Practical tips: Luang Prabang

What I wish I'd known before my first trip.

Visas and entry

Many nationalities can get a Lao visa on arrival at Luang Prabang airport and major land borders, or apply in advance for an e-visa; some are visa-exempt for short stays. Rules change, so check the current requirements for your passport before travelling. Bring passport photos and cash in US dollars for visa fees, and make sure your passport is valid for at least six months.

Money

The currency is the Lao kip, and cash is king. ATMs are found in the old town but can have low withdrawal limits and fees; bring some US dollars or Thai baht as a backup. Card payments are accepted at some hotels and restaurants, usually with a surcharge. Prices can change quickly due to inflation, so check current rates.

Getting there

Luang Prabang has an international airport a few kilometres from the old town. The Laos–China Railway, opened in late 2021, links the town with Vientiane and Vang Vieng in a few hours; the station is outside the town, so allow time for a ride in. Tickets sell out on busy days, and a passport is needed. Buses and the slow boat cover other routes.

Getting around

The old town is compact and best explored on foot or by bicycle. Tuk-tuks are plentiful; agree on the fare before getting in. Scooters can be rented for trips to the countryside, but wear a helmet and check your insurance. Ride-hailing apps work in some areas, though coverage is patchy.

Seasons

The cool, dry season from November to February is the most comfortable, with warm days and cool nights. March to April is hot and often hazy from field burning. The rainy season from May to October brings lush greenery, fewer visitors and powerful waterfalls, but also heavy afternoon showers and slippery paths.

Health

Drink bottled or filtered water. Mosquitoes can carry dengue, so use repellent, especially at dawn and dusk. Pharmacies in town stock basic medicines, and there is a provincial hospital, but serious cases are usually transferred to Vientiane or Thailand, so good travel insurance with evacuation cover is important.

Temple etiquette

Cover shoulders and knees at temples and the Royal Palace, remove shoes before entering halls, and never point your feet at Buddha images or monks. Women should not touch monks or hand things to them directly. During the alms round, watch from a distance, stay silent and never use flash.

Safety

Luang Prabang is generally very safe, with little violent crime. Petty theft can occur, so keep valuables secure. In the countryside, stay on marked paths: unexploded ordnance from the Indochina War remains in parts of Laos. Drive carefully on mountain roads, and avoid travelling at night outside town.

Night-time and quiet

The town has a curfew-like closing time, and most bars and restaurants close around 11:30 pm. This is part of what keeps the town peaceful. Respect the quiet at night, especially near monasteries, where monks rise very early.

SIM cards and connectivity

Local SIM cards from the main mobile providers are available at the airport and in town; bring your passport to register. Data is cheap and coverage in town is good, though it can be patchy in remote areas like Muang Ngoi. Most guesthouses and cafés have Wi-Fi, though speeds vary.