Renting a car is possible when visiting Luang Prabang and can be done at the airport. There are several rental car locations throughout the city center. If you are strictly staying in the city, there is really no need to have a car with the different public transport options. If you plan to travel outside the city, then a car is a good option. You can also rent a car with a driver for the day. 

There are taxis available in the city as well as ride-sharing apps. Taxis are readily available in the city center, and you can book a taxi over the phone.

Walking around the city of Luang Prabang is entirely possible and a good way to soak up the atmosphere and discover hidden gems. It is a relatively small city, easy to explore on foot. 

Exploring the city by bicycle is a fun and affordable way to get around. There are plenty of places to rent a bicycle from in the city, and some accommodations have bicycles on site. The city is bicycle-friendly, and there are some cycling tours available off the beaten path and into the beautiful surrounding countryside. 

Luang Prabang is considered a very safe destination to visit. However, due to its increased population and visitors over the recent years, crimes against tourists are becoming more common, with petty theft and muggings. Take the necessary precautions when sightseeing, use common sense, and keep your valuables out of sight from pickpockets, especially in crowded areas like markets and tourist attractions. At night, stay in well-lit and populated areas, and use reputable transportation companies instead of taking rides from strangers. Be careful when walking at night, and don’t walk outside the main center of town. 

There are some good shopping opportunities to explore in the city of Luang Prabang. Most of the best shopping options can be found in the town center, where there are a number of independent shops, souvenir stores, specialty shops, and plenty of local markets. Luang Prabang is famous for its high-quality textiles, handicrafts, and silverware. Shopping in Luang Prabang is a fun experience for those seeking some retail therapy. Begin your day by visiting the bustling Luang Prabang morning market, where you can pick up everything from local produce to locally made souvenirs. In the afternoon, visit a private gallery where you can meet with talented artists and view their works of art. Visit a local village and witness the production of handicrafts and other items, as well as the artisans creating them. At the end of the day, you can visit the Luang Prabang Night Market, enjoy some dinner on the go, and pick up unique souvenirs to take home. Many of the items sold in Laos at markets are made by local ethnic groups whose handicraft skills continue to be practiced through the generations. 

The official language spoken in Luang Prabang is Laotian; however, English is widely spoken by people working in the service and tourism industries. We recommend you get a good English-Lao guidebook and familiarize yourself with a few common phrases, such as hello, goodbye, please and thank you, excuse me, and numbers 1-10. 

Luang Prabang enjoys a tropical climate with warm year-round weather and temperatures that range between 60-100°C. The northeast monsoon season from November to May brings cooler temperatures to the city, and heavier rainfall hits with the southwest monsoons from June to September. The wettest month is August, when the Mekong River may flood. March to May is the hottest time of year with high temperatures and humidity. The best time to visit is between October and April, when the weather is warm and it is mostly a dry time of year. These months offer plenty of sunshine and clear skies with pleasant temperatures ideal for exploring the city and the surrounding areas. The holiday season does get a little busy, and the beginning of the year is when a lot of festivals kick off around the country.

The currency of Laos is the Lao Kip (LAK). US dollars are also widely accepted in most major cities. Please be sure to have the correct currency on hand or be prepared to exchange your dollars for Nepalese rupees upon arrival. Currency exchange desks can be found at the airport and many locations throughout the city.

The cuisine in Luang Prabang is delicious, and there are plenty of great restaurants where you can sit back and enjoy a nice dinner. The city of Luang Prabang is a gorgeous heritage city offering an abundance of mouth-watering northern Lao food and culture to its visitors. Luang Prabang offers a unique blend of Lao and French culinary traditions and is known for its spicy, flavor-filled taste. Popular dishes are made with amazing fresh herbs, and spices, and ingredients like fermented fish and cured meats are used to cook with. The French influences can be found in the presence of baguettes, pastries, and many French-inspired restaurants and menus dotted throughout town. There are some influences from the neighboring Thai and Vietnamese cuisines found in dishes and on menus throughout Luang Prabang. A lot of places showcase traditional cuisine as well as international flavors, so there are plenty of options to choose from when it comes to dining.  

Lao dishes are made with a mixture of spicy, savory, and sweet flavors with a strong emphasis on fresh ingredients and unique regional specialties. Staple ingredients may include lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, mint, fish sauce, tamarind, and chili peppers to name a few. Some classic Lao dishes include Laap (minced meat salad), Khao Piak Sen (rice noodle soup), Khao Niaw (sticky rice), Mok Pa (steamed fish), Sai Oua (Lao sausages), Luang Prabang salad with a zesty dressing, Jaew a dipping sauce, and more adventurous options like rat stock based Khao Soi Soup, which is a local specialty. A few popular dishes to be sure to try include Khao Niaw (sticky rice), often served with grilled meats, fish, salads, or omelets.

The nightlife scene in Luang Prabang is a laidback, chilled-out atmosphere with some local bars and nightclubs on offer in Old Town. It’s not a late-night town; most things close by 11:30 pm. In Old Town, the main street is lined with fun local bars and welcoming pubs between Mount Phousi and the Nam Khong. They offer a rustic, bohemian, classy, upbeat atmosphere and vibe for some drinks, dancing, and music. A fun spot to spend the evening in Luang Prabang is the local Bowling Alley. And the bustling Night Market, where visitors can enjoy delicious street food with a local beer, and pick up unique souvenirs. There are other nightlife options on the outskirts of town that stay open later.

In the event of an emergency dial 1191 for police, and 1195 for an ambulance

Hospital:

Divisional Hospital Bentota tel. 94-342-275-260.