Luang Prabang Attractions

Attractions   Luang Prabang is known for its elaborate temples and ancient religious sites. The old quarter sits on a narrow peninsula between the two rivers and local eateries on the banks of the Mekong offer the perfect location to sit and watch life pass by as it has for centuries.

The Old Quarter

• Wat Xieng Thong is one of the city's most revered and visited temples. Built in 1560 and beautifully decorated with tiny fragments of glass and golf leaf, a walk through the temple grounds feels like taking a stroll back in time. Just a short distance from Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's stunning centre piece, Wat That Chom Sii, can be reached by climbing 300 steps. It's a tiring trk, but well worth the effort for the fine views down to the old Royal Palace, which is now the Palace Museum and houses a collection of treasures collected by the former rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang. Chom Sii temple also features a gold spired stupa that can be seen from most parts of the city.
  
  
• Another major religious site is Wat Mai, the temple that once housed Luang Prabang's most valuable artifact and namesake - the Prabang. This large Buddha statue, made almost entirely out of gold, now sits in the Palace Musuem and during the annual Lao New Year festival,  the Prabang is moved back to Wat Mai, ceremonially cleaned and then put on display for devotees to pay their respects over three days.

Outside the city

• The famous Pak Ou Caves are located 25km upriver from Luang Prabang where the Ou and Mekong rivers meet. Tham Ting and Tham Phun are filled with Buddah images that have been placed there by pilgrims over hundreds of years.  The caves are best reached by boat from Luang Prabang.
  
  
• About 30 km south of Luang Prabang, you will find the spectacular Kuang Sii Waterfalls.  Trails lead up to the falls and there are pools to swim in at the base.  A covered area has been built for for picnickers and there are also some stalls serving simple Lao food and drink.  A full day is needed to visit the falls, which can get busy during locl festivals and holidays.
  
  
• The weaving villages of Ban Phanom, Ban Xieng Lek are a popular destination for visitors looking for authentic local textiles, which can be bought direct from the women at work there. You ca watch the silk-making process from harvesting the silkworm, through to colouring and weaving the fabric, and finally, hanging the finished product.