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Laos >> Luang Prabang Travel Guides
Luang Prabang The province of Luang Prebang has a very diverse geography. In the west of the province, the Mekong River cuts through dense forest, and to the north, the Ou River runs by steep karst cliffs. The road system in the province is fairly good, giving it easy access to Vientiane, as well China.
The city of Luang Prabang is the former royal capital of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, and is by all accounts, the jewel in the crown of tourism in Laos. It is located on a peninsula formed at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. It is a UNESCO World Heritage city, and thus busses and trucks are banned from the city. Traffic is mostly bicycle and motorcycle, with a large number of people choosing to walk. The city has a sense of peaceful antiquity, and even though there are crowds of tourists, it is not a party town, and the 11:30 closing time ensures this.
The main street, Xiang Thong, is a delightful mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and faded French colonial architecture. Luang Prabang is most famous for its elegant, ancient temples, with gleaming golden roofs, and decorated with mosaics and murals depicting the life of Buddha.
What To See & Do Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham)
The former royal palace was built in 1904 for King Sisavang Vong, and the royal family, by the French. There are displays of royal religious artifacts, and the royal family's chambers have been preserved since 1975 when the royal family was ousted by the Pathet Lao. Most tours of the city begin here.
Phou Si This is a large hill somewhat in the center of the peninsula on which Luang Prabang sits, and dominates the city skyline. The hill can be seen from any part of the city, and is a good reference point to orient yourself by. It's a steep climb to the top, and on the summit is That Chomsi, a stupa erected in 1804 and restored in 1914. However, the real reason for climbing to the summit is the panoramic view of the city and the surrounding area. Hence, the best times to climb the hill are at sunrise and sunset. There are two old, abandoned temples on the lower slopes, and some newer temples on the upper slopes.
Wat Xieng Toung
Constructed in 1560 by King Setthathirat, it is architecturally the most magnificent temple in Luag Prabang. With graceful roofs sweeping close to the ground, it is considered the epitome of classic Luang Prabang temple style. The Tripitaka library was added in 1828.
Kuang Si Waterfall
These falls are about 30 km south of Luang Prabang, and are a series of falls over limestone rocks. With the lush green vegetation and turquoise pools, it is very striking and photographic setting. It is a good place for a day’s relaxation, and to meet other travelers. There are day trips by boat or vehicle to the falls, or you can go by rented motorbike or bicycle.
Pak Ou Caves
These are the famous "Buddha caves" north of town where the Ou River enters the Mekong. They can be reached by road or boat, but most tours go by boat on the Mekong from Luang Prabang. Boat trips also stop at villages along the river. There are 2 caves, a lower cave, and an upper cave, in a limestone cliff facing the river. They are stuffed with Buddha statues of all description and sizes.
Handicrafts Night Market
This night market sets up every evening along Sisavang Vong St. and the street is closed off to traffic. Almost anything you can imagine is sold there, but as the name implies, it is best known for Lao arts and crafts. It is a good place to hunt for bargains, as prices are incredibly cheap. However, it closes early, around 9PM.
Morning Alms Ritual
At dawn, processions of Monks in saffron colored robes collect alms of rice and other food given by kneeling townspeople and early-rising tourists. Of course monks in other Southeast Asian also go out for alms at dawn, but the tradition here is especially colorful and picturesque, and has become a tourist attraction.
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have been preserved since 1975 when the royal family was ousted by the Pathet Lao. Most tours of the city begin here. .jpg)
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photographic setting. It is a good place for a day’s relaxation, and to meet other travelers. There are day trips by boat or vehicle to the falls, or you can go by rented motorbike or bicycle..jpg)