Luang Prabang Activities

Kouang Si Waterfall

29 Kilometers south of Luang Prabang (about one hour) are the Kouang Si Waterfalls where you can hike, swim and soak up the beauty of the surrounding area and picnic. Before entering the park there are the usual street vendors selling local arts and crafts and delicious fare.

The waterfalls are definitely worth a visit with their soaring limestone surfaces and cascading drops they make for some memorable views and fun activities. Travellers can also visit hill-tribe people en-route to the cave. Beautiful scenery, flora and fauna surround the area.

Nong Khiaw

This market town on the west bank of Nam Ou in northern Luang Prabang Province is surrounded by mountains and caves. Experience rural Laos were children give away flowers and the local fisherman go about their daily business.

A walk through the paddy fields and then climbing a bamboo ladder to reach the limestone interior of the nearby cave is recommended.

Pak Ou Caves

Formerly used for the worshiping of the River Spirit until Buddhism spread in to Laos. Frequented by locals for thousands of years, the caves can be accessed by taking a river boat some 25 km from Luang Prabang downstream. Alternatively, the more adventurous (and brave) can take the land route via a jumbo (an open air taxi) that will drop you at the small village.

A short walk to the edge of the village leads visitors to a spectacular view of the Mekong's chocolate-coloured streams. When you arrive, the striking limestone cliffs and thousands of Buddha images that have been erected over 60 decades will not fail to disappoint.

Interested in Pak Ou Caves? 

Tad Sae Waterfall

35 minutes south of town, situated at the meeting of Nam Khan and Huay Sae rivers are the multilevel limestone formations that cascade into numerous pools.

Less impressive than Tad Sae, they're still worth a visit. The ride to reach them is quite spectacular and a great way to see more of the Laotian countryside.

Wat Long Khoun

Situated across the river, this charming spot can be reached after a short boat ride. The small district of Xiang men houses the once-important temple of Wat Long Khoun.

Neither the most awe-inspiring nor grand of temples but definitely worth taking a look at. Few tourists and locals venture over so expect it to be a quiet affair even by Laos standards.