Kuang Si Waterfall is one of the most beautiful natural attractions around Luang Prabang and definitely worth the visit. The turquoise pools and cascading falls are absolutely stunning, and the surrounding forest makes for a peaceful, scenic escape. Getting there is easy—taking the shuttle to the entrance is highly recommended, as it’s the most convenient and stress-free option. Once inside, the main paths are well-marked and easy to follow, with plenty of photo spots and small pools where you can dip your feet or even take a swim. We decided to take the trekking trail on the right-hand side to reach the top of the falls. The trail was a bit challenging—steep in places and quite muddy in parts—but manageable if you’re prepared with good shoes and some patience. The view from the top was amazing, offering sweeping views of the lush landscape, although you can’t actually see the waterfall itself from up there. There’s a small lookout point that’s perfect for relaxing and enjoying the scenery before heading back down. We took the stairs on the way down, which was much easier and quicker. Overall, Kuang Si Waterfall makes for a perfect half-day trip filled with beauty, adventure, and serenity.

BEAUTIFUL an absolute must see, because did you really go to Luang Prabang if you didn’t see Kuang Si Waterfall. Yeah it’s busy but not overwhelming so and it’s breathtaking waterfall so of course there are gonna be people. I swam and although it was cold, if you’re there you just gotta take it all in.

Such a beautiful place. The forest is magical, my favourite part. The waterfall still beautiful even when churned up after the wet season, still well worth the visit. Hopefully oneday I will see when its blue. And the shops give are great for refreshments or a gift.

We came here around 2pm on a weekday but the place was still overran with tour groups. The water falls and the stream were quite impressive, reminding me of the Plivitz lake in Croatia, albeit a smaller version. Our experience would've been so much better if we didn't have to deal with the hords of tourists trying to get that picture perfect shot. The pushing and shoving wa on unreal and became unbearable that we gave up taking the water fall shot from the bridge. I'm summary, for best experience, come early like before 10am to enjoy scenery without crowd.

Absolutely loved the waterfall and the bear sanctuary attached to the waterfall! The water was cool and nice to refresh. The only problem was that lots of creepy men were filming women in swimsuits at the swimming points. At one point when we were swimming it felt like we were animals in a zoo with 20 men filming us in the water. This was disappointing. I would reccomend swimming in more than a swim suit.

Fantastic waterfalls. Try not to miss it if you are in Luang Prabang. In addition to the amazing view at the bottom falls, one can walk up the 542 steps to view the beginning of the the fall or pay another 30,000kip to climb up the tree houses and canopy walk. Very good setup although the views are limited by trees. Watchout for insects and small animals on the way up if you interested in forest life. Best thing to do at the top is to take a dip in the stream just before the falls. Cool & REFRESHING, although the water is not pristine at this time of the year (October). One can also take a dip below the stream. Recommended route: walk up on the trail on the left and walk back down along the laterite road.

Beautiful place to see and enjoy a little swim for refreshing. Just make sure to come before 12pm and the minivan convoy. Easiest and cheapest way is to take the green bus from Thatluang Park (roundtrip 90.000 pp by Nov. 2025), it took 1 hour per trip. Busses leave from LP leave at 8am, 9.30 ... and from KS at 9.30, 10, ... and so on (see attached pictures of timetable). The entrance fee for the waterfall you pay on site. (60.000 pp).

Oh dear this was not for me. Here’s why: Up at 5.15am to witness crowds of tourists sit in plastic chairs and hand over pre-purchased “gifts”. And pity the monks who are forced to participate every day collecting these “alms” - the look of bewilderment on some of the younger monks as the cameras click and tourists giggle. Who knew there were so many Buddhist from Europe and the USA.

Tourists honestly ruin everything. Rather than be respectful. People were loudly chattering the entire time (whilst waiting and also whilst giving alms). I could still hear them taking a 5 min walk away as I left. Wildly inappropriately dressed tourists taking part in the ceremony. People running up and down the street and in front of everyone, including monks, trying to get photos and videos. 🤦🏻‍♀️ It's sad, because this could be a really beautiful thing to watch in Luang Prabang with stunning temples in the backdrop.

I think it's just a really touristy thing to do nowadays. You wake up to see and you sit down on these little chairs and they push you to buy the food to donate and they come with baskets in front of you and you buy it. Then you put the food in the monk's baskets and it's over after a few minutes.

Awful. We ended up leaving. The one star is for the tourists. Ducking under the barrier rope and sticking their camera in the novices faces. Talking and laughing loudly, clearing throats and spitting when it's supposed to be silent. The amount of tourists mean the monks get way too much rice and it seems to mostly get tipped in the bin at the end of each block. Plus all the local sellers selling individually packaged chocolates and cakes, most of these seemed to get put in the bin. Why would monks want all that junk food? We came to Laos 20 years ago and watched the ceremony from our guesthouse window and it was nothing like this. It's a circus now.

I thought the alms giving would be taking gift packages to the temple for the monks as in Thailand, but this is a tourist led attraction, embarrassing for monks and many of the participants. You sit in the street and roll rice balls to give to the monks and apprentices in their buckets. I can't believe they use the offerings as the hygiene is suspect. Tourists snap pictures and videos whilst the young novices look embarrassed. If I had known what was involved I wouldn't have gone with the rest of our tour group. I was told the ceremony was organised by UNESCO and before was gifts to the temple. Not recommended at all.

Today the world is all about photos, videos, social media, and in this world the reality, truth is somewhere lost. Based on most of the reviews here I am sure what I am about to say will not be understood by many. But my hope is to reach out to those few conscious people who just don’t understand what the hell is going on in this world. About the ceremony. It was probably an authentic ceremony at some point but today it’s just a tourist attraction. What I observed; - Mostly big group of tourists with tour guides( mostly Chinese) were participating. Barely any locals. - vendors were selling rice and cookies - Some were using plastic gloves but mostly everyone else were just using their barehands to dig in the rice and offer it to the monks - There were trash cans set up everywhere, Monks were dumping all that was offered in it -Towards the end, children were collecting those offerings from the monk. Some were grabbing rice from the street. My understanding is: 1) Nobody eats those offering, it goes to waste 2) Its collected back and resold. I wonder what Buddha would feel about this ceremony. This was just sad. And all the comments here referring it to as “an experience” or “Its tradition” making it sound as it’s authentic, these people live so far away from reality. Some people take everything at it’s face value. But for those who are observant, who can see thru it and see the reality, please don’t participate. You may wanna go observe (and know the reality) but don’t participate. Its the tourism thats ruining this culture. Its because of the tourist there is so much waste.

famous local event. must go and see, in a different meaning.. too commercialized, so many tourists especially groups from china, making the daily event look like a show at the zoo. however it's interesting to observe for a while. some monks' baskets are soon filled with cookies and biscuits given by tourists (some shops sell them for tourists), i wondered where the huge amount of snacks go to everyday. once we go off the main street, we see real local lao people giving foods to monks in a serious expression. that's much worth wo watch.

A must visit spot when at Luang Prabang. Phousi hill can be seen from almost all parts of the city but the beauty of it lies when you climb up the steps and reach the spot that overlooks the UNESCO world heritage town of Luang Prabang. Was told that it gets extreme crowded and busy during evenings mainly because the sunset view from top is amazing so decided to climb up early morning post the Alms giving ceremony. Grab a ticket which was similarly priced like most sites at Laos. Took us about 10-15 mins to climb up to the top. It was hot and humid so preferably carry a portable fan. (We visited post morning showers) The view from top was amazing and it was not crowded during mornings hours just 5 people at max. The energy, peace and atmosphere on top of the hill was unmatched and a must do activity when at Luang Prabang.

Phousi Hill is undoubtedly the crown jewel of Luang Prabang when it comes to sunset views. The climb up the hill is a quintessential part of the experience—steep in parts, but entirely worth it. As you ascend, you can already catch glimpses of the city and the Mekong winding gracefully through the landscape, framed by distant mountain ridges. Unsurprisingly, Phousi Hill is famous and often crowded, with both tourists and locals making the trek to claim a spot for the golden hour. Yet, the moment the sun begins its slow descent behind the mountains, casting shimmering reflections across the Mekong, all the noise and bustle seem to fade away. Time feels suspended. In that fleeting, magical moment, it feels as if the crowd has dissolved, leaving just you, the vast sky, the flowing river, and the warm, ethereal glow of the setting sun. The panorama from the top is breathtaking: the river reflects streaks of orange and pink, the mountains create a perfect silhouette, and the city below is bathed in soft, fading light. It’s poetic, almost cinematic—a reminder of how small we are compared to the grandeur of nature, yet how profoundly connected we feel in such moments. Even with the popularity of this spot, the magic of that sunset makes every step, every slight squeeze through the crowd, completely worth it. Phousi Hill isn’t just a viewpoint; it’s a place where time slows, where nature and serenity converge, and where a single sunset can leave an indelible mark on your memory.

Phousi Hill is one of the must-visit spots in Luang Prabang, offering incredible panoramic views of the city and surrounding countryside. The walk up is relatively short and not too difficult, but it does require some care—parts of the path are uneven, and a few of the bricks on the stairs are missing, so it’s best to wear sturdy shoes and take your time. The entrance fee is 30,000 kip, and the site closes at 6:30 p.m., so it’s a good idea to start your climb a bit before sunset to catch the amazing golden-hour views from the top. Once you reach the summit, you’re rewarded with breathtaking scenery in every direction. You can see the Mekong River winding through the landscape, temples scattered across the town, and layers of mountains fading into the horizon. It’s a peaceful spot to relax, take photos, and enjoy a quiet moment above the bustle below. Sunset is especially beautiful here, though it can get crowded during that time, so arriving a little early helps secure a good spot. Overall, Phousi Hill is well worth the small entrance fee and the short climb—an unforgettable highlight of Luang Prabang.

Stunning, but packed at peak times The 350 step climb is no joke, but the views are absolutely stunning and make it all worthwhile. I went for sunset and the scene was magical... and magically crowded. I'm pretty sure every tourist in the city had the same idea.😅😆 The views are a 5 star experience, but the sunset crowds are a lot to handle. My advice: be mentally prepared for the crowds if you go at sunrise or sunset. It's still worth it, but go in with the right expectations

First of all: Phousi Hill and the temple are definitely worth seeing. However, I would recommend going in the morning. The biggest crowds gather at sunset. When the weather is good, watching the sunset on Phousi Hill is a mass event, and you'll find yourself standing on the feet of hundreds of other tourists. Consider whether you want to put yourself through that, or whether a sundowner in one of the many bars along the river or a sunset cruise might not be a better and more relaxing alternative. Otherwise, the best light/glow for taking pretty photos is 20-30 minutes after the actual sunset. This also has the advantage that many people are already on their way back down and there is more space.

Very big tourist attraction in Laos. 30k entry and the hike is quite short. It’s weird to charge an entry fee for a walking track that isn’t very well kept. There was a bit of trash on the trail and several Chinese and European tourist that were shouting near the top. There were some locals praying in the shrine which was nice. Everyone comes here for sunset to camp out and the place gets very crowded. Recommend coming for sunrise to try and beat the crowd.

30,000kips entrance fee is a small price to pay for visiting one of the must see places in LPQ. You do need to climb some steps which for me wasn't too strenuous, especially in the morning around 8:30am with the cool air. Gorgeous view on top as well as a small temple for a quick tour. Don't miss visiting this place.

The market is nice and clean. Nobody was forcing me to buy stuff from them. So even if i am just looking they are ok with that. Which is the best thing trust me. Mostly there are crafts and local things you can buy from here. A good place to spend your evenings. Lots of cafes and bars to enjoy dinner

Nice night market. Will take you around 10-15 minutes to get through it. There is a wide range of products in the market, at the end there's a food court with different types of food 🙂 Locals do not pressure you as much as other places to buy their products.

So much to look at. Many beautiful handmade items to buy. Or just for a walk and soak up the atmosphere. The food court had many options. Love everything about Luang Prabang and the people

Certainly! The Luang Prabang Night Market is one of the highlights of any visit to this charming UNESCO town. Every evening, the main street transforms into a lively and colorful walking street filled with hundreds of stalls selling handcrafted goods, delicious local food, and unique souvenirs. What makes this market special is its laid-back atmosphere and strong focus on local culture. Many of the vendors are artisans from nearby villages, offering beautiful handwoven textiles, traditional wood carvings, and silver jewelry. It’s a great place to find authentic Lao crafts while supporting local communities. The food section is a real treat — tucked away in a side alley, you’ll find an array of affordable and tasty Lao dishes like grilled meats, noodle soups, fresh spring rolls, and tropical fruit smoothies. Everything is cooked fresh, and the variety is impressive. The market is well-organized, clean, and easy to walk through. It’s not overwhelming like some markets in Southeast Asia, which makes the experience more enjoyable. Prices are reasonable, and friendly bargaining is welcomed. Overall, the Luang Prabang Night Market is more than just a place to shop — it’s a vibrant cultural experience. Whether you’re looking for a unique gift, trying street food, or simply enjoying the atmosphere, this market captures the soul of Luang Prabang beautifully. Highly recommended for: ✔️ Cultural lovers ✔️ Foodies ✔️ Anyone who enjoys browsing local markets in a relaxed, friendly setting

Plenty of food options and lots of cute stalls to explore. Some items in the crafts market may feel a bit overpriced, but considering the craftsmanship and effort from local artisans, it feels fair and well worth supporting.

I liked the night market visually, nicely lit and quite long. I would have appreciated the food the most, because the products did not impress me much. T-shirts with elephant outfits and small wallets for documents. But overall a nice atmosphere. Anyone who visits this city should take a walk here

Great place to wander around. Lots of handicrafts, clothing, souvenirs made from bomb metal, and food options on side streets. Most sellers speak English and Chinese

A visit to the Royal Palace and National Museum was more than worth it. It costs 60,000 kip for foreigners. If you want to visit the palace and you wear shorts, for example, you have to rent long trousers for 10,000 kip. Entry is closed approximately 20 minutes before closing time. Both the temple and the palace showcase part of Lao history. You can also learn more about it with a free audio guide that you can open on your phone. Handy!

the english is really limited but this is not a problem, the place is so good to visit, ticket is 60.000 KIP for foreigner, I can spend around 45-60 minutes here. They have to gates: entrance and exit, around 4PM, they will close the entrance gate, you can not bring camera, bags but you can keep it in small lockers in the house which is near to the theater. You also are not allowed to wear hat, short pant that do not cover knees, can not take photo inside.

The National Museum is also known as “Haw Kham” or "Golden Hall") was once Laos’ Royal Palace. Built in 1904, it has a mix of Lao traditional and French style. It was built for King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era. The front wing hosts the King's reception hall with paintings of the Lao monarchy, prized Buddha statues and gifts from various heads of state. The premises also include the Throne Hall and royals residential area and a building that houses the King's car collection. Photos are not allowed inside the museum. Worth a visit

This is the closest thing to a real museum I saw in the city. Lots of memorabilia from last kings. Worth a look though. The temple on the grounds is ok. It is also the site of the ballet.

If you see big queues outside.... Do not go in. Not sure how good it is when it's quiet but it's awful when busy. The tour group leaders shove you out the way trying to get into the palace. I think the reason they don't allow pictures is because all you would see is people. Staff don't monitor or regulate people going in or out. Big disappointment for 60K entry.

The palace and the 60,000 kip ticket price for foreigners are reasonable. What is unacceptable is selling a ticket without informing visitors that they won’t be allowed inside the buildings if their knees are exposed. Scarves are available for rent here for 10,000 kip with a deposit of 100,000 kip. Later, on the palace, some visitors walk around with the scarves pulled up — but no one seems to care about bare knees anymore

Amazing place to visit while you are staying in Luang Prabang. Love the architecture and the displays of the exhibition. The only thing is it’s super hot when you are walking in the garden in the afternoon as it’s exposed to the sun and you are wearing long clothings, so maybe go visit early.

A beautiful Wat. No other way to describe it. Last visited in 2018 and just as beautiful as then, perhaps with a little more tourists. Personally found the late afternoon light was best choice for photos. Peaceful, charming and a little slice of Buddhist Laos.

Entry fee for tourist 30,000 LAK. If you want peaceful or try to avoid large crowds of Chinese tourists visit the earliest between 6am to 7am (during alm offering) or around 11am to 1pm where most tour groups left to the waterfall. If you want to see the reflection of the Tree of Life, prepare yourself hours before sunset. You will have to deal with loud Chinese tourist group try to take your perfect spot. Please respect the place, follow their dress code (no tank top, no short, no short skirt)

This temple is incredible! It is among the most beautiful ones that I have seen in SE Asia. Full of gold and decorations in- and around the main temple and its neighbouring temple. Best to visit at end of the day, since it is quiet then. During the day, it can be busy with busses full of (mainly Chinese) tourists that visit this temple with a tour in big groups.

It was a lovely experience to go to this temple. This temple is very famous temple of flowers. It is situated in Long Prabha province and is very very good. Every person who visit Love should definitely go to this temple and take the photos how I have taken. It is very beautiful place.

Wat Xieng Thong is a stunning temple, famous for its elegant, low-sweeping roofs and intricate mosaics. Located where the two rivers meet, it’s a peaceful, must-see spot for anyone interested in classic Laotian architecture and culture.

There are so many temples all over Luang Prabang it is hard to say one is better than another, and generally this one is pretty good. They don’t seem to do much to repair damage to worn areas.

Wat Xieng Thong located at the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang is a temple built by King Setthatirath around 1560. It occupies fairly large grounds and the main temple is lavishly furnished and beautiful. It served as a royal temple and a significant site for religious ceremonies, embodying the spiritual and artistic heritage of Laos.