Night Market, Mount Phousi & Temples

Night Market (Haw Kham Night Market)

Every evening from 5:00 PM, Sisavangvong Road transforms into one of the most atmospheric night markets in Southeast Asia. Hundreds of stalls with handwoven textiles, silk scarves, lanterns, jewelry, and handicrafts from ethnic minorities (Hmong, Khmu) line up.

The real highlight is the food alley in the side street (opposite the tourist office): Here you can build a plate from the buffet for 15,000 LAK — as much as fits. Laap, fried rice, spring rolls, grilled fish, Tam Mak Hoong, and exotic Lao dishes you won't find anywhere else. Plus a BeerLao for 10,000 LAK. Complete dinner: under 2 EUR.

Mount Phousi (Phu Si) — Sunset View

The 100 m high hill in the heart of the old town is Luang Prabang's natural viewpoint. 328 steps lead to the golden That Chomsi Stupa at the summit — and the view is breathtaking:

• To the North: Mekong, disappearing into the distance
• To the South: Nam Khan, bamboo bridges, mountains
• To the East/West: The old town with its golden temple roofs

Come for the sunset — the sky over the Mekong turns all shades of red, and the temples begin to glow. It gets crowded (most popular spot in town!), but it's worth it. Alternatively: sunrise — fewer people, just as beautiful.

The Most Beautiful Temples

• Wat Xieng Thong: The most beautiful temple in Laos and perhaps all of Southeast Asia. The "Monastery of the Golden City" (1560) is located at the tip of the peninsula on the Mekong. The sweeping roof almost reaching the ground, the elaborate glass mosaics, and the red chapel with the golden hearse of the last king make it a masterpiece. 20,000 LAK entrance.
• Wat Mai: Right at the night market, with a breathtaking golden relief facade depicting scenes from the Ramayana. 10,000 LAK.
• Wat Visounnarath: The oldest active temple (1513). Houses a collection of historical Buddha statues.
• Wat Aham: Small but atmospheric — with two giant banyan trees considered to be spirit dwellings.

Mekong Boat Trips

Boat trips on the Mekong depart from the pier at the tip of the peninsula — for sunset, to the Pak Ou Caves, or as a slow-boat transfer. The sunset boat trip (about 100,000 LAK, 1h) is romantic and relaxing — bring BeerLao from the pier.