Luang Prabang is a city that’s an intoxicating mix of modern conveniences and sleepy, small-town feel. It’s quickly becoming one of the most popular cities in Laos amongst tourists and a fantastic place to base yourself while you’re in the region.
That’s why we’ve created this Luang Prabang neighborhood guide, so you can have the best trip possible.
From Luang Prabang, you can access all of nature and wilderness that makes Laos so popular amongst adventure travelers. And there’s also a lot to do inside this beautiful town as well.
So, if you want to base yourself there, you’ll need to find the best area in Luang Prabang to stay in as well as accommodations that suit your budget and your travel style.
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang, we can help. This Luang Prabang neighborhood guide will help you find the best places. So, you’ll be able to explore and enjoy the city and come back to comfortable surroundings at night.
- Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang Neighborhood Guide – Places to Stay in Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
- FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Luang Prabang
- What To Pack For Luang Prabang
- Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Luang Prabang
- Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
- Buy Us a Coffee!
Looking for a specific place to stay? These are our highest recommendations for places to stay in Luang Prabang.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
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Villa Sayada | Best Airbnb in Luang Prabang
This accommodation option offers peace and privacy at a great price it’s also located in the best neighborhood in Luang Prabang to stay in. You get all the comforts of home plus an authentic taste of local life. It’s one of the coolest places to stay in Luang Prabang if you’re tired of the chain hotels and want to feel like a local.
Y-Not Lao Guesthouse | Best Hostel in Luang Prabang
If you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang that offers comfort at a budget price, this hostel is your best choice. It’s located right in one of Luang Prabang’s best neighborhoods, offers comfortable amenities, and is convenient to everywhere.
Sunrise Garden House | Best Hotel in Luang Prabang
This comfortable, mid-range hotel in Luang Prabang is perfect for your trip to this part of the world. It’s one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang to be close to everything you want to see and offers clean, modest rooms at a great price.
Old Town
This is the historic center of the town and one of the most popular areas to visit and eat. That’s why it’s also one of the best places in Luang Prabang to stay.
Mekong Riverfront
The Mekong Riverfront is one of Luang Prabang’s best neighborhoods for incredible views. It’s located along the Mekong River, so wherever you go, you can enjoy the water.
Nam Khan Riverfront
The Nam Khan Riverfront is another area that’s popular for tourists and backpackers. This area is designed specifically for travelers, which is why it’s full of bars and cafes that serve western food.
Luang Prabang is a relatively small city with a small-town feel. Despite its current popularity on Laos’s backpacking trail, it retains its calm, slow way of life and local flavor. Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Center that offers a combination of world-class comfort and spiritual nourishment to everyone who visits there.
It also offers great places to stay whether you’re looking for peace and quiet or deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang for nightlife.
Luang Prabang is relatively small, home to around 56,000 and with a limited number of neighborhoods. But that doesn’t mean that there isn’t a lot to see. It’s known for its architectural marvels, including French colonial influences during the 19th and 20th centuries.
There’s also a rich cultural and religious heritage in the area, symbolized by the hundreds of monks who walk the streets every morning collecting alms.
Today, travelers flock there to enjoy the quaint aura, fusion dining options, and old world feel. It also has some great accommodation options. So, whether you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang for one night or a longer trip, you’ll find the right place in this town.
The center of the city and one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang is Old Town. This is where you’ll see intricately decorated temples and buildings, vibrant markets, and eat the best meals. It isn’t the cheapest area in town, so if you’re looking for a cheap hostel in Luang Prabang, try one of the other areas.
The Mekong Riverfront is another popular area for Luang Prabang accommodation and entertainment. It’s the heart of the backpacker culture in the town and yet still stubbornly retains the local heart and culture.
This is the best area to visit if you’re trying to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang on a budget as you’ll find cheap guesthouses and homestays all over the area.
Around the Nam Khan River is another great area for budget travelers and backpackers. This area is filled with bars and western cafes as well as many hostels and budget hotels. This makes it a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang for nightlife. It’s also convenient for walking or biking to all the best sites in town.
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Luang Prabang’s 3 Best Neighborhoods to Stay in
Let’s take a look at the charms of the different neighborhoods. Remember that Luang Prabang is a fairly small town, so there aren’t as many neighborhoods as you would find in large cities. But for being so small, these areas have a lot to do and see there.
#1 Old Town – Where to Stay for the First Time and Best Neighborhood for Families in Luang Prabang
This is the historic center of the town and one of the most popular areas to visit and eat. That’s why it’s also one of the best places in Luang Prabang to stay. This area is filled with history, from monks seeking alms in the streets to the old-style houses that line the roads.
There are also some incredible architecturally significant temples in Old Town, which is why it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you’re interested in seeing the famous Buddhist temple Wat Xieng Thong or learning about Laos’ history at the UXO Laos Visitor’s Center, Old Town is one of the best places in Luang Prabang to stay for easy access.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
If you’re looking for places to eat and shop, you’ll be spoiled for choice in this area as well. The famous Night Market is located in Old Town, where you can find a huge variety of craft souvenirs and goods, and well as a bewildering array of shops and restaurants.
Whether you enjoy western food or want to try Laotian delicacies, you’ll be able to get it in Old Town.
But mostly, this is the best part of the city if you want to walk around and just soak in the culture and the relaxed vibe. That’s why it’s the easy answer to your question of where to stay in Luang Prabang with kids, on your own, or when you’re traveling with a group of your best friends.
Villa Sayada | Best Airbnb in Old Town
When you’re staying in one of Luang Prabang’s best neighborhoods, you can’t get better than this. It’s a private bed and breakfast right in the center of all the action and yet removed enough to ensure you have a peaceful visit.
Vongprachan Backpackers Hostel | Best Hostel in Old Town
When you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang on a budget, this comfortable hostel is a great choice. It offers convenient access to all the best attractions as well as comfortable rooms with all the amenities you’ll need for your stay.
Queen’s Hotel | Best Hotel in Old Town
Located in the best area in Luang Prabang to stay in, this budget hotel is a great choice for any traveler. It’s within 300m of the night market and offers all the amenities as well as a garden so you can sit out with a drink and enjoy the Laos evenings.
Things to See and Do in Old Town
- Try as many different dishes in as many different restaurants as possible.
- Head down to Sisavangvong Road for the Night Market to enjoy some shopping and the atmosphere.
- Spend some time at the UXO visitors center and learn more about Luang Prabang and its history.
- Take a day to explore the local temples like Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Phon Phao.
- Get up early and stake out a great place to watch the monks go buy asking for alms in the morning.
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View on Osprey View on REI#2 The Mekong Riverfront – Where to Stay in Luang Prabang on a Budget
The Mekong Riverfront is one of Luang Prabang’s best neighborhoods for incredible views. It’s located along the Mekong River, so wherever you go, you can enjoy the water.
There are also lots of narrow little streets in this area, perfect for exploring and experiencing the local way of life. This area of Luang Prabang is full of cheap budget hostels and guesthouses, which is why it’s perfect for budget backpackers.
The Mekong Riverfront area is a great place to walk around and explore. It feels really residential, so you’ll get a good idea about how the local people live. Most of the tourist cafes and hotels are on the river itself.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
This makes them really easy to find when you get hungry or want to put your feet up and enjoy the views. It also makes them easy to avoid if you want a more local experience. This combination of features is what makes this area the best neighborhood to stay in Luang Prabang.
This is also one of the best places to eat in Luang Prabang. The restaurants look a bit run down, but they serve delicious food. And you’ll be able to eat your meal with spectacular views over the river, which makes up for the décor.
The riverfront is also an easy walk to old town, making it one of the most convenient as well as coolest places to stay in Luang Prabang.
Jumbo Guesthouse on the Mekong | Best Airbnb in the Mekong Riverfront
This is absolutely one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang if you want privacy and stunning views. It’s ideal for every type of traveler, whether you’re trying to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang for your first time or are traveling with friends.
Lakangthong 2 Friendly House | Best Hostel in the Mekong Riverfront
This hostel is within walking distance of everything you’ll want to see in town so it’s a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang for your first time there. It’s also a short walk to the Mekong River, so you can easily pick up a meal. The rooms are air conditioned and simply furnished with a TV and en suite bathroom.
MyLaoHome Hotel & Spa | Best Hotel in the Mekong Riverfront
Whether you’re looking for the best place to stay in Luang Prabang for one night or longer, this is a great choice. It’s a short walk to the Night Market and offers comfortable rooms with private bathrooms, so it’s great for travelers who like a little more privacy. It’s also located right on the doorstep of Luang Prabang’s best neighborhoods!
Things to See and Do in The Mekong Riverfront
- Grab a seat at one of the many riverfront restaurants and watch the sun go down while you eat a delicious meal.
- Spend a few hours wandering, exploring, and people watching.
- Walk into Old Town to enjoy the historic buildings and ambience.
- Hire a boat to explore the river in style.
#3 Nam Khan Riverfront – Where to Stay for Nightlife and Coolest Place to Stay in Luang Prabang
The Nam Khan Riverfront is another area that’s popular for tourists and backpackers. This area is designed specifically for travelers, which is why it’s full of bars and cafes that serve western food. Despite the popularity of this area amongst tourists, it still isn’t noisy.
Most bars and restaurants in Luang Prabang close by 11 at the very latest. So, you can expect to be back in your accommodation and asleep by that time of night!
If you’re trying to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang on a budget, this is the best place to start. This is where you’ll find the greatest concentration of budget hostels and guesthouses. In fact, they’re so plentiful that you could probably just show up and find your accommodations while you’re exploring.
Image: Nic Hilditch-Short
There’s no riverfront road in this area, so the views aren’t quite as good. But it’s still a peaceful slice of regular life in Luang Prabang. And like most places in this town, it’s a short walk to Old Town and all the best attractions that it contains.
You’ll also find it easy to leave Luang Prabang from the riverfront and explore all the nature that this amazing country has to offer. That’s why this area is one of the best places to stay in Luang Prabang.
Y Not Laos Hostel | Best Hostel in the Nam Khan Riverfront
This is one of the most popular hostels in the area as well as one of the best places in Luang Prabang to stay if you’re on a budget. It’s close to everything and offers 5 lovely guestrooms with superb facilities to suit every traveler. It’s also a great choice when you’re deciding where to stay in Luang Prabang for families.
Ebony House | Best Airbnb in the Nam Khan Riverfront
This house is an experience as well as a great place to stay. It’s the oldest house in Laos and was painstakingly moved next to the Nam Khan River, one of the best areas to stay in Luang Prabang. It’s also a good choice when you’re trying to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang with kids as it offers large living spaces and 3 bedrooms.
Matata Guesthouse | Best Hotel in the Nam Khan Riverfront
When you’re deciding where to stay in Laung Prabang for nightlife, the Nam Khan area is the best choice. This budget hotel is located close to all the bars and backpacker areas in Luang Prabang. It also offers clean, comfortable, friendly accommodations for all size travel groups.
Things to See and Do in Nam Khan Riverfront
- Easily walk into Old Town to enjoy all the action.
- Head down to one of the bars for a few drinks and a chat with new friends before the bars all close at around 11pm.
- Go shopping for textiles and gifts and support local artisans.
- Hike up Mount Phousi and stop at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre to learn about Laos’ traditional culture.
- Take a yoga class and find your Zen next to the river.
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Hide Yo’ Money!FAQ about Finding a Place to Stay in Luang Prabang
Here’s what people usually ask us about the areas of Luang Prabang and where to stay.
What To Pack For Luang Prabang
Pants, socks, underwear, soap?! Take it from me, packing for a hostel stay is not always quite as straightforward as it seems. Working out what to bring and what to leave at home is an art I have perfected over many years.
Ear Plugs
Snoring dorm-mates can ruin your nights rest and seriously damage the hostel experience. This is why I always travel with a pack of decent ear plugs.
Hanging Laundry Bag
Trust us, this is an absolute game changer. Super compact, a hanging mesh laundry bag stops your dirty clothes from stinking, you don’t know how much you need one of these… so just get it, thank us later.
Sea To Summit Micro Towel
Hostel towels are scummy and take forever to dry. Microfibre towels dry quickly, are compact, lightweight, and can be used as a blanket or yoga mat if need be.
Monopoly Deal
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Grayl Geopress Water Bottle
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Check out my definitive Hotel Packing list for even more top packing tips!
Don’t Forget Travel Insurance for Luang Prabang
ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing.
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Final Thoughts on Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a smaller city, but it’s rapidly rising in popularity. That’s why there are so many places to stay whether you’re on your own. There are also some places that will make it easy for you to decide where to stay in Luang Prabang for families.
Wherever you end up staying, you’ll be surrounded by an ancient, fascinating culture, interesting and friendly people, and great food. And that’s what makes a trip really worth taking.
- Check out our ultimate guide backpacking around Laos.
- Figured out where you wanna stay? Now it’s time to pick the perfect hostel in Luang Prabang.
- Swing by our super epic backpacking packing list to prep for your trip.
- Our in-depth Southeast Asia backpacking guide will help you plan the rest of your adventure.
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