Luang Prabang is a very attractive city not to be missed during your tour to Laos. This city is famous not only for its unique cultures and customs of the inhabitants but also for the beauty of the landscapes. 2 days in Luang Prang is an opportunity to better understand the originality of the history and life of the inhabitants.
Amazing Luang Prabang at sunset
Some Useful Information for 2 Days in Luang Prabang
1. Visa to travel in 2 days in Luang Prabang
- All visitors to Laos must have a valid passport for at least 6 months from the date of arrival in Laos.
- It is possible to obtain a visa on arrival at international checkpoints such as border gates (between Laos and Thailand, Vietnam, China, and Cambodia) or at Laos international airports.
- Prepare 2 ID photos and cash in USD for the visa stamp (depending on your length of stay and the number of entries)
For those who wish to extend their stay, it is possible to extend your visa at the Immigration Office in Vientiane. It costs $2 per day if you apply before the expiration date. However, after the expiry of your visa, you will be fined $10 per day for your excess stay.
2. You can make your decision to choose a local tour operator for your hands-free experience
As a tour operator with over 15-year experiences, Paradise Travel will organize every single step, book reservations in advance and make sure to bring you the most unforgettable Indochina discovery. Let’s start planning your tour!
Best Time to Visit Luang Prabang
Laos has a tropical climate with two distinct seasons: the dry season from November to May and the rainy season from June to October. The average annual temperature is around 28 ° C and reaches a maximum of 38 ° C.
Be careful if you visit the country during the rainy season because tropical rains are strong and frequent, especially in July and August.
To sum up, the best time to travel to Luang Prabang is from October to April, when the precipitation is lower and the temperature is only 22 ° C. It is also the “peak tourist season” of the country, so Laos welcomes more tourists. Therefore, reservations should be made in advance to ensure the availability of services.
Getting to Luang Prabang
To prepare the discovery of this ancient UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, you will find below the means of transport that we recommend to get there:
By Plane
Luang Prabang International Airport is only 4 km from the city center. You can choose Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines, Bangkok Airways or Thai AirAsia. If you are in Vientiane, you can also travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang via internal flights of 45 minutes. Besides daily flights, airlines can add additional flights during the high season of the trip to Laos, from October to April.
By Bus
If you want to save money, travelling by bus is the best choice. As bus departures are subject to change, in terms of time and points of arrival, first-time travelers must book tickets through the host or local travel agencies. By booking tickets through, the price includes the welcome and transfer to the bus station.
Viewpoint and beautiful landscapes in Luang Prabang, Laos
Things to Do for 2 Days in Luang Prabang
1. Visit the historical and religious monuments
Wat Xieng Thong Temple
This place is probably the most beautiful of Luang Prabang temples. It is also one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos, which saved it from being spared during the looting of 1887 by the Chinese pirates. You can find a building covered with a beautiful mosaic representing the tree of life on your 2 days in Luang Prabang.
Wat Visoun Temple
This temple was built during the reign of King Visounnarat (or Visoun, 1501-1520) in 1513 and represents the first model, sometimes called Luang Prabang style I, the architecture of Lao temples. Wat Visoun is also the oldest surviving temple in this city.
The Center of Ethnology and Traditional Arts
This is a museum located in the center of Luang Prabang, not far from the Darat Market. It is a non-profit association dedicated to the collection, conservation and study of traditional arts as well as the lifestyles of the surrounding ethnic groups.
Royal Palace Museum
The Royal Palace Museum
This museum has its other names as “Haw Kham” or “Golden Hall”. It houses a large number of interesting historical objects that tell the story of Laos during royalty. Built-in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, it symbolizes the blend of traditional Lao style and French influence of the colonial era.
Wat Mai Temple
The largest in the city of Luang Prabang Temple is the Wat Mai Temple. This Buddhist monastery was built in 1796, located in the historical center of Luang Prabang city. It is very popular thanks to not only its size and impressive lines, but also for a residence of Phra Sangkharat, a maximum dignitary of Lao Buddhism.
Wat Wisunarat Temple
Wat Wisunarat could be dated in 1531, during the reign of King Wisunara making it the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. The history of this temple is complex, as it survived different times during war. Among the highlights of this temple are in its form of the stupa and the European-style roof, which is the influence of French architects who rebuilt it in the late 1980s. It is a destination not to be missed for 2 days in Luang Phrabang as well.
2. Explore the famous and majestic Pak Ou Cave
Located upstream of the Mekong, about 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, the caves are accessible either by tuk-tuk or by boat. Tourists often prefer the river route, which brings more comfort and much more attractive experiences (the ride alone is worth the trip).
It takes about an hour and a half to get to the stream and reach the caves by boat. As a result, another three-quarters of an hour to return to Luang Prabang.
3. Discover the culture and life of the inhabitants
The ceremony of the Morning Alms of the Monks
This ceremony is otherwise known as “Tak Bat”, or the morning food gathering of Buddhist Lao monks in Luang Prabang. If you want to discover the unique culture of this city, this is an activity not to be missed during your tour in Laos.
In Luang Prabang, this tradition is a yearly ritual. The monks leave the monasteries early in the morning and walk silently through the streets while locals (and interested tourists) put food gifts in the bowls they carry.
Morning Market
This tourist site is very attractive and suitable to discover Laotian life. This market supplies various food products such as fruits, vegetables, meats, etc. It gets very active before dawn. This is also a place of passage for many Laotians who come to sell and/or to buy fresh products. Especially those from the jungle and the forest and traditional production based on gathering, fishing, and hunting are prior.
Night Market
Luang Prabang night market takes place every day for around 17 hours. The location is in the city center (opposite the former royal palace). The street is very close to vehicles and traders from the hill tribes. There are so many products there such as different clothes, ceramics, bamboo, lamps, blankets, bedspreads, crafts and silk scarves. Sellers often offer higher prices than in stores during the day, so you should negotiate well (politely) before buying.
Royal Ballet Theater
This site was created in 2002, in cooperation with “the Institute of Cultural Research” to preserve Laos’ cultural heritage. Since then, it has been supported by other organizations. They are the International Organization of La Francophonie and the Asia-Pacific Regional Office.
4. Admire the beauty of waterfalls and mountains
Sunset on Mount Phou Si
Marvelous Mount Phou Si at sunset
This place is really crowded at dusk since it offers a wonderful view of the sunset. You will have a chance to fully admire the view of the sunset on your 2 days in Luang Prabang.
Kuang Si Waterfall
Located about 30 km from Luang Prabang, you can visit this majestic waterfall by Tuk-Tuk or minivan in 45 minutes. The road to Kuang Si is so beautiful that you should not miss on your 2 days in Luang Prabang.
Tips for 2 Days in Luang Prabang
- The tip is not mandatory but it testifies to the quality of service and your satisfaction, especially in upscale establishments, for the taxi, your guide, and driver. Because wages are very low in Laos, tips are a good complement for those who receive it.
- As Laos is a tropical country, we advise you to bring light cotton clothing, a hat, sunglasses, hikers and shoes that are adapted to the terrain of walking.
- We strongly advise you to be vaccinated against typhoid, tetanus, hepatitis A and B. Malaria measures are not necessary for the main tourist destinations, but necessary if you go to remote areas. You should also consult your doctor before leaving for Laos.
- Violence against foreigners is extremely rare. However, it is a vigilant and common sense by avoiding stirring up the greed of thieves. Do not wear jewelry way too showy.
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