Tucked away in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage city that’s perfect for slow travel with kids.
With golden temples, French colonial buildings (and let’s not forget the AMAZING French bakeries), and a relaxed riverside vibe, you can balance cultural experiences with plenty of downtime. Unlike busier Southeast Asian destinations, this is a place to walk slowly, sip fresh fruit shakes (for around USD$1.50), and let your kids set the pace.
Getting There and Around
Luang Prabang has a small international airport with direct flights from Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and other regional areas, which is obviously an easy way to arrive. If you’re coming from Chaing Mai, another great option is to explore a slow long boat – which takes two days with an overnight stay (usually at Pak Beng – a small, sleepy town with some great little restaurants and a chilled out vibe).
In town, you won’t need a car; most places are walkable, and tuk-tuks are fun (and cheap). In Laos, tuk tusk are also big – so you can fit large families which is a bonus! Cycling is popular too and if your kids can ride a bike safely on roads, it’s a great way to see the city.
Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang with Kids
1. Kuang Si Falls and Bear Rescue Centre
Kuang Si Falls is about 45 minutes from town by tuk-tuk or minivan and is well worth a visit. These turquoise cascades can be even more magical in person than in photos – but be warned. If you visit in the wet season (like we did) they’re less turquoise and more brown. While still pretty, it didn’t quite meet the hype for us.
You can swim in the shallow lower pools (bring swimmers and a change of clothes), but again depending on the season you may need to be careful. In the wet season it can be unsafe and the waters can get really deep – so not necessarily a great call for families. You can also walk shady forest trails, and picnic in the gardens.
At the entrance you’ll also find the Free the Bears Rescue Centre. Here you can watch rescued Asiatic black bears play, climb, and nap which is a fantastic experience for families.
Getting there: Depending on how you choose to get there (private minivan, shared or tuk tuk) this can be a budget option or more expensive (e.g. 900,000 LAK – around USD$40 for a private minivan). Also be mindful the current road starts off great but turns VERY bumpy about half way. We went in a van and honestly not sure how enjoyable a tuk tuk would be (we went with my Mum and I can safely say she would have hated the tuk tuk – and so would her back).
Tip: Get there early before the crowds and pack snacks for the day. There are plenty of restaurants and you can grab snacks (but mainly processed food like chips/crisps) so if you’d prefer something slightly healthier grab some fruit in town!
2. Explore the Night Markets
Every night, the main street transforms into a colourful (and super busy) night market. Stalls spill over with textiles, bamboo toys, and souvenirs and your kids will love checking out all the trinkets (and will probably want to buy everything).
There’s also a food market right at the end with heaps of outdoor long tables, food stalls and even entertainment. You can choose from western options like pizza, Korean (my daughter loved the
Tteokbokki – she hadn’t had any since we left South Korea), noodle soup, mango sticky rice and fresh fruit shakes. One side of the food stalls seem to be international, while the other side (near the stage) are more local Laos food.
Tip: Make sure you have cash as the food stalls are cash only – plus you’ll need to pay cash for the toilets.
3. Mekong River Boat Ride
Depending on how you’ve arrived in Luang Prabang you may want to spend some time on the Mekong (probably not if you’re already done a two day Mekong River Cruise like we did!).
Being on the Mekong is a great break from walking, especially in the heat. And there are a few options to choose from. You can hop on a short one-hour ride, or take a half-day trip to the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. There are also night cruises which include dinner and drinks.
The novelty of being on the water can be a great way of keeping your little kids entertained while you can enjoy some of the views of rural Laos.
4. Morning Alms Giving Ceremony (Done Respectfully)
Before sunrise (usually around 5.30 – 6am), saffron-robed monks walk quietly through the streets collecting alms.
Alms are small food offerings like sticky rice, fruit, or small snacks that are given by local Laos people to monks. It’s a spiritual exchange whereby villagers provide food, and in return the monks offer prayers and blessings.
In Luang Prabang, this tradition is known as Tak Bat. Local people typically kneel on low stools or mats, placing small amounts of food into the bowls as the monks pass by. The atmosphere is quiet and respectful, with very little talking – so it may not always be the best option with kids – it depends on your family!
How You Can Experience It Respectfully
- Observe quietly from across the street if you’re not taking part.
- If you do want to join in, ask your guesthouse to arrange it so you have proper food prepared (not just buying random snacks at the market).
- Wear modest clothing: cover your shoulders and knees.
- Teach kids to stay seated or stand back, never to touch the monks or their bowls.
- Photography should be discreet – don’t use a flash or get in the monks’ way.
Top tip: If you’re worried about taking your kids and are staying in Luang Prabang for a few days, do a swap with your partner so you take turns visiting while the other minds the kids.
5. Climb Mount Phousi
For a bit of adventure, climb the 300 steps up Mount Phousi. The panoramic view of the Mekong is stunning and well worth the effort. Sunset is the classic time to go, but it can get super busy. If you’re up early, head up in the morning which are cooler and way less crowded. Be sure to take lots of water and make sure your kids are capable of the climb before heading up!
6. Family-Friendly Cafés and Downtime
Luang Prabang offers some amazing cafes, and we had some of our favouritets times just sitting at a riverside cafe or in the main street watching people. Lots of cafés have gardens or quiet corners where children can draw, read, or play while you can enjoy a Lao coffee, iced lime juice or our all time favourite, a BeerLao!.
One of our all time favourites was Yuni Yupoon, which was on the main street with seats out front for people watching. Out the back they had a fantastic kids room, with games and drawing, and the staff were fantastic.
Another amazing spot was Popolo (which was right next door to our hotel – Villa Thida Mekong Riverside) and had delicious pizzas and the best gnocchi I’ve had in years! There are also lots of great restaurants right on the river which offer gorgeous sunset views. And some great fruit shake shacks offering delicious shakes for next to nothing!
7. Visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (TAEC), Luang Prabang
TAEC is a learning centre located in the heart of town that explores, celebrates and aim to preserve the diverse ethnic culture and people of Laos. There are permanent and special exhibitions, along with a gorgeous handicraft shop linked with local artisan communities.
For kids you can sign up for craft workshops. Our three did a bamboo weaving workshop that lasted two hours and cost US$25 per person (which included a specialist teacher, materials, a drink and keeping your creations). We chose to make animals (kids made a fish, bird and frog) but you could also opt for making baskets depending on your kids age. They had a great time and I thought two hours would be bit much – but they were thoroughly engaged the whole time.
Extra Ideas if You Have More Time
- Elephant Conservation Centre (Sayaboury): A full-day or overnight trip where kids can learn about elephant care and conservation (no riding).
- Tad Sae Waterfall: Smaller and less visited than Kuang Si. You can get there by boat during rainy season.
- Cooking classes: There are plenty of cooking schools available – check with your accommodation to see which ones are family-friendly (many adjust recipes for kids).
Tips for Families Visiting Luang Prabang
- Best Time to Visit: November to March offers cooler, drier weather which is more comfortable for little ones.
- How Long to Stay: 3–5 days is perfect for a mix of culture and relaxation.
- Food: Most restaurants offer rice, noodles, and fruit—simple enough for picky eaters. But there are also plenty of Western-style cafés.
- Packing: Bring mosquito repellent, sun hats, and a lightweight scarf for temple visits. A baby carrier is more practical than a stroller because the streets aren’t the most even!
Wrap Up on Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a great family destination if you’re looking for a mix of culture, nature, and relaxation without the stress of big city crowds. And if you visit in the wet season you’ll be surprised at how quiet it will feel (although it does get busier at night when it comes alive for then night markets).
It’s fast become one of my most favourite locations in South East Asia, and was a huge hit with the kids as well!
