Luang Prabang

4,8/5

(249 reviews)

Destination

Overview

Take your time and discover the charming town of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos, in the province of the same name. It was once the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, founded in the 14th century by Prince Fa Ngum. This kingdom, whose name literally means “A Million Elephants,” was the first attempt to unify Lao territory as we know it today. The city of Muang Sa (present-day Luang Prabang) was chosen as the capital and flourished for nearly three centuries as a spiritual center.

During this period, Theravada Buddhism, introduced from the Khmer Kingdom, became established, and golden temples were built in the city. Unfortunately, the temples seen today are not originals but reconstructions dating from the 19th and 20th centuries. In the meantime, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang could not withstand successive invasions, which repeatedly looted the city. In the late 19th century, the kingdom requested the French to replace Siam as protector after liberating the city.

The French protectorate era in Asia coincided with the time of great explorers discovering these regions. Figures such as Auguste Pavie, Henri Mouhot, and Francis Garnier all admired Luang Prabang — and it’s easy to understand why even today.

The best way to explore the city is to stroll through its narrow streets or along the Mekong River, discovering beautiful temples and colonial architecture.

Our Laos extensions give you the chance to explore not only the city but also the surrounding province, with its magnificent natural sites such as the Kuang Si waterfall.

Why Go There?

Recommended Activities

Spend time at the night market

Watch the sunset from the top of Mount Phou Si

Wander through the alleys and visit the city’s beautiful temples

Walk along the Mekong River

Relax at Kuang Si Waterfall

Fiche circuit

4 days

Luang Prabang and Its Surroundings – 4 Days

Luang Prabang and Its Surroundings in 4 Days: Temples, Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Waterfalls, and the Dawn Alms Ceremony

Fiche circuit

3 days

Luang Prabang the Magnificent – 3 Days

Luang Prabang in 3 Days: Royal Temples, Sunset on Mount Phu Si, Pak Ou Caves, Kuang Si Waterfalls, and Morning Local Immersion

Fiche circuit

10 days

Essentials of North Vietnam and Luang Prabang – 10 Days

10-day journey to discover the essentials of North Vietnam (Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh) and the magnificent city of Luang Prabang

Fiche circuit

12 days

Northern Vietnam and Luang Prabang – 12 Days

From Hanoi to Luang Prabang in 12 Days: Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Sapa, ethnic markets, and the serene beauty of Kuang Si.

Fiche circuit

18 days

Northern Vietnam and Luang Prabang – 18 days

In 18 days: Lan Ha Bay, Ninh Binh, Pu Luong, Sapa, and a visit to Luang Prabang with its waterfalls and ancient temples**

Client testimonials

They share their experiences

Helina – cruise tour

“Mathieu was truly wonderful. A big thank you for all the flawless arrangements! We had an amazing cruise with so many beautiful memories 🥰 – the crew was incredibly friendly, and all the activities were very well organized.”

Christelle – Vietnam tour

“An effective agency and more … We discovered Vietnam from Hanoi to Ho Chi Min through Hue and Hoi An thanks to the excellent services. To choose the tour I had excellent exchanges with the agency throughout the preparation of the trip so that it fits what we wanted. We had three different guides. All friendly and speaking English very well. The drivers were professional (and you have to be to get around Vietnam),very attentive and punctual.”

Gregorio – cruise tour

“Such a great experience! They organised a transfer from our homestay in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh, directly to Cat Ba. We did the Lan Ha Bay cruise, spending 2 days and 1 night around. This bay is beautiful and quiet, indeed we didn’t meet too many boats so we appreciated the panorama 100%. Our boat was beautiful and we shared the cruise with another couple, so it is the best choice if you are looking for a peaceful experience”

Rama – Parfum d’Automne cruise tour

“EXTRAORDINARY Agency I called on them for a cruise on September 23rd in the evening to ask for a place for a cruise on the 24th (my birthday) not only did they take care of my return from sapa to Hanoi that same evening, on the 24th on the boat all the crew knew about my birthday, they wished me, also made me a surprise cake in the evening. The stay on the boat was so amazing that I added an extra night , without being a ray of sun, he smiles all the time and pampers us throughout the cruise.”

Arthur – Four Season Cruise Tour

“The agency took great care of us, answering all our questions and showing real flexibility. We went on a cruise in Lan Ha Bay aboard the Quatre Saisons junk. The boat was comfortable and clean, the food was delicious, and the scenery absolutely stunning. We didn’t come across many other boats along our route, which made the experience even more special. The activities were well organized and done in small groups, which we really appreciated.”

Gael – Northern Vietnam tour

“Exceptional service and magnificent organized tours ! We’re Swiss and took advantage of Parfum d’Automne’s offers to visit Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay, next to Halong Bay, and the Pu Luong region in the northwest mountains of Vietnam. It was fantastic! We met a lot of great locals, not least thanks to the guides and tours organized by the agency.”

4,8/5 (249 avis)

4,6/5 (142 avis)

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