What to see in Luang Prabang?
National Museum, Luang Prabang
The former Royal Palace was converted into the Luang Prabang National Museum in 1975, after the monarchy was overthrown by the communists who proclaimed a republic. Opened to the public in 1995, the Luang Prabang National Museum occupies the former royal residence. Inside, visitors can admire personal belongings of the royal family, as well as all the furnishings as they remained after the communist victory. Highlights of the building include the former Reception Hall, which houses the Golden Throne used by the Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism for official ceremonies, and the former Throne Room, with its famous wooden throne used for centuries by Lao monarchs during their boat trips on the Mekong River. It is renowned for housing the most important Buddhist relic in the country.
Old Royal Palace, Luang Prabang
Built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family, the Royal Palace was the residence of the last Laotian monarchs.
Mount Phousi
Mount Phousi is a sacred hill in the heart of Luang Prabang, known for its breathtaking panoramic views of the city and the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The ascent is made via a stepped path leading to the golden stupa of Wat Chom Si at the summit. Reached after climbing 328 steps, the golden stupa offers a visual and spiritual highlight of the climb. From the top, you can appreciate the expanse of the city and the course of the Mekong River, especially at sunrise and sunset, times favored by visitors. The path is dotted with Buddha statues and shrines, making the climb a cultural experience as well as a hike. The mountain is considered a sacred site, adding a spiritual component to the visitor's experience.
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong, also known as the Temple of the Golden City, is a 16th-century Buddhist temple located on the banks of the Mekong River in Luang Prabang. An architectural gem and one of the most important monasteries in Laos, it remains a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty, and traditional art. It is famous for its distinctive Luang Prabang architectural style, which includes multi-tiered, sloping roofs that almost touch the ground. Inside, the famous "Tree of Life" mural (on the back wall of the red chapel), made of colorful glass mosaics, depicts local legends.In short, it is one of the most valuable monuments of Laos' artistic and religious heritage and a must-see if you travel to the region.
Wat Sane
Also known as Wat Sene Souk, it was the first Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang, built in 1718 with stucco-covered bricks. It is distinguished by its ornamentation of traditional Thai architectural elements, its beautifully restored ochre walls with rich gold decorations, its intricately carved windows, and its delicate roof covered with glazed tiles. The temple complex houses two large canoes used during the Canoe Festival, several shrines and chapels, as well as the monks' living quarters. Its red facade with gold reliefs makes it one of the most striking temples in Luang Prabang.
Wat Mai
The origins of this temple date back to 1780, and it is the largest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. It was used by Laotian royalty and is one of the few temples that survived the destruction by Chinese invaders. Wat Mai is distinguished by its five-sided wooden roof and its remarkable gilded facade depicting scenes of daily life in Luang Prabang.
Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunarat)
Wat Visoun (also known as Wat Visounnarath or Wat Wisunarat) is the oldest functioning Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. Originally built around 1513 during the reign of King Visounnarath, it is an important symbol of early Laotian religious architecture, famous for its enormous domed stupa shaped like a watermelon. Today, only the brick version of the original wooden temple remains, which was destroyed by fire in 1887 and rebuilt in the late 19th century. Its main building is distinguished by its multi-roof structure, beautiful windows with wooden balusters, doors decorated with gilded Hindu reliefs, a rich collection of gilded wooden Buddhas in a variety of styles, and the largest seated Buddha in Luang Prabang.
Ock Pop Tok
Ock Pop Tok (which in the local language means "East meets West") is a social enterprise and craft center in Luang Prabang, dedicated to preserving and promoting Laotian textile traditions through fair trade and sustainable tourism. The main craft center, known as the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre, is located on the banks of the Mekong River and offers a complete immersion into the world of Laotian textiles. Ock Pop Tok products are handmade by Laotian women artisans using natural materials and traditional techniques, with contemporary designs. The range mainly includes scarves, shawls, clothing, bags, wallets, tapestries, rugs, DIY kits for embroidery, and natural dyeing.
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