Wat Xieng Chai

Located near the Muang Sing’s Morning Market is Wang Xieng Chai, a temple with majestic design and architecture — elegant multi-tiered roofs, and decors in shades of gold in red. The main sanctuary of the temple is a must see — from the main aisle, you can see colourful weaved banners containing prayers hang from the ceiling, walls filled with paintings that depict religious scenes, and red columns decorated with silver lace. The temple and its surroundings are very serene — a feature that makes it a great place for meditation.

Location

Wat Xieng Chai is located at Ban Xieng Chai, Muang Sing, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open from 8:30 to 16:30.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is LAK 5000 (USD 0.60).

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Namtha via Laos Airlines.
From Luang Namtha, take a bus to Muang Sing.
From Muang Sing’s centre, hire a tuk-tuk to take you to Wat Xieng Chai.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

For sightseeing and meditation, spend at least an hour.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit the temple is early in the morning, preferably from 8:30 to 10:30.

Food

For meals, tourists can proceed to the Morning Market where they can see several restaurants such as Phou Iu II Restaurant, Thai Lu Restaurant, Baituey Restaurant, and Lao Pizza.

Nearby Attractions

Muang Sing Museum
Ethnic Group Villages
Nam Keo Waterfalls

Stay

Cheng Jue Teng Hotel, Bannavong Guesthouse. Dannue 2 Guesthouse and Phou Iu Bungalows II are some of the nearby hotels that offer accommodations starting USD 20 to USD 60.

Even from a distance, one can truly appreciate the intricate details that make Wat Namkeo stand out — looking bold in red and gold, the monastery’s boasts of a porch guarded by two golden serpent statues and a stupa which is unusually tall and ornate. Locals often visit the wat to get water from the shaduf-style water wells. Near Wat Namkeo Luang is a simple Lak Baan spirit totem — tourists are invited to view it but are strongly advised against touching it because doing so would cause serious offence.

Location

Wat Namkeo Luang is located in the town centre, near the Muang Sing fort.

Opening Days and Hours

The temple is open from 8:30 to 16:30, daily.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is LAK 5000 (USD 0.60).

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Namtha via Laos Airlines.
From Luang Namtha, take a bus to Muang Sing.
From Muang Sing’s center, hire a tuk-tuk to take you to Wat Namkeo Luang.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

For a tour around Wat Namkeo Luang, 30 minutes is enough.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Wat Nam Keo Luang is between 8:30 and 10:00.

Food

When it comes to meals, tourists can avail it from modest restaurants around town such as Baiteuy Restaurant, Qiaotuo Restaurant, and Xinjuan Restaurant and the famous Thai Lu Restaurant.

Nearby Attractions

That Xieng Tung
Thai Lu Restaurant
Tribal Museum
Morning Market

Stay

Muang Sing’s nearby hotels such as Cheng Jue Teng Hotel, Bannavong Guesthouse. Dannue 2 Guesthouse, and Phou Iu Bungalows II offer accommodations starting USD 20 to USD 60.

That Xieng Tung, a majestic stupa that is set on top of a hill, is known to many not just because of its architecture but also because of its religious significance — many believe that the temple is home to Buddha’s Adam’s apple. While on site, tourists can see for themselves some important artifacts — on the left side of the stupa, one can find the temple’s sacred fountain and sacred stone while on the right is the old moat and wall of the stupa. Patrons flock the temple during the That Xieng Tung festival that is usually celebrated between late October and early November.

Location

That Xieng Tung is located in Muang Sing, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

That Xieng Tung is open from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Various tours make a stopover at That Xieng Tung. Tour prices start from USD 49.

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Namtha via Laos Airlines.
From Luang Namtha, take a bus to Muang Sing.
From Muang Sing’s center, hire a tuk-tuk to take you to That Xieng Tung.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can spend at least one hour exploring the temple.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The busiest time for That Xieng Tung is between late October and early November. If you want a more peaceful visit to the stupa, schedule your trip after these dates.

Food

Tourists can buy special Kaoh Soi soups from neighbouring villages. A local drink called Laolao is also available in the villages.

Nearby Attractions

Muang Sing Museum
Ethnic Group Villages
Nam Keo Waterfalls

Stay

Guests who decide to stay in Muang Sing can stay in Cheng Jing de Hotel or Pho Iu Guest House for USD 12.

Despite the number of breathtaking holy sites around Luang Prabang, there is something about Wat Xieng Thong that sets it apart that even from a distance, the remarkable architecture of the temple — sweeping two-tiered roof, wall mosaics of intricate design– can make anyone stop and stare. This temple was once a favorite of royals — coronations and other important festivities were held in Wat Xieng Thong’s temple grounds. Inside, you can find a mosaic of the tree of life, the reclining Black Buddha, walls with beautiful carvings, and a 12-metre funeral carriage bearing the ashes of Luang Prabang’s royals.

Location

The temple is located at the Xieng Thong Village, Sakkalin Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

Tourists can visit the temple from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance is LAK 20,000 (USD 2.4).

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyways.
From the airport, board a taxi to Luang Prabang’s city centre.
From the city centre, hire a tuk-tuk to bring you to Wat Xieng Thong.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can spend at least one hour exploring Wat Xieng Thong.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most visited temples in Luang Prabang. Best time to visit is between 8:00 to 10:00 and 15:00 to 17:00.

Food

Some of the nearby restaurants serving Lao and Western delicacies are La Silapa Italian and Lao Kitchen, Bamboo Garden Restaurant, Utopia Restaurant, Lao Lao Garden, Coconut Luang Prabang, and Amigos.

Nearby Attractions

Royale Palace Museum
Elephant Village Sanctuary
Wat Chom Si
Wat Manorom

Stay

Hotels such as Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel, Villa Ban Lakkham, The Apsara, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 60 to USD 250.

Originally built in the 1500s, Wat Wisunarat was one of the important landmarks that were destroyed by the Black Haw riders in 1887, and was just restored in the late 1890s. Wat Wisunarat contains significant artifacts and items related to the royal family and Buddhism such as golden Buddha statues, the watermelon stupa designed by King Wisunarat’s wife, and precious stones from the 15th-century. Wat Wisunarat once kept the revered Pha Bang Buddha and Buddhas made of gems, gold, and jade — these precious items made the wat a high target of the Haw.

Location

Temple is located at Wisunarat Road, Luang Prabang, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

Wat Wisunarat opens from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission fee is LAK 20,000 (USD 2.4).

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyways.
From the airport, board a taxi to Luang Prabang’s city centre.
From the city centre, hire a tuk-tuk to bring you to Wat Wisunarat.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore Wat Wisunarat for an hour.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

The best time to visit Wat Wisunarat is from 8:00-10:00 and 15:00-17:00 as these are the times with lesser crowds.

Food

La Silapa Italian and Lao Kitchen, Bamboo Garden Restaurant, Utopia Restaurant, Lao Lao Garden, Coconut Luang Prabang, and Amigos are some of the nearby restaurants serving Lao and Western delicacies.

Nearby Attractions

Elephant Sanctuary Village
Royal Palace Museum
Wat Chom Si

Stay

As for a place to stay, tourists can choose from nearby hotels such as Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel, Villa Ban Lakkham, The Apsara, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel which offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 60 to USD 250.

Located near the banks of Mekong River, the Wat Long Khoun temple has long been associated with the Luang Prabang Royal Family — newly-appointed kings used to spend three days inside the temple for cleansing and meditation before he is formally crowned. Wat Long Khoun strongly bears the traces of 18th-century Lao architecture — elaborate roof, gilded columns, and intricate wood designs and carvings. One part of the temple contains Jakata murals that depict various things such as the 547 lives of Buddha, and legend and myths centred on Buddhist beliefs on kindness and giving.

Location

Wat Long Khoun is located at Xiamen District, Luang Prabang Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

The temple grounds open from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance to the temple is USD 1.

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyway.
From Luang Prabang, rent a tuk-tuk to Wat Xieng Thong.
Take a boat to Wat Long Khoun.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

You can explore Wat Long Khoun for 2 hours.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

To make sure you still have time to see other attractions, best start your trip to Wat Long Khoun at 8:00 and leave by 10:00.

Food

For food, guests can try the local and international dishes served by restaurants like L’Elephant Restaurant, Dyen Sabai Restaurant, Coconut Garden, Blue Lagoon Restaurant and Cafe Toui.

Nearby Attractions

Wat Xieng Thong
Elephant Village Sanctuary
Mekong River

Stay

There are a number of hotels around Luang Prabang which offer accommodations with rates starting from USD 60 to USD 250. Some of these hotels are The Apsara, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel.

Seeing the cave for the first time can make anyone wonder how nature can create such a stunning place — Pak Ou Caves, which also serves as a shrine for Buddha and the river spirit, is set in a magnificent limestone cliff where the Mekong and Nam Ou River meet. The cave is divided into the two — the upper cave where tourists can find the majority of the 4,000 Buddha icons, and the lower cave, which is a more peaceful place where visitors can meditate and enjoy the stunning backdrop provided by the Mekong River. You can burn incense and offer prayers while you’re in the cave — it’s a perfect way to experience traditional Lao beliefs.

Location

Pak Ou Caves is located at Luang Prabang, Ban Pak Ou, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

Tourists can visit Pak Ou from 8:00 to 17:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Admission fee costs LAK 20,000 (USD 2.4).

How to Get There

Fly from Vientiane to Luang Prabang via Lao Airlines or Lao Skyway.
From Luang Prabang, rent a tuk-tuk to Luang Prabang port.
From the port, board Nava Mekong for $25 (includes lunch).

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

Travel included, you need to allow 7 hours for your trip to Pak Ou Caves.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Tourists and locals flock the caves during the Lao New Year which is every April. If you want to avoid the crowd, visit between May and September.

Food

Tourists can have their meals in the two restaurants in Pak Ou village. Bringing your own food and water is also encouraged.

Nearby Attractions

Mekong River
Ban Xang Hai Village

Stay

Tourists can find the nearest accommodation at Luang Prabang. Hotels such as Lotus Villa Boutique Hotel, Villa Ban Lakkham, The Apsara, Villa Santi Hotel, and The Belle Rive Boutique Hotel offer accommodations starting from USD 50 to USD 250.

The temple not only has an impressive architecture but it also has an interesting origin — according to legend, a pregnant woman named Si Muang sacrificed herself to appease the angry gods, and eventually, her spirit became the guardian of Vientiane. Visiting Wat Si Muang also provides a unique insight into how the belief of the old animists blended well with Theravada Buddhism. Tourists visit Wat Si Muang either to ask for good fortune by making a promise or to return to fulfill the promise they made.

Location

Wat Si Muang is located in Rue Thaduea, Vientiane, Laos.

Opening Days and Hours

Tourists can visit the temple from 6:00 to 19:00 every day.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance costs LAK 3000 (USD 0.36).

How to Get There

Fly to Vientiane via local airlines such as Lao Air. International flights to Vientiane are also available via AirAsia, Vietnam Airlines, and Thai Airways.
From the airport, hire a taxi or board a bus to the town centre.
From the centre, hire a tuk-tuk to Wat Si Muang.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families

Time to Spend

Spend at least one hour exploring the area.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

Because Wat Si Muang is a famous tourist attraction, it’s best to visit as early as 7:00.

Food

While visiting Wat Si Muang, you can try different restaurants serving local and western dishes. Choose from nearby restaurants such as Mittaphap Restaurant, Tota Restaurant, Kung’s Cafe, and Cafe Sinuok.

Nearby Attractions

Patuxai
Wat Si Saket
That Dam
Lao National Museum

Stay

Find accommodations from nearby hotels like Hemera Hotel, Mercure Vientiane, Green Park Boutique Hotel, and Muong Thanh Luxury Hotel. Rates range from USD 60 to USD 150.

The stunning landscapes of one of Bali’s most famous temples features rich greenery, water filled with lotuses, and an elegant moat which surrounds the entire Pura Taman Ayun. One of the main courtyards in the temple is a vast, grass-filled area where guests can walk around, while the inner courts are riddled with multi-tiered shrines, also known as meru, which show the ingenuity of traditional Balinese architecture. Taman Ayun Temple is a place to visit for anyone who wants to get away from the busy scenes of other modern tourist spots in Bali.

Location

Taman Ayun Temple is located at Jayan Ayodya no. 10 in the village of Mengwi, 18 kilometres north of Denpasar.

Opening Days and Hours

Temple is open from 9:00 to 16:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee to the temple is IDR 20,000 (USD 1.40) for foreigners and IDR 10,000 (USD 0.70) for Indonesians.

How to Get There

From Denpasar Airport, board the bus to Ubud central.
From Ubud, rent a car, scooter, or a taxi to Taman Ayun temple.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

You can spend at least an hour in the temple.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

To ensure that you make the best out of your tour, visit the temple as early as 09:00.

Food

Head over to nearby restaurants such as Dining Corner Restaurant, Moksa, Bebek Tebesari, La Pacha Mama, The Sayan House, and Yellow Flower Cafe if you want to grab some meals or snacks.

Nearby Attractions

Alas Kedaton Monkey Forest
Marga Rana Monument
Tanah Lot Temple

Stay

For accommodations, you can find one at nearby hotels such as The Evitel Resort, Anumana Hotel, Pertiwi Bisma, Kiskenda Cottages, and Champlung Sari Hotel. Rates range from USD 50 to USD 80.

The Uluwatu Temple, an ancient landmark which has been established in the 10th century, is famous not only for its religious significance, but also for the scenic view of sunsets and the Indian Ocean it offers its guests. The temple’s impressive Balinese architecture, intricate passageways, and ancient scriptures on display, and Kecak dance performances add to Uluwatu Temple’s appeal. The landmark’s importance to Balinese culture is evident in the belief that in Uluwatu Temple, the powers of Vishnu, Shiva, and Brahma become one.

Location

Uluwatu Temple is located at Pecatu, South Kuta, 44 kilometres southwest from Ubud Central.

Opening Days and Hours

Temple is open from 9:00 to 18:00.

Entry Fee and Bookings

Entrance fee to Uluwatu Temple is IDR 20,000 (USD 1.40 ). An additional fee of IDR 100,000 (USD 7) is charged to those who want to0 see the Kecak dance performance.

How to Get There

From Depansar Airport, take the shuttle bus to Ubud.
From Ubud, hire a taxi or a private car to take you to South Kuta.

Suggested For

Backpackers/solo travelers
Couples
Group of friends
Families with kids

Time to Spend

You can spend at least an hour exploring the temple. You can choose to stay longer if you want to see the Kecak Dance performance.

Popularity and Best Time to Go

For temple tours, it’s best to visit early to avoid large crowds. If you want to see the dance, visit the temple at around 16:30. Best time to visit is from July to September.

Activities

Kecak Dance, 18:30

Food

A variety of Indonesian and Western dishes are served in restaurants near Uluwatu Temple. Choose from restaurants such as Marung Benjuna, OM Burger, Buddha Soul, SIngle Fin Bali, Bukit Cafe, Suluban Grill, and Ulu Cliffhouse.

Nearby Attractions

Uluwatu Beach
Tirtha Wedding Chapel
Padang Padang Beach
Balangan Beach

Stay

Nearby hotels such as Artha Mulia House, Waroeng Suria, Mamo Hotel, Sandat Mas Cottages, Ashana Hotel, Le Grande Hotel, and Padang Padang Inn offer accommodations at rates ranging from USD 38 to USD 90.