Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Luang Prabang is situated in the center of Northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environmentXieng Thong Temple (Vat Xieng Thong) Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.Phou Si Temple Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.Night Market This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.Royal Palace Museum Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.Sae Waterfall (Tad Sae) This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.Ting Cave (Tam Ting) This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.Alms Giving Ceremony Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/03/the-popular.jpg8001040Sylivanla Vongphachanhhttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpSylivanla Vongphachanh2022-03-01 11:59:262022-03-03 20:16:22The most popular places you must visit in Luang Prabang Province
Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/02/World-Bank-Assists-Laos-with-Covid-19-Recovery-696x364-1.jpg364696Kookkaihttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpKookkai2022-02-09 10:38:362022-02-09 10:38:43Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been openfor tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
https://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2022/01/Empty-streets-of-Luang-Prabang-696x364-1.jpg364696Kookkaihttps://www.tourismlaos.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Lao-Simply-Beautiful-.webpKookkai2022-01-25 14:38:292022-01-25 14:38:33Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
The most popular places you must visit in Luang Prabang Province
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.
This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.
Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.
This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.
This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
Laos Slashes Quarantine Measures for New Arrivals and Returning Residents
Laos has announced it has cut the required quarantine period for new arrivals from 14 days to just seven days for certain types of visitors.
Government Spokesperson and Vice Minister to the Prime Minister’s Office, Madame Thippakone Chanthavongsa, made an announcement this evening confirming the new quarantine measures.
She said that in 2022, with vaccination rates much higher in populations around the world, advances in medical technology, and faster testing systems, as well as high-quality medicines for the treatment of Covid-19, the public health system in Laos is no longer being overrun.
“This has meant that the world is now able to better cope with Covid-19, which has transitioned from a pandemic to endemic disease, or a seasonal disease much like flu,” said Madame Thippakone.
Reduced Quarantine Periods for New Arrivals
According to the announcement, government representatives at every level who work or attend seminars abroad, and Lao nationals who return from abroad, must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence.
Ambassadors or embassy staff, representatives or employees of international organizations, and their family members that arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and undertake quarantine at their own residence for seven days.
Investors and businesspeople authorized to conduct business in Laos that will arrive in or return to Laos must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved location. Those who receive a negative result may conduct their business but will be required to wear a wrist monitor for seven days.
Foreign nationals who are technical experts, manual laborers, entrepreneurs, students, overseas Lao (of Lao descent), and spouses/dependents of Lao nationals arriving in or returning to Laos from abroad must take an RT-PCR Covid-19 test and await the result within 48 hours at an approved quarantine location. Those who receive a negative result may then continue quarantine for seven days at their own residence and will be required to wear a wrist monitor.
Group tours that arrive as part of the Green Travel Zone reopening scheme will also be required to test for Covid-19 (RT-PCR) and await the result in an approved hotel within 48 hours before commencing tourism activities. Group tourists will be required to wear a wrist monitor and comply with all Covid-19 prevention measures.
Those who test positive upon arrival in Laos may receive treatment at a hospital or treatment center, or take self-treatment at their own residence for ten days in accordance with the severity of their condition.
All foreign nationals that reside in Laos must download and use the Lao KYC mobile phone application (Lao Su Su service) for the purpose of creating a vaccine ID to be used as digital confirmation of vaccine status. The app is to be used to determine one’s health status upon entry into government offices, restaurants, shops, and other public areas.
Madame Thippakone said that the Ministry of Foreign Affairs has now been authorized to issue tourist visas for group tourists traveling to Laos under the Green Travel Zone Scheme, with the condition that all tourists must create vaccine IDs with the Lao KYC app.
She said that Laos is now in talks with neighboring countries regarding the reopening of traditional and customary borders, particularly in regard to the transportation of goods.
The Ministry of Health has been asked to consider permitting the private sector to conduct Covid-19 testing.
All indoor and outdoor sports facilities are now permitted to fully open on the condition that they adhere to Covid-19 guidelines.
Nightclubs and karaoke bars are still not permitted to reopen.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/02/03/laos-slashes-quarantine-measures-for-new-arrivals-and-returning-residents/
Why Laos Should Fully Reopen to Tourism (and Save the Economy)
Should Laos fully reopen tourism and allow free independent travelers to enter the country? What might the future hold if group tours fail to arrive?
In 2019, tourism contributed 10% to the world’s GDP; in Laos, the industry made up 12% of the country’s GDP. Tourism and related industries employed nearly 400,000 people and were a sustainable way to improve per-capita income for the population – particularly the poor – when compared with extractive sectors like mining or timber.
But come Covid-19 and all its restrictions, this stream of income has been cut off, directly impacting many of Laos’ most vulnerable for nearly two years.
The economy has been devastated, while the local currency has sunk to an all-time low, with the cost of petrol and other imported goods continuing to rise. Economic disparity has been exacerbated, and tourism workers have lost their livelihoods, adding to the growing number of unemployed.
Although Laos has technically been open for tourism under the Green Zone Travel Plan for nearly a month, few tourists have arrived in the country. One highly publicized South Korean school group arrived for a golfing tour, with little evidence of anyone else making the trip.
This is likely because the barriers to entry remain restrictively high, with rules and regulations unclear and uncommunicated. From enigmatic visa procedures, unclear rules for individual or group travel, to irregular flights: it is little wonder that tourists have given Laos a miss.
Compared to its neighbors, limited and expensive regional flights to Laos have made it a difficult country for tourists to reach, while a lack of clear communication with the global travel market means those abroad do not feel confident promoting Laos as a destination.
Ideally, tourism policy should be tourist-centric and promote growth in this vital sector of the economy. In light of that, here are five concrete steps Laos could take to get back on the path to a real reopening:
Bring Back the Flights
Regular commercial air, land, and rail transport links should be broadly reinstated with Laos’ neighbors to support the flow of travelers. New flight routes and airport slots need to be negotiated now while many airports in the region are underutilized. This could potentially open up new markets like The Philippines, Hong Kong, and Indonesia.
Empower Decisionmakers
Decisions should be supported by experts who understand the intricacies of the tourist experience and are empowered to coordinate reopening policy across multiple sectors, move quickly, and take responsibility.
Allow Individual Travel and Reduce Quarantine
Allow vaccinated, individual travelers from any nationality to enter Laos without proscribed itineraries. With everyone fully vaccinated (visitors and locals alike) there is no reason to keep tourists at arm’s length, but rather, they should be treated as important guests.
People want to explore Laos at their own pace and in accordance with their own interests, and they absolutely do not want to languish in a lengthy quarantine. With the national vaccination rate now above 50%, decision-makers must cut through the bureaucracy governing tourism and reduce discouraging quarantine requirements, which affect even returning Lao nationals.
Communicate
If a tourist is interested in coming to Laos, where might they find up-to-date entry information? Some clear, concise communication on how tourists can travel to Laos and what they can do when they arrive is vitally important to reopening. The Tourism Laos website lacks updated information about the current situation, while social media remains equally silent.
Targeted Marketing
Traditionally, proximity tourism supplied Laos with 95% of its tourists. National marketing needs to be targeted and refined to attract new segments of this low-hanging fruit. But also, serious effort needs to go into reconnecting with the long-haul segments willing to spend more in the country.
Laos has navigated the Covid-19 crisis with a minimal loss of life, but the prolonged devastation to the livelihoods of those who remain can go on no longer. It’s time to get connected, reduce restrictions, and reopen our beautiful country to the world.
Source: https://laotiantimes.com/2022/01/24/why-laos-should-fully-reopen-to-tourism-and-save-the-economy/