It’s no secret that Luang Prabang has an abundance of great attractions and activities. Despite the town’s small size, travelers can often feel overwhelmed by just how much there is to do and see. To minimize the confusion around your itinerary-planning, many tour providers have packaged its high-points into a complete experience. Instead of planning every little detail yourself, why not let some of Luang Prabang’s most highly-rated tour groups take you on a journey? Read on for our favorite Luang Prabang tours that you need to add to your itinerary!
Take a Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River in Luang Prabang
A slow-boat down the Mekong river below an orange-streaked sky, with a cold drink in hand and barbecue appetizers preparing on the grill; doesn’t that sound like the stuff vacations are truly made of? The Sa Sa Sunset Cruise offers this exact experience and many past guests call it a must-do activity while you’re in the area. The ride lasts for two hours and all guests are offered one free cocktail while they’re on board, with the option to purchase more drinks if they desire. The boat docks just in time for a full dinner at one of Luang Prabang’s many fine eateries. This sunset cruise is the perfect cherry on top of your relaxing evening.
Find more info here.
Tour Cultural Temples & Try Guided Meditation in Luang Prabang
Why not spend an afternoon with a former Buddhist Monk or Novice? This experience is ideal for all travelers with an interest in the spiritual heritage and traditions of Laos. This guided tour will take you on a journey through some of Luang Prabang’s most fascinating temples while educating you on the architecture, culture, and etiquette of these sacred structures. After the tour, guests will be given the opportunity to enter a guided meditation session and learn soul-centering techniques for future practice.
Also, please note the tour provider behind this experience donates a portion of all profits made to the local temples and assists former monks in their reintegration into society. You can’t go wrong with a great cause behind a great experience.
Find more info here.
Become an Elephant Whisperer: Meet elephants in Luang Prabang
For an unforgettable experience with some of nature’s most beautiful creatures, pay a visit to MandaLao’s elephant conservation site. Unlike other elephant tourism companies, MandaLao keeps its focus strictly on elephant welfare and education, allowing guests to interact with elephants but only by unintrusive means.
A range of tours is offered to suit a variety of schedules and preferences. Guests can opt for a full or half-day tour where activities can include surveying the elephants in the wild and learning to communicate with them by offering treats. MandaLao does not support elephant-riding, a practice which is known to cause great suffering to elephants. Support responsible elephant-tourism in Luang Prabang by booking a tour with MandaLao.
Find more info here.
Enjoy an Authentic Cooking Experience: Luang Prabang Cooking Class
At the Sofitel Cooking School, you’ll start off with a morning tour of the local markets, before being treated to a top-class breakfast cooked by the talented Chef John. And just when you think the experience can’t get any better, you’ll learn how to cook traditional Lao cuisine in a workshop led by Chef John himself and his talented team. Past guests rave about this experience, calling it a must-do for solo travelers, couples and even families. This is by far the most delicious way to immerse yourself in Lao culture.
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See Kuang Si Waterfall, Pak Ou Caves, & More
This full-day tour will take you through some of the town’s biggest attractions and much more. After getting picked up from your hotel or hostel, you’ll be taken on a slow-boat cruise down the Mekong River, from where you can enjoy the views of the town from the water. Next, you’ll see the magnificent Pak Ou Caves and have lunch in a local wine-making village, renowned for producing Lao Lao wine. To top off your already-brilliant day, you’ll visit a bear sanctuary and see the famous Kuang Si waterfall, where all visitors are allowed to swim if they are so inclined. Over the course of the entire day, there will be plenty of opportunities to take beautiful photos to memorialize the many wonderful experiences you’ll have.
Find more info here.
Learn How to Farm Rice
The Living Land Farm is a community farm just outside of town with a fantastic view of the mountains and rice fields. All year round, guests are welcome to join their half-day tour, where they’ll enjoy activities such as sugar-cane pressing, bamboo weaving, and blacksmithing, and learn all about rice planting and cultivation. To sweeten your day, the tour will be concluded with a tasting of rice-based snacks and treats. Lunch will also be available for those who desire something more hearty. A portion of profits goes towards supporting students in the area and providing English classes for the whole village. Pick-up and drop-off are also included in your booking.
Find more info here.
Experience the Wonderful World of Bamboo
Voted one of the best experiences in Luang Prabang, this family-run workshop encompasses many stimulating activities to give you a real taste of Lao culture and food through bamboo products. Your day will involve cooking, weaving, shooting crossbows (yes, you read that right!), playing bamboo-made instruments, and much more. The experience lasts five hours and each booking includes transportation to and from your accommodation. Check out the wonderful world of bamboo and see a part of Lao culture you’re unlikely to experience elsewhere!
Find more info here.
Make Pottery & Have Lunch in an Authentic Lao Village
If you’re interested in getting creative, why not visit a local pottery village? This food and pottery tour gives guests the chance to create their own unique pottery and at the same time, fill their bellies with authentic Lao food. Unbeknownst to many, pottery is a dying art in this local village. The family-run business behind this experience aims to save the preserve this art by sharing it with others and reviving enthusiasm for the culture in younger folks. Another one of Luang Prabang’s top activities, we can’t recommend it enough.
Find more info here.
Have a Blast at the Buffalo Dairy Farm
If you’ve never tried ice cream and cheese made from buffalo milk, it’s time to change that. Past visitors cannot get enough of these buffalo milk treats. Trust us! You won’t be disappointed. This dairy farm allows guests to meet and interact with the buffalos, as well as a few other farm animals such as pigs and rabbits. Rest assured this dairy farm has been found to have completely ethical practices, unlike many other dairy farms, and past guests have remarked on the happiness and health of the animals. Come by for some buffalo milk treats, or perhaps just to pet the animals. If you’re so inclined, you might even be allowed to milk a buffalo!
Find more info here.
Ride the Luang Prabang Zip Line through the Jungle of Laos
If there’s a thrill-seeker in you, you’ll enjoy experiencing the jungles of Laos from new heights. On this adventurous tour, visitors can abseil, cross rope-bridges at elevated heights, and take a zip line through the trees of the forest and over jungle canopies. This activity is suitable for families, couples, and even solo travelers, though it is advised that only people with a reasonable tolerance of heights partake. On this tour, you’ll literally see Laos from a new perspective.
Find more info here.
More Information About Luang Prabang Tours
Did you enjoy this article about Luang Prabang tours? Would you like more information on things to do in Luang Prabang? Then check out these other articles we’ve rounded up for your reading pleasure! Happy travels!
- The Best City Tours in Luang Prabang, Laos by Regina Beach from The Culture Trip
- 19 Best Things to do in Luang Prabang from Hotels.com
- 25 Best Things to do in Luang Prabang, Laos by The Crazy Tourist
- Top Things to do in Luang Prabang from Lonely Planet
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