Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour, Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour (Self Guided), Luang Prabang

Initially founded as a city-state in the 8th century AD, Luang Prabang served as a religious center spreading Buddhism introduced to the region by Sri Lankan missionaries. Centuries on, their legacy is still alive in the abundance of Buddhist temples, known as Wats. Among them are the magnificent gilded 16th-century Wat Xieng Thong, the former residence of the Laotian chief Buddhist; the Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of Luang Prabang's largest and most important places of worship; and the Wat Wisunalat, otherwise known as Wat Visoun ("Watermelon Stupa"), one of the oldest temples in the city.

In the 14th century, Luang Prabang became the capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, under the rule of King Fa Ngum, who brought to the city one of its most revered religious relics – the golden Buddha statue, known as the Phra Bang.

It is partially due to this statue that Luang Prabang got its name. The first word – "Luang" – means "royal" or "great" in Lao, indicating the city's historical status as a royal capital.

Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang prospered as a trade hub, attracting merchants from China, Vietnam, and other neighboring countries.

During the 19th and 20th centuries, the city came under French colonial rule. The French influence is still visible in its architecture, particularly in the colonial buildings that blend with traditional Lao structures. After Laos gained independence in 1953, Luang Prabang became the royal capital until 1975, when the monarchy was overthrown.

Standing out amid the plethora of local attractions is the Royal Palace Museum, offering a glimpse into the country's royal history and traditional Lao art. Also notable is the Hmong Night Market along Sisavangvong Road (or Foreigners Street). The latter is one of the main streets in Luang Prabang's old town and an attraction in its own right, lined with cafes, restaurants, shops, and guesthouses catering to tourists.

For years, Luang Prabang's beauty and allure have inspired travelers, writers, and poets to express their admiration of it as “the heart and soul of Laos.” Indeed, the city captures the imagination and steals the heart of all who visit it, immersing them in the spirit of old Indochina. If you wish to feel the sense of timelessness and preservation that defines Luang Prabang, take this self-guided walk.
How it works: Download the app "GPSmyCity: Walks in 1K+ Cities" from Apple App Store or Google Play Store to your mobile phone or tablet. The app turns your mobile device into a personal tour guide and its built-in GPS navigation functions guide you from one tour stop to next. The app works offline, so no data plan is needed when traveling abroad.

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Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour Map

Map Instructions: (1) Click the "Nearby Sights" button to view the nearby attractions; (2) click a map pin to see sight information.

Guide Name: Luang Prabang Introduction Walking Tour
Guide Location: Laos » Luang Prabang (See other walking tours in Luang Prabang)
Guide Type: Self-guided Walking Tour (Sightseeing)
Tour Duration: 2 Hour(s)
Travel Distance: 3.0 Km or 1.9 Miles

Sights Featured in This Walk

WalkBuilder (customize this walk)


Use the WalkBuilder tool below to customize this walk to suit your interests. Instructions: click at the upper right corner in the map above to view other sights in the city. To learn more about a sight, click a map pin. Click the “+” or “–” to add or remove a sight from the walk. To reorder the selected sights, simply drag and move them up or down the list in the left column.
Click here to view route map
Enter a name for your custom walk, along with your email address, in the fields below. You will receive the instructions for retrieving your custom walk in the GPSmyCity app by email. The GPSmyCity app offers turn-by-turn travel directions to guide you from one attraction to the next.
Walk Name*:
Email*:

Frequently Asked Questions


1. How do I access my walking tour in Luang Prabang?
Save your walking tour on the website. Then download the GPSmyCity app from the Apple App Store or Google Play Store and sign in to your GPSmyCity account. Next, download “Luang Prabang Map and Walking Tours” within the app. Your walk will appear on the Walks screen.

2. How do I view other attractions in Luang Prabang?
At the upper-right corner of the map above, click the “Nearby Sights” button to show or hide other sights in the city. Click a map pin to view details about a sight. To add a sight to your walk, find it in the right column of the WalkBuilder tool above and click the “+” button next to it.

3. How do I re-arrange the sight order?
In the left column of the WalkBuilder tool, drag a sight to move it up or down the list. Then click “Click here to view route map”. Repeat this process until the route meets your needs.

4. Can I add my hotel to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add your hotel as the starting point, the ending point, or both (creating a loop route). This feature is currently available only in the GPSmyCity app.

5. Can I add my own sights to a walking tour?
Yes. You can add sightss that are not in our database and include them in your walk. To do so, sign in to your GPSmyCity account on the website or use the GPSmyCity app.

6. How many sights can be included in a walking tour?
For technical reasons, the number of sights in a walking tour is currently capped at 20. This limit may be increased over time.