How to Plan a Luang Prabang Trip - Tips for Organising the Ultimate Holiday in Luang Prabang

Considered one of the top cultural heritage cities in Laos, a vacation in Luang Prabang can be an unforgettably engaging experience. While the region may be far removed from the hustle and bustle of central Laos, the northern city is home to some of the country's oldest temples and natural wonders that are not limited to its mammoth waterfalls. From deciding when to travel to signing up for the best activities, here's everything one needs to know to plan a memorable getaway in Luang Prabang.  

Timing is Everything  

The first step in planning a visit to Laos' UNESCO heritage city is deciding when to travel. The best period to holiday in this part of the country is from November to February as Luang Prabang enjoys idyllic and dry weather conditions during this time. As the peak tourist season, it's also the ideal time to witness the majesty of Kuang Si Falls and other cascades as the hike up to the natural wonders are safe to navigate. The only downside to choosing to travel during the high season is the cost of accommodation and travel packages to Luang Prabang, which are competitive but pricey due to the large influx of tourists. In terms of duration, a 4-5 day visit is more than sufficient to see and experience all that the heritage hotspot has to offer.  

Reaching the City  

Those with limited time on their hands can skip the capital Vientiane and touchdown in Luang Prabang on a direct flight from Bangkok or Chiang Mai. As international carriers do not offer air transfers to Luang Prabang from western cities, it's necessary to catch a connecting flight from the Thai capital, Hanoi or Chiang Mai if one wishes to fly to one's final destination. Tourists based in the northern cities of Thailand can also travel to Luang Prabang via boat as the journey on a slow boat takes two days. The most affordable means of reaching the city, however, is via bus as long-distance buses from northern Thailand, Vietnam and other districts in Laos travel to Luang Prabang daily. 

Secure a Convenient Hotel Base 

The next step in the planning process is making reservations at a resort or boutique hotel in Luang Prabang. While there are a great many hotels in the city including Avani Luang Prabang, visitors should make sure their accommodation choice is based on the location of the hotel or resort in question. A centrally situated rest close to some of the biggest landmarks, temples and the royal palace in the city can make a big difference in terms of the access tourists can enjoy to major sites in Luang Prabang. 

Create a Sightseeing Itinerary 

With so much to see and explore, it's crucial for tourists to carefully divide the time available on holiday in order to discover Luang Prabang's key landmarks. In addition to the Kuang Si Falls, must-visit highlights in the city include Wat Xieng Thong temple and the Royal Palace. Containing some of the country's finest Buddha statues, the latter is also home to a museum. Venues such as Wat Chompet must also be a part of every Luang Prabang travel itinerary whereas a tour of the famous Pak Ou Caves is another must for first-timers.  

Image via AVANI+ Luang Prabang 

Sign up for Activities  

Recruiting the help of local tour operators to engage in hiking trips around Mount Pousi or signing up for a dinner cruise or daytime cruise along the Mekong River are other travel plans that holidaymakers must make during the planning process. Shopaholics may also want to pencil in an excursion to the Luang Prabang Night Market as the venue is also a culinary heartland for street food lovers.