things to do in Luang Prabang | The Adventure Travel Site

Underrated and Wild: An Escape to Laos

Laos is Southeast Asia’s well-kept secret—a land where untouched nature, ancient traditions, and relaxed vibes create a truly immersive escape. Here are four must-visit destinations, each offering a glimpse of Laos’s soul – from well-trodden paths to hidden corners where culture and wild beauty intertwine.

Luang Prabang
While this city is popular for hotels like Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, many visitors are also taken up by the city’s colonial architecture and spiritual serenity. Saffron-robed monks walk the streets by sunrise to collect alms while the rest of the day brings in the cacophony of riverside markets. Exploring ancient temples and waterfalls that seem like they came right out of a dream is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.

Vientiane
Laos’s laid-back capital exudes gentle charm rather than urban hustle. Wander along the Mekong promenade, shop at its lively night market, and immerse yourself in French-flavoured avenues and historic temples like That Luang. With a population under 800,000, Vientiane offers big-city history in a small-town format.

Thakhek
Taking you all the way to the edge of the Mekong, Thakhek offers visitors a chance to explore karst landscapes, hidden caves, and lush forests via the famed Thakhek Loop. Discover Tham Kong Lo, a cave lit up by natural light and accessible by boat and even find photo-worthy lagoons.

Tham Pa Fa

High in the limestone cliffs near Savannakhet, Tham Pa Fa is a mystical Buddhist cave sanctuary filled with 229 bronze statues. Discovered only in 2004, the ancient site invites explorers to climb to its entrance and pause in contemplation among centuries-old icons.

Exploring the Mystical Caves of Luang Prabang – Into the Limestone Labyrinth

Tucked away in the mountains and along the riverbanks of northern Laos, Luang Prabang’s caves are sacred spaces, natural wonders, and mysterious hideouts that make your trip feel like a true adventure. Here’s a look at the top caves to explore.

Pak Ou Caves

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, Pak Ou is famous for its thousands of tiny Buddha statues crammed into dimly lit nooks. Getting there is half the fun—you’ll glide along the Mekong by boat, soaking in jungle views before arriving at this spiritual cavern. The vibe? Peaceful, mysterious, and totally photogenic.

Tham Ting

Technically part of the Pak Ou complex, Tham Ting is the lower cave that greets visitors first—and it sets the tone beautifully. With soft natural light spilling in from the entrance, it’s a serene spot to pause, light incense, and marvel at the countless Buddha images lining the ledges. For those mapping out things to do in Luang Prabang, a stop here brings a perfect balance of spirituality and scenic beauty.

Khuang Si Butterfly Park & Secret Cave

Just a short trek from the ever-popular Kuang Si Waterfalls, this lesser-known cave adds a hidden layer to your waterfall adventure. Surrounded by vibrant flora and fluttering butterflies, it feels like stepping into a secret garden before descending into the cool, quiet cave below. It’s not big, but its hidden charm and natural surroundings make it totally worth the detour.

Jakub Hałun, 20171112 Kuang Si Falls Butterfly Park 2140 DxO, CC BY-SA 4.0

Tham Sakkarin

Far from the tourist trail, Tham Sakkarin is a cave often overlooked—and that’s exactly what makes it special. With fewer crowds and a more rugged, natural vibe, it’s perfect for those craving a bit of raw exploration. You’ll need a guide, a headlamp, and a little courage—but the payoff is a cave experience that feels all your own.

The Royal Buddha Image Phra Bang

The Royal Buddha Image in Phra Bang is located in Luang Prabang which is one of the oldest cities in Laos that was founded more than 1200 years ago.

History

Luang Prabang was once known as Lan Xang and was the first capital of Laos during the 14th century. It was ruled by the Khmers and the Champa and finally by the French. It was a troubled region for most of its time in the history books.

Budgiekiller, Buddhist temple at Royal Palace in Luang Prabang, CC BY-SA 4.0

Geography

The province of Luang Prabang covers 16,875 sq. km. and borders Vietnam on one side. The capital is located on a very narrow peninsula bisected by two rivers, one of which is the Mekong.

Landmarks

If you are booking into a local hotel like Avani+ Luang Prabang and are looking for options in things to do in Luang Prabang, you start by exploring the famous landmarks in the area like Wat Manorom, The Royal Sitting Buddha, Phra Bang and many more.

The Buddha Image

Phra Bang is an 83 cm high standing Buddha statue. It is said to have been cast in ancient Sri Lanka and brought to Laos but the features put it somewhere in Khmer origin.