Once you’ve exhausted Luang Prabang’s many monasteries and temples, you’ll still find many more attractions in the surrounding countryside, all within easy reach of the city. The popular Pak Ou caves trip gets you out on the water, a wonderful day-trip, especially if you haven’t had a chance to travel the Mekong by boat. There are also two picturesque waterfalls nearby, Tad Se and Kouang Si, both of which are good spots for a picnic and splashing around in turquoise waters. All the trips described here can be done in half a day – either by a tour through a travel agent or by chartering a tuk-tuk or boat for the trip.
The swift rivers, pretty rural areas and impressive mountains around Luang Prabang also offer many opportunities for adventure sports, including whitewater rafting, mountain biking, kayaking and trekking tours. Enquires for adventure tours can be made through your guesthouse.
Book through Rough Guides’ trusted travel partners
In-depth, easy-to-use guides filled with expert advice.
The latest articles, galleries, quizzes and videos.
Modern Bangkok, historical Hanoi and tourism-boom town Siem Reap — home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temples — are some of Southeast Asia's best drawcards…
The Plain of Jars, in northern Laos, remains one of Southeast Asia's great mysteries. Shafik Meghji journeys here to uncover the secrets of this little-tourist…
That ever-growing travel wish list might be putting some pressure on your pocket – but there are plenty of destinations where you'll get more bang for your b…
