Luang Prabang in Laos is a charming city with a rich culture that attracts both local and international tourists. The city has been recognized as a world heritage by UNESCO for its many natural, historical and cultural attractions, such as Kuang Si Waterfall, Xieng Thong Temple, and Mount Phou Si.
Other attractions in Luang Prabang include the National Museum, Pak Ou (Tham Ting) caves, and Tat Houay Khua Waterfall. In addition to its tourist destinations, the life of the people of Luang Prabang is also interesting with its unique clothing traditions, culinary specialties, and local lifestyle.
Tourist Surge in Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Waterfall | Wikimedia Commons/Basile Morin
In 2023, Luang Prabang was visited by more than one million tourists, an increase of almost 492 thousand people compared to the previous year, with a significant increase in international tourists. Revenue from the tourism sector reached US$559 million, an increase of US$340 million from the previous year.
In 2024, the number of tourists visiting Luang Prabang reached 2,306,375, far exceeding the initial target of 900,000 visitors. Of the total, 1,532,394 were foreign tourists, according to data from the Luang Prabang Department of Information, Culture, and Tourism reported by the Laotian Times.
The number of tourists visiting Laos has increased as the country’s exposure on international travel websites has increased. In addition, the success of the 2024 Visit Laos Year campaign, which includes visa exemptions for more than 30 countries, including China, the United States, and several European countries, has also helped drive the surge in visits.
The Uniqueness of Luang Prabang's Historic Architecture and City Planning
Mount Phou Si | Wikimedia Commons/Basile Morin
Luang Prabang is special for its rich architectural and artistic heritage, combining traditional Laotian styles with colonial influences. The well-preserved beauty of the city shows the harmonious blend of two distinct cultural traditions.
The peninsula became the political and religious center of Luang Prabang, home to royal residences, nobles, and religious centers. The traditional village pattern with its temples has been preserved despite colonial development, with its road network blending harmoniously with the old structures, while the city limits were once marked by defensive walls.
The architecture of Luang Prabang displays a mix of styles and materials, with the majority of traditional buildings being made of wood. Stone buildings are reserved for temples, while one- or two-story brick houses reflect colonial influences. The city has numerous pagodas, including the 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, which stands out for its architectural complexity and outstanding aesthetic, iconographic, and archaeological value.
Traditional Laotian houses are still widely available, built of wood using traditional techniques and materials such as woven bamboo panels coated with clay, which have been used since the colonial era. Meanwhile, colonial brick buildings, often decorated with balconies and wooden ornaments, line the main roads and the banks of the Mekong River.
Luang Prabang’s cultural heritage blends harmoniously with its natural surroundings. The sacred Mount Phou Si sits at the heart of the old city, which is situated on the peninsula, flanked by the Mekong River and the Nam Khan, an area believed to be the abode of the mythical dragon. Religious traditions such as the Prabang procession and the monks’ morning rituals, along with the natural spaces in the city center and wetlands along the river, help to preserve the city’s sacredness and environmental sustainability.
Sources:
Lao News Agency. (2024). Luang Prabang, a charming town considered as a top tourist destination. https://kpl.gov.la/En/detail.aspx?id=81084
The Laotian Times. (2025). Luang Prabang Tourism Booms with 2.3 Million Visitors in 2024. https://laotiantimes.com/2025/01/13/luang-prabang-tourism-booms-with-2-3-million-visitors-in-2024/
UNESCO World Heritage Convention. Town of Luang Prabang. https://whc.unesco.org/en/list/479/
