There is simply something magical about a Laos honeymoon. Mostly untouched and unspoilt, this tropical haven is one of the few exotic destinations remaining in the world. In fact, the entire town of Luang Prabang has been declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, boasting a fusion of Lao traditional urban and colonial architecture.

With a refreshing, laidback atmosphere, breathtaking sceneries and diverse terrains, the enthralling country of Laos offers a perfect honeymoon getaway for newlyweds. In this issue, we specially curated 13 ways to enjoy your Laos honeymoon. 

This article was first published on 7 Jul 2019, and last updated on 27 Dec 2019.

13 Breathtaking Things to Do on Your Magical Laos Honeymoon

1. Take the plunge at the majestic Kuang Si Falls

Every traveller who has had the chance to explore Luang Prabang would probably tell you to visit the famous Kuang Si Falls, and for a good reason. Surrounded by lush greenery, the immense waterfall cascades over white limestone rocks and into three levels of shallow pools, where the inviting azure waters beckon you for a swim.

If you are not particularly fond of the plunge, having the Kuang Si Falls as a picnic backdrop works wonders as well. Especially so for your Instagram feed for the perfect Laos honeymoon!

Plan your Kuang Si Waterfall Day Tour here >

2. Experience a tropical paradise Laos honeymoon at Pullman Luang Prabang

Boasting a unique location encircled by UNESCO World Heritage sites, Pullman Luang Prabang offers the perfect setting for your honeymoon. The 16-hectare secluded resort is enveloped in lush greenery – a peaceful tropical paradise where warm hospitality and impeccable service reside. Infusing a measure of modernity into traditional Lao architecture, Pullman Luang Prabang is made up of a series of low-rise terraced villas purposefully arranged to meld well with nature. 

For your honeymoon, we recommend staying in the Premium Deluxe Suite overlooking the terraced rice paddies. Succumb to the soothing sensation of an indoor rain shower or soak away the soreness in the tub in the spacious ensuite bathroom; the choice is yours. The ultimate honeymoon relaxation is not complete without some pampering time at the Pullman Spa. We highly recommend the Three-Hour You & Me Treatments, where you get to experience a delightful treatment suite with your loved one!

Check out Pullman Luang Prabang for a dream tropical honeymoon >>

Pullman Luang Prabang
Ban Pong Wanh, 06000 Luang Prabang, Lao PDR
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3. Bask in the beauty of Vang Vieng’s limestone mountains on a hot air balloon

One of the new attractions that Vang Vieng offers is a dreamy hot air balloon ride. Flying over the beautiful Nam Song river is a must-try for the perfects Laos honeymoon. At sunset, the aerial view is simply breathtaking, with the last golden rays of the sun blanketing the town, casting a warm glow over the rice paddies, the colourful tin roofs, and the magnificent mountain peaks. The epitome of romance indeed!

4. Be dazzled by the great golden stupa, Pha That Luang

Considered the most important national monument in Laos, the Pha That Luang stupa is not only a symbol of Buddhism, but also of Lao sovereignty and splendour. The historic stupa was constructed in the capital city of Vientiane and believed to enshrine a piece of Buddha’s breastbone. Built in 1566, standing at 44 metres tall and literally covered in gold, this monument is probably one not to be missed, especially for culture lovers.

Visit the Pha That Luang stupa as part of your Vientiane City Tour >

5. Fall in love with the sacred Mount Phu Si

Standing at 100 metres above sea level, Luang Prabang’s highest hill, Mount Phu Si, is a favourite amongst sunset lovers. Nestled in the centre of the town between the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the mountain exhibits a 360-degree view of the area once you reach the top. What stands between you and the summit? A 329-step climb, which perhaps can be masked as a lovely evening stroll to your partner.

Tip: For a more serene experience, start your climb before dawn to catch the magical sunrise instead and beat the crowd! 

6. Visit the monastery of the Golden City, Wat Xieng Thong

Have a partner who is really into architecture or rich cultural history? Introduce him or her to the perfect example of traditional Laos architecture – Wat Xieng Thong, which features low sweeping double-tiered roofs, intricately carved walls and beautifully-decorated interiors. In the complex lies an elaborate tree of life mosaic, as well as a 12-metre funeral carriage holding urns of the royal family. 

Known as the monastery of the golden city, Wat Xieng Thong has a significant contribution to the religion, history and architecture of the Lao people – a place where important festivals and coronations of Lao kings were held at. 

7. Stroll around the intriguing Buddha Park

“Fascinatingly bizarre”. Probably the best form of words to describe Buddha Park with its giant Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered all over. Also known as Xieng Khuan, more than 200 brick and concrete statues of deities, humans, animals, and demons fill the park. Some possesses alluring intricate details, while others are just a tad bit unusual.

A giant pumpkin near the 40m long reclining Buddha is the best spot to see the entire place. Having a demon’s mouth as an entrance, the giant pumpkin has a stone ladder in it which will take you through three stories representing hell, earth, and heaven. 

Book your visit to the Buddha Park here >>

8. Explore the wonders and history of Vieng Xai Caves

“Cave City“, “Hidden City“, or the “City of Victory“. Whatever name you call it, the Vieng Xai Caves is an experience that any honeymooner should not miss out on. The sleepy town of Vieng Xai doesn’t look like much at first glance, but beneath the massive limestone cliffs are hundreds of caves used to shelter 20,000 soldiers and civilians for almost a decade during the Secret War.

Informative as it is fascinating, the three-hour tour paired with an 18-point audio guide is the only way to see the seven most important caves. A chaperone unlocks each site and prompts the visitors when to play the audio. Rich with stories from survivors, the audio guide gives the historical background of the caves as well as a clear account of what it was like living underground during the war. 

9. Cruise along the winding Mekong River

Known as the “Sea of Laos,” the winding intra-boundary Mekong River is vital to landlocked Laos, even represented as the broad blue stripe in the flag of Laos. Aside from being a predominant fishing area, the Mekong River also provides one of the most popular activities in Laos – cruising along the river with a majestic sunset in the horizon.

From Luang Prabang, there are a variety of boating options to undertake. Be it a short boating excursion or a romantic sunset cruise, we are pretty sure you and your partner will enjoy this scenic, relaxing experience. 

10. Experience the colourful and lively Luang Prabang Night Market

A trip to Luang Prabang is incomplete without experiencing the lively Luang Prabang Night Market. Every night from 5pm to 10pm, the corner of Settathilat and Sisavangvong Roads closes off to vehicles as vendors settle on their mats with a variety of goods ranging from colourful handicrafts, local fabrics to unusual items such as the famous Laos whiskey. It is a known tradition in Laos to stuff reptiles and insects into bottles of alcohol. If you are a daredevil, give it a shot!

11. Delve into the Lao culture by joining Tak Bat Morning Alms Giving Ceremony

Every morning at 5.30 am, monks leave the temples with bowls strapped on their shoulders. They then walk down the streets of the town where alms givers scoop food offerings into the monks’ bowls. This daily ceremony of giving alms to the Buddhist monks of Luang Prabang has been a longstanding tradition since the 14th century.  

Joining this ritual is a great way to experience the Laotian tradition. Do note some unspoken rules when joining in. Dressing modestly is a must, and your shoulders, chest, and legs should be covered. 

12. Indulge in authentic Lao cuisine at Pa Kham Than Restaurant

You never fully experience a place without tasting their delicious, piping hot food. Especially so for authentic Laotian dishes. A typical Laotian cuisine involves the thrill of a gastronomical journey, introducing your tastebuds to vibrant, flavourful, and usually spicy dishes. If you have been sticking to western cuisines throughout your Laos honeymoon, well, we dare say a honeymoon’s the perfect time to try something new!

Pa Kham Than Restaurant in Vientiane is one of the best restaurants that serve authentic Laotian dishes. Laap, normally translated as ‘meat salad,’ is a local favourite and a must-try for tourists. The meat is often served raw or cooked and mixed with a heap of herbs, a portion of lime juice, toasted sticky rice powder, chillies, padek or fish sauce, and bile which adds an interesting flavour to the dish.

13. Interact with elephants at the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury

Possibly one of the most exciting and meaningful activities on your Laos honeymoon, the Elephant Conservation Center is a place we recommend visiting. Located in Sayaboury, the center aims to provide a safe environment for near-extinct Asian elephants. 

 The Elephant Conservation Center offers different tour options for visitors ranging from a single day visit to a week-long volunteer package. Here, you can observe or interact with the animals, learn about them and about the centre’s conservation work, and enjoy the view of the lake and its surrounding tropical forest. 

We hope you have enjoyed our specially curated Laos Honeymoon travel guide! It’s your honeymoon of a lifetime, so take as long a vacation you need with your loved one. If you find this article helpful, please feel free to share this article with your loved ones and friends. Till the next series!

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