Luang Prabang Temples & Royal Palace Private Tour Night Market

Climb Mount Phousi at midday, then browse the Night Market as it opens at dusk

A full-day private tour of Luang Prabang's temples, royal history and ethnic cultures, with hotel pickup and drop-off. You visit Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, explore the Royal Palace Museum and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre, climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views, and end with a guided walk through the Night Market. An English-speaking guide leads the route. Entrance fees and drinking water are included. The tour runs 12 hours and suits travelers who want a single itinerary covering the city's main sights without arranging transport themselves.

Step-by-step itinerary

Stops and time at each

1. Golden City Temple1h · entry included
2. Royal Palace Museum2h · entry included
3. Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre2h · entry included

Explore Luang Prabang cultural highlights

• Meet guide at hotel lobby
• Visit Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai temples
• Explore Royal Palace Museum
• Visit Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre
• Climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views
• Stroll through Luang Prabang Night Market
• Return to hotel

The experience

Wat Xieng Thong opens the day: a temple with ornate traditional Lao architecture that sits near the Mekong River. From there the guide takes you to Wat Mai, one of the largest temples in the city, known for its gilded façade and its position in front of the Night Market. The Royal Palace Museum comes next, a former royal residence between Phou Si Hill and the river, now holding rare religious and cultural artifacts from the Lang Xang Kingdom.

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre occupies a UNESCO-protected historical building and displays ethnic clothing, religious objects and working tools from Laos' different ethnic groups: a way to understand how the various communities live and what their traditions are. Then comes the physical centerpiece: Mount Phousi is a 328-step climb that opens onto panoramic views of the old town, the rivers and the mountains beyond. Buddhist shrines dot the hillside along the way.

As the sun sets, the guide walks you through the Night Market for an hour, open from dusk until 10 PM. The stalls sell handmade textiles, quilts, carvings, basketry, ceramics and paper goods: a mix of local craftsmanship that gives a direct look at what people make and sell in Luang Prabang. Your driver returns you to your hotel when the market walk ends.

What’s included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off.
• English-speaking guide.
• entrance fees to Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, the Royal Palace Museum and the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre.
• drinking water throughout the day.

Before you book

Days and timesEvery dayDeparts at 08:30

Book up to11h before

AgesAdult (3 to 70 years) · Under 3: can't be included in the booking

GroupPrivate

Live guideEnglish

Meeting point and pickupHotel pickup included.

Cancellation and refundsFree cancellation up to 24 h before the start. After that, no refund.

Prices and times updated yesterday

Good to know

Easy physical levelNot for pregnant travelersNot for heart conditionsNot for back problemsInfants must sit on laps

Operated by Discova - Asia

Is this one for you?Book this private tour if you want to see Luang Prabang's temples, palace, and ethnic heritage in one day with a guide who sets the pace, rather than following a shared group's schedule.

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Top questions

What are Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, and how do they differ?

Wat Xieng Thong is one of Luang Prabang's most iconic temples, showcasing traditional Lao architecture and spiritual heritage near the Mekong River. Wat Mai is one of the largest and most beautiful temples in the city, admired for its gilded façade and located in front of the Night Market beside the Royal Palace, making it one of the most visited temples in the old town.

How long is the Mount Phousi climb, and what will I see from the top?

Mount Phousi is a 328-step climb that rewards you with panoramic views of Luang Prabang's old town, rivers and surrounding mountains. Buddhist shrines are nestled into the hillside along the way.

What can I buy at the Night Market, and when is it open?

The Night Market opens at dusk and stays open until 10 PM. Stalls sell handmade textiles, quilts, carvings, basketry, ceramics, clothing and paper goods. All locally made crafts and goods.

What does the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre show?

The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre is a UNESCO-protected museum devoted to Laos' different ethnic groups. The permanent exhibition displays ethnic clothing, religious artifacts and working tools, intended to increase understanding of the different ways of life and traditions across the ethnic communities in Laos.

What's included in the tour price, and what should I bring?

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, entrance fees to all sites and drinking water are included. You'll need a copy of your passport for the tour.