Tours/Luang Prabang/Private Luang Prabang City Tour
Viator · Private tour

Private Luang Prabang City Tour

4.8(31)Luang Prabang1 hour
VIATOR4.6(8)TRIPADVISOR4.9(23)

Description

Visit the main highlights of Luang Prabang heritage area. in one day Walking with a licensed local guide, you will hear many local stories and get a taste of Luang Prabang’s culture, from the history of the temples and the city to the Buddhist stories and legends painted all over the walls of the temples. This tour’s destinations include the main highlights of Luang Prabang such as Buddist temples (Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Wisunarat, Wat Pa Phon Phao), Royal Palace museum, local market, ethnological center etc.. It is simply the must do Luang Prabang tour for any first time visitors to the country.

Tour Options

City tour, Mekong Cruise
  • Activity: Alms giving / Monrnig market (5:30 option only), Morning city tour, lunch, 3 hr Mekong Cruise from Pak Ou Caves to city Duration: 10 hours: Alms giving, market (sunrise time - 1 hr), morning city tour (4 hr) lunch (1 hr) Mekong cruise to caves, sunse cruise (4 hr) lunch: buffet lunch @ manifa elephant camp Pickup included
Full Day City Tour
  • Activity: Alms giving / Morning Market (5:30 only), Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace, Mount Phousi, Ban Xangkhong, UXO center, Wat Vison Duration: 8 hours: Alms giving / Morning Market (sunrise - 1 hour), morning city tour (4 hour), afternoon city tour (3 hour) Pickup included
English, Half Day City Tour
  • Activity: Alms giving / Monrnig market (5:30 option only Pickup = sunset time, 1 hour ), Wat Xiengthong, Royal Palace, Mount Phousi Duration: 5 hours: Alms giving / Monrnig market (sunrise time - 1 hour), morning city tour (4 hour) Pickup included

Itinerary

60 min

Pickup from your accommodation at early morning around 5:15 am in March to October and 5:45 in November to February. We rise early to observe the sunrise procession of monks receiving alms and experience offering food to monks. Morning Alms (Sai Bat) is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture, and is very unique to Laos. Laos is the only Buddhist nation still preserving the procession.

30 min

After morning alms, we visit Luang Prabang morning market. The market lining a couple of quiet streets near the Royal Palace, starts early and is over by mid-morning. It sets up along a couple of side-streets next to one of the city’s many Wats. A butcher and some of the more touristy stalls have actual tables for their wares. But most of the vendors, selling anything from rice, to fresh vegetables, to steamed fish, frogs, and anything else that might be the day’s catch, just set up on the ground.

240 min

Luang Prabang, designated a UNESCO World Heritage site for its unique blending of traditional Lao and European colonial influences in its architecture and culture, was the capital of the Lane Xang kingdom from the 14th to 16th centuries, as well as the center of Buddhist worship in the region. Old quarter setting on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, encircled by verdant mountains, offers a natural beauty that is complemented by the craftsmanship of Louangphrabang’s palaces, temples, and traditional houses.

5 min

A small park at the tip of the Luang Prabang Peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet.

Admission not included40 min

Wat Xieng Thong, once known as “The Temple of the Golden City”, holds great cultural, historic and architectural importance. It is serenely situated near the tip of the peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, with a grand staircase leading up from the Mekong. For centuries it was considered the ceremonial gateway to the town, with visiting dignitaries and soon-to-be-crowned kings arriving via these steps. (Entrance fee 30,000 kip)

20 min

The temple was built in 1718 by King Kitsarath with 100,000 stones from the Mekong river. It literally means "Temple of 100,000 treasures"

Admission not included60 min

[The museum is closed on the last Thursday of every month and cannot be visited] The Royal Palace, which is today the national museum and built by French colonialists between 1904-09, displays a lovely collection of artefacts and offers you an insight into the fascinating history and culture of Laos. (Entrance fee 60,000 kip)

40 min

UXO (Unexploded Ordinance) Information Centre exhibits the devastation that Laos continues to suffer as a result of the Second Indochina War. (closed on Saturday & Sunday)

Admission not included15 min

The oldest Buddhist temple dating to the 16th century, known for its large, watermelon-domed stupa.(Entrance fee 30,000 kip)

Admission not included30 min

Mount Phousi is a 100 m high hill in the centre of the old town, located on the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. As the highest point in town, it boasts the town’s famous and favourite panoramic view. On the summit, the shiny golden stupa of Wat Chom Si sits firmly and greets visitors to the mountain. It was built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth and has become a symbol of Luang Prabang’s spiritual significance. (Entrance fee 30,000 kip)

Highlights

Private transportation
English Speaking Local Licensed Tour Guide

What's included

Included
Private transportation
English Speaking Local Licensed Tour Guide
Not included
We will send it to the restaurant of your choice. If there are a large number of people, we can also make advance reservations for the restaurant.
Admission to temples and museums

Pickup Locations & Times

We will pick you up from any accommodation in Luang Prabang city. 8:30 am (no alms giving) 6:00 am (Joining alms giving, November to February) 5:30 am (Joining alms giving, March to October)

Traveller Ratings

4.8
31 reviews
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27
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Important Information

  • Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Reviews(31)

S
Stephanie_H
April 24, 2026
Sites and sounds

Covered all of the sites and my guide was very knowledgable about the city, temples and culture. He recommended a fabulous restaurant.

L
LuisFelipe_L
April 8, 2026
Lack of organization

I quit the tour in the middle of the show. The driver was doing other activities with the car, so much that we could not leave our belongings in the car, and he took a long time to catch us, which delayed us. At some point, the guide suggested picking up a tuktuk because the driver did not answer the phone, even though we hired the air-conditioned car for a private tour.

1
103michelangelov
February 24, 2026
enjoyable experience for a couple

Guide was very good and show many temple. I not understand all history but it very beautiful and gold. Lunch on banana leaf was top. Thank you for good day in Laos.

Operator response

"Thank you for sharing your experience! We're glad you enjoyed the day in Laos with our guide. Sounds like the temples and lunch on a banana leaf were highlights 😊. Appreciate your kind words, hope to welcome you back!"

J
Janice R
February 8, 2026
Informative walking tour of Luang Prabang

Our guide, Boun arrived promptly to collect us from our hotel and was super informative throughout the whole trip. We learned so much more than if we had ventured out alone. We visited the morning market and on the walk down the street, Boun pointed out various landmarks such as the best coffee house, the various royal palaces, the old cinema and radio station and how UNESCO help with the upkeep of many very old buildings. He pointed out many different fruits, vegetables and spices at the market and what they were all used for. We visited the Royal Palace Museum which is steeped in history and has so many artefacts which Boun was able to explain to us. Remember to take long trousers or a sarong to cover the legs and shoulders when going inside each section. You must also remove your shoes so wear socks! We then climbed up Phousi Mountain (328 steps to the top) but with stunning views over the river to the mountains beyond. A driver picked us up when we had descended again and we were provided with cool towels and bottled water before going to Wat Xiengthong (Temple of the Golden City) and our final stop was Wat Sensoukharam (Temple of 100,000 treasures) We can definitely recommend this tour!

Operator response

Thank you for sharing your wonderful experience! 😊 We're glad Boun made your walking tour so informative and memorable. Sounds like you got a great mix of culture, history, and local insights. Thanks for the tips about the Royal Palace Museum and Phousi Mountain - will pass those on. Glad you enjoyed the tour, hope to welcome you back to Luang Prabang!"

C
Craig_S
January 30, 2026
Jam packed...an amazing adventure that included so many highlights

A jam packed day...12 hours...but it was amazing. Our guide was passionate and first rate. The cruise on the Mekong was a highlight.

C
cindylE4353FD
December 30, 2025
Sa is the BEST!

Our city tour in Laos with Sa was absolutely outstanding and easily one of the highlights of our entire trip. From start to finish, Sa was knowledgeable, warm, and incredibly passionate about sharing the heart and soul of Laos with us. The alms ceremony was truly unforgettable—a once-in-a-lifetime experience that we will cherish forever. Sa explained the meaning and traditions behind the ceremony with such respect and depth, allowing us to participate in a way that felt authentic, meaningful, and deeply moving. It wasn’t just something we watched; it was something we genuinely felt. Throughout the city tour, Sa brought every stop to life with fascinating history, local insight, and thoughtful stories that made us see Laos through a completely different lens. The pace was perfect, the experience felt personal, and Sa was always attentive to our comfort and questions. If you are visiting Laos, booking a city tour with Sa is an absolute must. This was more than a tour—it was a cultural experience we will never forget. We cannot recommend Sa highly enough!

Operator response

We’re so grateful for your positive feedback, It means the world to us that you appreciated to our team. takes pride in going above and beyond to ensure our customers always have an unforgettable experience.”

G
GrandTour23083389686
December 23, 2025
Luang Prabang city tour

Brilliant day trip. Such a range of experiences and sights. Our guide, Boun, was very knowledgeable and interesting and the travel around the city was seamless. The lunch stop was perfect and my favourite part was learning about silk production and weaving. Great day, thank you!

Operator response

😊 Thanks so much for sharing your wonderful experience! We're thrilled to hear you had a brilliant day exploring Luang Prabang with our guide Boun! 😊 It's fantastic that you enjoyed the range of experiences, sights, and seamless travel around the city. Boun's knowledge and passion for the local culture really make a difference, and we're glad you loved learning about silk production and weaving as much as you did! 🌟 If you have any more adventures in Laos, we'd love to help make them just as memorable!

C
CPShelley
December 19, 2025
All Boxes Ticked and a great day out.

I was collected bright and early for the Full City Tour. Very helpful guide, Boun, who ensured we went to a quieter area for the Alms Giving. These entailed a lot of waiting around which, while wasn't a problem, could've been planned earlier. Otherwise, all well planned and executed. Went to Phousi Hill in the morning instead of sunset which I was OK with. Very happy. All boxes ticked.

Operator response

😊 Nice one! Sounds like Boun nailed the Full City Tour 🎉! Kudos for adapting to the Alms Giving wait - quieter spot was a win 👍. Swapping Phousi Hill to morning = bonus views 🌅! Glad all boxes were ticked and you had a fab day out 😄! Anything you'd change or wanna explore next in Luang Prabang?

M
MH119a
November 21, 2025
Fantastic tour

We went for the private Luang Prabang city tour including alms giving in the morning at 5.30am, morning market, 4 hr guided tour of the sights in Luang Prabang, and a Mekong cruise. Our tour guide Thin was absolutely fantastic. Knowledgeable, he patiently answered all our questions, and best of all, managed to get us to places at quieter times. E.g. took us to the top of Mount Phousie for 12 noon in time for the beating of the big drum. On the Mekong cruise we even stopped at an elephant sanctuary for lunch where we got to feed an elephant. Beautiful sunset and a cold beer on the way back to Luang Prabang after a long day. Could not have been better.

Operator response

.“Wow, thanks for the 5-star rating and review, We’re elated to hear that you found our Tour intuitive and easy to use. The team works hard to guarantee our presence is as user-friendly as possible.”

E
Emily_D
November 16, 2025
Alms giving to the monks...

Alms giving to the monks in a respectful environment. We visited most of the Royal Palace and the major temples. A unique waterfall experience. Tony took into consideration our physical limitations and accommodated us. We had a great day!

Operator response

Dear Emily_D, Thank you so much for taking the time to leave such a wonderful review of your Private Luang Prabang City Tour. We are absolutely delighted to hear that you had a "great day!" It is particularly rewarding to know that you appreciated the respectful environment of the alms giving ceremony and enjoyed your visits to the Royal Palace, the major temples, and the unique waterfall. We are especially proud of your comments about Tony. Providing an accommodating and considerate experience for all our guests is a top priority, so we are thrilled that he was able to adjust the tour to your physical limitations and ensure you had a comfortable and comprehensive visit. We will be sure to pass your high praise on to him! Thank you once again for choosing us. We hope to have the pleasure of welcoming you back on another adventure in the future. Warm regards, Yuki

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