How to Spend 2 Days in Luang Prabang Laos: Perfect Itinerary

This blog post is all about how to spend 2 days in Luang Prabang, Laos.

During our backpacking travels around Southeast Asia, we spent 9 days travelling through Laos.

We firstly arrived in Vientiane before making our way to Vang Vieng, and finishing in Luang Prabang.

After spending only 2 days in Luang Prabang, I can easily say that it was my favourite town to visit within the country.

If you plan to visit the beautiful country of Laos, make sure to spend at least 2 days in Luang Prabang.

This blog post is all about a 2 days in Luang Prabang itinerary.

Table of Contents

Where is Luang Prabang?

Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos, about 300 km north of the capital, Vientiane.

Nestled between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this historic town is surrounded by lush mountains and stunning landscapes, making it one of the most picturesque destinations in Southeast Asia.

Its well-preserved architecture, Buddhist temples, and natural beauty have earned it UNESCO World Heritage status.

RELATED blog post to read: Vientiane, Laos: How to Spend Three Days Here

What is Luang Prabang Famous For?

Luang Prabang is best known for its rich cultural heritage, Buddhist temples, and stunning waterfalls.

The town blends traditional Lao wooden houses with French colonial buildings, reflecting its past as part of French Indochina.

Spend 2 days in Luang Prabang for:

The daily almsgiving ceremony (Tak Bat), where Buddhist monks collect morning offerings
The breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls
Its well-preserved temples, including Wat Xieng Thong
The night market, filled with handmade crafts and local street food
The Mekong River, offering scenic cruises and slow boat journeys to Thailand

Useful Links & Resources

✈️ SafetyWing Travel Insurance
Make sure you’re insured with travel insurance! SafetyWing offers great deals for digital nomads as well as travelers booking a backpacking trip.

🚌 12Go Asia
We booked all of our transport in Asia via 12Go. Use this to book sleeper buses, day buses, trains and more to your next destination in Laos.

📲 Airalo Travel eSIM
Access the internet with ease as soon as you land in Laos with an Airalo eSIM. Use code ORLAGH3 for $3 off your first Airalo eSIM.

👩🏻‍💻 NordVPN
If you plan to use public WiFi a lot or want to stream your favourite TV shows from your home country, make sure you have a VPN connection.

2 Days in Luang Prabang: How to Get to Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is easily accessible by plane, bus, or boat:

By Air: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) has direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Vientiane.
By Bus: Long-distance buses connect Luang Prabang with other major Laotian cities like Vientiane and Vang Vieng.
By Boat: Many travellers arrive via the slow boat from Thailand, a two-day scenic journey along the Mekong River.

Despite its small size, the town offers a mix of adventure, history, and relaxation.

From chasing waterfalls to exploring ancient Buddhist temples, Luang Prabang is the kind of place that captivates you instantly.

With 2 days in Luang Prabang, here’s how to make the most of your visit.

2 Days in Luang Prabang: Day 1

Below is how I’d encourage you to spend the first of your 2 days in Luang Prabang.

Morning: Chasing Waterfalls at Kuang Si

Start your day with a visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls, one of the most breathtaking natural attractions in Laos.

The turquoise pools and cascading falls make this an ideal spot for swimming, photography, or simply soaking in the beauty.

The waterfalls are about a 45-minute drive from town, and the best way to get there is by hiring a driver who can wait for you while you explore.

What to Do at Kuang Si Waterfalls:

Swim in the crystal-clear pools
Hike to the top of the falls for panoramic views
Visit the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, which houses rescued Asiatic black bears

Afternoon: Laos Buffalo Ice Cream & Fromagerie

On the way back from the waterfalls, make a quick stop at Laos Buffalo Dairy, a roadside stall serving delicious homemade buffalo milk ice cream and cheese.

It’s a great place to cool off before heading back to town.

Late Afternoon: UXO Lao Visitor Center

Next, visit the UXO Lao Visitor Center, an educational yet sobering experience that sheds light on the devastating impact of unexploded ordnance (UXO) in Laos.

Laos is the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, and this small but powerful museum provides insight into the country’s resilience and ongoing efforts to clear UXOs.

Evening: Sunset at Phousi Hill

Climbing Phousi Hill is a must for sunset. Located in the centre of town, the hill offers 360-degree views over Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.

The climb up is about 300 steps, but the panoramic views at the top make it worth the effort.

Arrive early to grab a good spot as it gets crowded.

Night: Luang Prabang Night Market

End the day by wandering through the Luang Prabang Night Market, one of the best in Southeast Asia.

Lining the streets of the Old Quarter, the market is a great place to find handcrafted goods, textiles, and souvenirs.

Try some of the local street food, like khao soi (Lao-style noodle soup) or grilled meats on skewers.

And that’s the first day of your 2 days in Luang Prabang done!

2 Days in Luang Prabang: Day 2

Here is an example itinerary of how to spend the final day of your 2 days in Luang Prabang.

Early Morning: Almsgiving Ceremony

Wake up early (before sunrise) to witness Tak Bat, the daily almsgiving ceremony where hundreds of Buddhist monks walk through the streets to collect offerings from locals.

This sacred ritual has been practised for centuries and is a humbling experience to observe.

The most popular places to watch the procession are along Sisavangvong Road and Sakkaline Road.

Tips for Watching Almsgiving:

Remain silent and be respectful
If participating, dress modestly and offer food with both hands
Avoid using flash photography or getting too close

Morning: Exploring the Old Quarter & Temples

After the almsgiving ceremony, grab breakfast at a local café before exploring some of Luang Prabang’s most stunning temples.

Must-Visit Temples:

Wat Xieng Thong – One of the most important and beautiful Buddhist temples in Laos, known for its intricate gold stencilling and impressive architecture.
Wat Mai Monastery – Located near the Royal Palace, this temple is famous for its golden relief panels and peaceful atmosphere.
Wat Wisunarat – The oldest temple in Luang Prabang, notable for its melon-shaped stupa and historical artefacts.

Afternoon: Riverside Walk & Café Hopping

Take a leisurely stroll along the Nam Khan River, stopping by charming cafés for a coffee or fresh fruit smoothie. Some great spots include:

Saffron Coffee – Ethically sourced, locally grown coffee with a beautiful view
Le Banneton Café – A French-style bakery serving excellent croissants and pastries

Evening: Mekong River Sunset Cruise

A great way to end your trip is with a sunset cruise on the Mekong River.

These boat trips offer a peaceful way to experience the natural beauty of Luang Prabang while watching the sun set over the water.

Some cruises include drinks or dinner onboard, making it a perfect final activity before departing.

2 Days in Luang Prabang: Where to Eat in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang has a fantastic mix of traditional Laotian food and French-influenced cuisine.

Here are some of the best places to eat during your 2 days in Luang Prabang:

Tamarind Restaurant – One of the best places to try authentic Laotian dishes like mok pa (steamed fish in banana leaves) and jeow bong (spicy chili paste).
Khaiphaen – A social enterprise restaurant that serves traditional Lao dishes while training underprivileged youth in hospitality.
Dyen Sabai – Located across the bamboo bridge, this is a great spot for Lao BBQ (sin dat) and a relaxing riverside setting.
Bouang Asian Eatery – A quirky restaurant offering modern twists on traditional Lao flavours.

After 2 Days in Luang Prabang: Take the Slow Boat to Thailand

After experiencing 2 days in Luang Prabang, one of the best ways to continue your journey is by taking the slow boat to Thailand.

This two-day journey along the Mekong River offers breathtaking scenery and a chance to see life along the riverbanks.

The boat stops overnight in Pakbeng, a small riverside town, before continuing to Huay Xai, where you can cross the border into Thailand.

RELATED blog post to read: How to Travel From Laos to Thailand by 2-Day Slow Boat