Luang Prabang Highlights

Key facts

City	capital of Luang Prabang Province, north-central Laos
UNESCO	World Heritage Site since 1995
Name	‘Royal Buddha Image’, from the Phra Bang statue
Temples	over 30 Buddhist temples
Protected zone	33 of its 58 villages

Luang Prabang Highlights: Temples, Culture & Local Crafts

Spend a full day experiencing the beautiful city of Luang Prabang with your knowledgeable guide. The day’s events are flexible to suit your interests but usually start with visiting some of the iconic sites of the city. You can expect to start your day with visits to two or three of the major attractions of the city (usually in the morning). You will start your morning by visiting the Royal Palace Museum, then head to Wat Xieng Thong to admire the architecture of this stunning Wat, and finish the morning with a visit to the Watermelon Stupa.

At the end of the morning tour, you can either return to your hotel or you can stop at a local restaurant for lunch (your expense). In the afternoon after lunch, you will head towards the Mekong River and travel to the nearby villages of Xangkhong and Xienglek which are very well known for having traditional textiles and weaving. Here, you will be able to watch the artisans create textiles and learn about their unique dyeing methods using mulberry tree bark. After visiting, and before heading back to Luang Prabang you will have the opportunity to visit Wat Mai and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre. The centre is an interesting museum based on the ethnics cultures of Laos which features displays of clothing, photographs and stories.

To wrap up your day, you will have options for when the day of experiences is winding down. You could hike up Phu Si hill and take in the sunset views of Luang Prabang; or you could stroll through some of Luang Prabang’s quiet temples as the monks are gathering for evening prayers.

Please note: The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is closed on Mondays. If you do visit on a Monday, your guide will offer alternatives for an afternoon together.

About Luang Prabang

English Wikipedia describes Luang Prabang, historically Xieng Thong, as the capital of Luang Prabang Province, designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 and recognized for blending Lao architecture, European colonial buildings and over 30 Buddhist temples. The protected area covers 33 of its 58 villages, and daily rituals such as the morning alms-giving ceremony persist. The tour page lists visits to the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong. If you watch alms-giving, keep your distance and stay quiet. We have not verified tour prices, schedules, flight times or inclusions, so confirm them with Absolute Asia Tours before booking.

Sources (read in English, English Wikipedia): Luang Prabang. Last checked November 2026.

Luang Prabang Highlights: FAQ

When was Luang Prabang listed by UNESCO?

In 1995.

What does the name mean?

Royal Buddha Image.

How many temples are there?

Over 30 Buddhist temples.

What does the highlights tour visit?

The Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, per the page.

How long is the tour?

A full day.