You will find many things to do with teenagers in Luang Prabang. Visiting Luang Prabang with teenagers can be a great place with many outdoor options to keep them entertained. You and your teenagers will have some great experiences in this UNESCO World Heritage town. Luang Prabang is located on the Mekong River in Northern Laos.
Know before you go. Our top Luang Prabang travel tips
Traveling to Luang Prabang can be such an enriching experience for the whole family. Did you know that was the royal capital of the country until 1975? There are so many things to do in Luang Prabang and having the best place to stay in Luang Prabang to explore is extremely important. Below you will find some information for planning a hassle-free family vacation in Luang Prabang
Where to stay in Luang Prabang with teens
You’ll never be short of options for your accommodation in Luang Prabang. You find a range of hotels, apartments, and hostels in the city. Likewise, you will be sure to be able to find something to fit singles, couples, families, and groups on every budget.
If you’re not keen on any of our picks below or have specific needs, we recommend using Hotels.com and Booking.com to find the best prices in Luang Prabang.
- Luxury: Located in the middle of the city in three restored UNESCO Heritage buildings is 3 Nagas Luang Prabang MGallery by Sofitel. This 15-room hotel features indoor and outdoor pools, bars, coffee shops and family rooms.
- Mid Range: The fantastic Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel has spacious family rooms for 4, free breakfast, a convenient location, free bikes, free afternoon tea and amazing staff. Located only 1 street away from the Mekong and one street away from the main street, restaurants, and shops.
- Budget: featuring a swimming pool and breakfast the Jasmine Luang Prabang Hotel is located right in the heart of town. This hotel featuring family rooms is only 100 meters from the night market.
Apartment alternative for your stay in Luang Prabang
If you prefer a home away from home-style accommodation when you travel with teenagers then an apartment is the best choice for you on your Luang Prabang vacation with teens. There are so many options for singles, families, and budget-friendly options as well. For Luang Prabang check out the map below to find the perfect apartment in Luang Prabang for teenagers on your Luang Prabang vacation with family
How to get to Luang Prabang
There are 4 ways to get to Luang Prabang which are boat, plane, car and bus. Being the most popular destination in Laos means you will be able to easily access Luang Prabang.
- Luang Prabang airport is located just 5 kilometres from the city centre. The airport opened in 2013 and is serviced by Bangkok, Laos, Vietnam Thai Airways, Silk Air and Air Asia. Visa on arrival is available at Luang Prabang Airport.
- Book your flights to Luang Prabang with Kiwi Flights
- Have a car and driver waiting for you at the airport, book an airport to hotel transfer.
- Book your flights to Luang Prabang with Kiwi Flights
- The Luang Prabang boats arrive daily. Most ply their trade down the Mekong from Huay Xai on the Laos-Thailand border. The trip covers 330 kilometres over 2 days with a stop in Pakbeng. It is an amazing way to see the country and the mighty Mekong River.
- Highway 13 brings people into Luang Prabang from Vang Vieng and Vientiane in the south and via Highway 1 to the north. Highway 13 is a long, bumpy, and winding road trip it is not like the highways at home for sure. The road quality is poor and the 183 kilometres from Vang Vieng will take well over 5 hours.
- In December of 2021, The China-Laos high-speed railway connecting Luang Prabang with Vang Vieng and Vientiane in the south and Kumming China in the north opened. At the time of writing this, you could not make a booking online.
What currency do I need for my trip to Luang Prabang?
The official currency you need to use in Laos is the Lao Kip. We recommend that you get a Revolut travel money card, that can be loaded with multiple currencies and has nearly non-existent withdrawal fees to save you money. Just be aware that you may not be able to exchange Lao Kip outside the country of Lao.
Travel insurance for Luang Prabang
Laos has an inadequate quality of healthcare. Travel insurance is highly recommended for all travellers entering the country. The last thing you want is to get stuck needing major medical care without insurance on your family holiday to Luang Prabang with teenagers.
We recommend using Travel Insurance Master. Their website compares the best deals from several providers and presents you with the best value-for-money policy on the market. Click through to Insurance Masters to get a free quote.
Do you need a SIM Card for your trip to Laos?
Relying on Wi-Fi when you are travelling in Asia with family and sightseeing in Luang Prabang with family can be hard. Making calls and staying in contact when you travel with teenagers is a top priority. Plan your family trip to Luang Prabang and order your sim before you leave home to stop any stress about travelling, data and calls on your family vacation in Asia.
Pocket Wi-Fi for your
You will be able to access free Wi-Fi at certain spots in the city The best solution for teens staying connected to the internet is to rent a 4G Pocket Wi-Fi hotspot. These small devices can be ordered and delivered to your hotel for your stay in Luang Prabang.
Alternatively, you can purchase a mobile hotspot device to keep and use on all your travel with teens holidays. You can choose the length of time you want and the amount of daily data you will need. Order your pocket Wi-Fi today for your Luang Prabang trip
The very best things to do in Luang Prabang with teens
Luang Prabang is a gorgeous place with so many amazing things to do when you visit Luang Prabang with teens. With fantastic activities in Luang Prabang and some located just out of the town, you will have a great number of family activities to include in your Luang Prabang itinerary.
Bike riding in Luang Prabang with teenagers
Things to do in Laos should include bike riding, the town of Luang Prabang is relatively flat so it is a great place to go bike riding. Many of the hotels, hostels and guesthouses have bikes for rent or for free. There are plenty of temples around Luang Prabang to explore while you are riding. The best time to get out and about is early morning before the traffic and heat pick up. You can also ride out to some surrounding villages to see life in Laos.
Book your Luang Prabang bike tour today
If you are out in the heat of the day there are plenty of areas that are shady where you can rest. There are also plenty of places where you can get a cold drink on the side of the road or in some little shops dotted around the streets. This is one of the best activities in Luang Prabang for families.
Big Brother Mouse School
This is a chance for your teenager to meet and chat with teenagers from Laos in the heart of Luang Prabang. The Big Brother Mouse school encourages English-speaking travellers to visit and practise conversational English with the students who are there. Twice a day from 11-1 and again from 5-7 you can sit down and chat with the locals from Luang Prabang who want to practice their English.
It is a great way for them to learn from us and for us to learn about their life in Luang Prabang. Often they have only talked with their Laos English teacher. This is a great opportunity for your teenager to learn about the life of a teenager in Luang Prabang and it is one of the best Luang Prabang activities for everyone to do.
*Outside of Luang Prabang there is also s school called Big Sister Mouse that you can visit as well. Please ask Big Brother Mouse and they will give you the details. Also if you plan on visiting a school if you have room in your luggage they love donations of books, pencils and other class supplies.
Learn More: We have all the very best tips on how to keep your kids safe on vacation in this guide.
The Luang Prabang Night Market
Stretching for around 500 meters along the main street of Luang Prabang is the night market. You can find all types of local crafts and souvenirs there. Everything from slippers to Lao Lao whisky with snakes in it to bottle openers that are made out of bomb shrapnel dropped during the Vietnam war.
A food market alleyway leads off into a labyrinth of stalls selling everything from pork belly to spring rolls and even amazing German bratwurst. The Luang Prabang night market is the main attraction once the sun goes down, and it is a must-see in Luang Prabang.
Go horse riding in Luang Prabang
Every year, thousands of tourists visit the small town of Luang Prabang in northern Laos to take a ride on a Hmong horse. The Hmong people are an ethnic minority group living in the mountains of Laos and much of the Central Highlands of Vietnam.
They are not only known for their skills as warriors but also as expert horsemen who produce extraordinary feats such as riding horses bareback and doing acrobatic tricks with them. Do not worry, there will be no tricks for beginners. A horse ride through the landscape will be a memorable experience for the whole family in Laos.
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Luang Prabang Palace and Museum
The Luang Prabang Palace and Museum is located in the centre of town. The museum showcases the history of the Royal Family. You will see the staterooms, dining rooms, bedrooms and Throne room.
Outside in a back shed is a collection of old cars the Royal family used. Most were given to the Royal family as a present from the United States of America. The Royal family were overthrown in the mid-1970s by the Communist Party and has been in power ever since. You can also look inside one of the Luang Prabang temples here but please make sure there is no one worshipping at the time.
Luang Prabang top things to do – Alms Giving Ceremony
Every morning since the 14th century the monks of Luang Prabang have walked the streets at 5 am collecting Alms. What they are doing is collecting food for their day. The people of Luang Prabang prepare food to give to the monks as they walk past.
Tourists visiting Luang Prabang can also partake in this attraction by also giving the monks Alms. You will find people selling little packs of rice and food ready for you to take part in this 600-year-old tradition. This is a great cultural activity for teenagers in Luang Prabang.
If you are unsure please ask your accommodation to help you. Many tourists have caused some trouble in the past by not observing proper etiquette while the monks are receiving Alms. There are signs around the town so please take the time to read them before you attend.
Make your trip to Luang Prabang epic with a Mekong River Cruise. Take an amazing slow boat down the Mekong River with Shampoo Cruises.
Visiting Luang Prabang – 3 Nagas traditional dinner and dance
Every Saturday and Sunday night the 3 Nagas by Sofitel puts on a 3-course set menu meal and traditional dance evening. The show is limited to 6 tables only. It is held in a grassy courtyard by the Nam Khan River. The lovely Lao dancers put on three short performances celebrating their traditions and heritage for you.
The dancing does not go for too long so it stays very interesting. While this is happening you will be trying traditional meals that include chicken curry, a buffalo dish and more. This is definitely one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang with kids.
Luang Prabang has a laid back relaxing atmosphere that everyone loves. You will certainly find enough attractions for teenagers in Luang Prabang to do and still get the feel of this amazing town.
The Kuang Si Waterfalls near Luang Prabang
Located an hour out of Luang Prabang is the town’s number 1 tourist attraction, Kuang Si Waterfalls. I have to say the road out there is filled with potholes and cracked in some places in what seems to be beyond repair. It is one of the bumpiest rides you will ever take in a tuk-tuk but it is worth it to see one of the top Luang Prabang attractions.
The Kuang Si waterfalls are beautiful and are well worth the uncomfortable ride. It is about a 5-minute walk to the waterfalls from the car park but it is an easy walk with only a slight incline. Along the way, you will pass a bear conservation park. It houses Sun bears. The Bears looked happy in a natural environment, there were even some cubs to look at.
Once you arrive at the waterfalls it is a ‘wow moment’. The multi-tiered waterfall cascade down the hill through a number of amazing swimming holes. The water is a milky blue colour. The further up the hill you head the less crowded it becomes.
The water is nice and cool, especially in the Laos weather. If you are visiting Luang Prabang with kids, visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls is a great idea, but you must be able to swim. Most of the pools have seating around them. You will find toilets and a changing room, but be sure to pack some toilet paper with you to use. At one of the upper-level pools, you will find a restaurant. As far as things to do in Luang Prabang with teenagers go this was a favourite for ours.
Go Kayaking on the rivers in Luang Prabang
Kayaking in Luang Prabang is a very popular activity. It is an excellent way to explore the Nam Khan and Mekong River landscapes around the city, and also the only way to see some of the areas that are very hard to reach on foot. Kayaking can be done all year round, with the best times from December to February when the water levels are high. Kayaking can be both challenging and a fun thing to do in Luang Prabang with kids
The most Instagrammable places in Luang Prabang
With Instagram and social media playing an important part in the lives of teenagers, we have some great places for Instagram photos in Luang Prabang. We recommend visiting Phou Si Mountain, The Mekong River and Kuang Si Falls for the best Instagram shots in Luang Prabang.
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Have a food experience with a local in Luang Prabang
Some teens cook, and some teens get served, so why not take a cooking class or eat with a local family on your vacation? Food plays a huge part in the local culture in the places you visit. Maybe experience what the locals eat or take any number of different cooking classes in your city of choice. Food plays a big part in local cultures, whether it be cooking it, or eating it.
10 Pin Bowling in Luang Prabang
If you’re looking for a bit of fun, a friendly family competition then 10-pin bowling might be just the activity for you and your teenagers. You can go 10-pin bowling at the Luang Prabang Bowling Alley. The best way to reach the Luang Prabang Bowling Alley is by tuk-tuk. All the tuk-tuk drivers know the place and they will take you there. The alley is open daily from 11 am to 2 am.
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Going to the gym in Luang Prabang
Fitness is very important to a lot of teenagers these days and being on a family vacation in Luang Prabang is no reason to miss a session. Working out is a big part of a healthy lifestyle. Just because one is travelling does not mean one needs to stop working out. In Luang Prabang, you can find Mr Big Muscle Fitness which charges around 15 kips for a session
Luang Prabang things to do – Shopping
When first arriving in Luang Prabang, you may find yourself under the impression that the city is not as commercialized as other popular tourist destinations. The village-like feel of Luang Prabang is what makes it so charming to visitors and residents alike.
You will not find any Western-style malls in the area, most of the shopping can be done at a small boutique-like stall and at the lively market scene in town. Sakkaline Road, Kingkitsarath Road and Khem Khong Road are the main city centre areas for shopping.
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Free things to do in Luang Prabang with teens
Luang Prabang offers some of the best free things to do with your teenage family members. These free activities in Luang Prabang are perfect for keeping everyone happy and entertained without having to spend any money. There are also plenty of affordable restaurants and shops where you can shop for souvenirs without breaking the bank. Some of our recommendations for free family activities in Luang Prabang are as follows
- UXO Lao Visitors Centre
- Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre
Day trips from Luang Prabang
As travellers in Laos, time is precious. Locals will often tell you that the best way to experience the culture, food, and natural beauty of Laos is to get out of town. The easiest way to do this is by taking a day trip from Luang Prabang. These day trips offer an opportunity to explore the outskirts of Luang Prabang or explore one of the many neighbouring provinces or towns.
Pak Au Caves and Lao Whisky Village
Pak Au Caves are located near the Mekong River in the Luang Prabang area. They are believed to be ancient temples that were used by ancient tribes who migrated from India, China, and other Southeast Asian countries to live in this region. There are a large number of small statues representing Buddha in all shapes and sizes, with approximately 4,000 effigies of Buddha in the caves.
A trip to the Pak Au caves is usually accompanied by a trip to the Lao Whisky Village. The Whisky village is really a local village on the banks of the Mekong. The village makes whisky and all types of textiles. Teenagers in Loas will find the whisky village fascinating, not for the taste of the Whisky, but for what they put in it. The Lao Whisky village out snakes in the bottles of Whisky? Yes, snakes.
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Places to eat in Luang Prabang
Eating in Luang Prabang can be a great experience that connects you to the local culture and offers a window into the history of the city. These restaurants offer everything from traditional Lao dishes like larb, sour soup, and sticky rice to international cuisine such as pizza.
Street food at the night market is a great option and well-priced, you will find a huge variety of food from simple Asian food like Bahn MI to German Bratwursts. You will find good quality restaurants on Sakkaline Road (the same road as the night market) and on the promenade along the Mekong River
Where are the best places to stay in Luang Prabang for teenagers
At the top of the article, we suggested some accommodation choices. If you are looking for a wider variety of choices, please find below an interactive map from Booking.com for you to find your perfect stay in Luang Prabang
Weather in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang weather can be hot and hotter. Luang Prabang temperatures can easily reach 40 degrees in the hot months. We were there for 7 days when the temperature was over 40 every day.
May is the hottest month in Luang Prabang with an average temperature of 29°C (84°F) and the coldest is December at 20°C (69°F) with the most daily sunshine hours at 9 in April. The wettest month is August with an average of 288.6mm of rain.
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We hope this article from us here at Wyld Family Travel has you inspired to visit Luang Prabang with your teenagers.
Travel with teenagers and tweens. Travelling with young adults has just as many issues as travelling with younger kids. Choosing the best teenage vacation destinations can be time-consuming. Use our Travel with Teenagers Destination Guides from all over the world for your next family vacation inspiration to make your family vacations with teens epic.
For more amazing ideas on where to holiday in Laos once you get there click through to our Laos Destination Guide page for more brilliant inspiration.
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