average

22° Jan
24° Feb
27° Mar
28° Apr
28° May
28° Jun
28° Jul
27° Aug
26° Sep
25° Oct
24° Nov
22° Dec

Getting there

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Getting around the city

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