Luang Prabang

Heuan Chan Heritage House

A museum with one of the few remaining pre-colonisation houses. It also features an area to dress in costumes, learn different crafting technique and quite a good cafe for lunch.

Closed · opens 9 am·30,000 kip

Joma Bakery Cafe

Free Wi-Fi, air-con on both floors and free full-menu delivery service from 07:00-19:30. Great music and friendly staff.

Closed · opens 7 am

Kuang Si Falls

ຕາດ ກວາງຊີ

The stunning Kuang Si Falls are Luang Prabang's top natural attraction. Cascading through multi-level limestone terraces, the color of the water usually varies between milky blue and a deep turquoise, although after heavy rains they can temporarily turn brown. Tuk-tuks, private or shared, green bus from Thatluang Park (45k kip one way), tours drop you at the parking area, from where free electric golf carts next to the ticket booths shuttle around 1 km up the hill at the park entrance. From here, take the signposted "Foot Trail" to the right, which takes you through the Bear Rescue Centre (below) to the base of the waterfalls. There are three tiered pools that are safe for swimming, although you'll want to wear sandals or reef shoes since the rubble can be sharp. There are some basic toilets can be used as changing rooms, as well as the pleasant Green Jungle restaurant that serves up fried rice and the like ($2 and up). If you keep going up, you'll get to the main waterfall that cascades down from a height of nearly 60 meters, a gorgeous sight especially after rain when it fans out. The paved road to the left of the park entrance leads directly here, so it's also where all the tour groups are shunted, and there are plenty of picnic tables if you've packed a lunch. A small trail to the left leads via 542 steel steps to the top of the waterfalls, where you'll find a few more pools with a swing and a guy with a boat offering a 200 m punt up the river for 20,000 kip per person. There is also a treetop cafe with great view over the surrounding jungle hills (30,000 kip to enter) and a zipline that brings you back down to the lower basins (US$25). Beware that the signposted route way down the other side of the falls is much steeper than the way up and can be extremely muddy and slippery, so do not attempt this after rain or without proper shoes. A seat on a shared tuk-tuk to the falls and back including 3–4 hours waiting time costs around US$6, as does a cheap scooter rent

Closed · opens 8 am·Foreigners: 60,000 kip, Lao nationals: 10,000 kip

Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre

An informative free tour to all visitors (last tour at 16:30). Operating as a fair trade traditional weaving centre, you can take classes in bamboo/textile weaving, dye your own silk, draw your own batik or just relax at the Mekong garden cafe. A free tuk-tuk departs daily from the Ock Pop Tok shop in the city at 10:00, 12:00 and 14:00, with other times possible by agreement.

Saffron Caffè

Excellent coffee. It comes from the surrounding mountains. The banana shake macchiato is recommended. Delicious fresh baked goods such as their cinnamon swirls and banana muffins go quickly. Granola and salad wraps are good.

Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

This small, but perfectly formed museum is dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos. Find out more about the groups that make Laos unique and enrich your visit to Luang Prabang. Closed on Mondays, and occasionally other times for exhibitions. On site shop and cafe, with an outlet shop close to the Ock Pop Tok shop.

30,000 kip

Big Tree Cafe

Consistently good Western and Korean food. Under the big tree on the Mekong River. Good service and free Wi-Fi.

Morning Glory Cafe

Run by a laid-back couple. Thai and Western food. Good wine, by the glass. Garden seating. Temple in front and street life can be enjoyed.