Luang Prabang is a small town in the north central Laos. The town is situated at the confluence of the Nam Khan and the Mekong River and surrounded by emerald mountains. This place was formerly the capital of the Luang Prabang kingdom. During French colonial period it was the seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The town of Luang Prabang was listed as UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architectural, cultural and religious heritage.

Cultural Heritage

Luang Prabang is a nice quiet town. The streets of the historical center are lined with low-height colonial buildings and are dotted with ancient Buddhist temples. The great Mekong River is slowly flowing nearby.

Novice monks at the street of Luang Prabang, Laos — Novice monks at the street of Luang Prabang

Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang — Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important Lao monasteries

A street in historical center of Luang Prabang, Laos — The historical center of Luang Prabang

The rare reclining Buddha in Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos — The rare reclining Buddha in the Wat Xieng Thong

Boats on the bank of the Mekong River, Luang Phrabang, Laos — Boats on the bank of the Mekong River

The Nam Khan river in the morning, Luang Prabang, Laos — The Nam Khan river in the morning

A French influenced charm is mixed with ancient Laotian traditions in the ambiance of Luang Prabang. Roadside cafes serve croissants, baguettes, and a wine along with Larb salad and curries.

A coffee with a French croissant in a local cafe, Luang Prabang, Laos — An ice coffee with a French croissant in a local cafe

Laotian cuisine: a Larb salad with a sticky rice, Luang Prabang, Laos — Laotian cuisine: a Larb salad with a sticky rice

Alms giving ceremony

Every morning, before the sun goes up, a long queue of saffron-robed monks snakes down the streets of Luang Prabang. The alms giving ceremony or the ‘Tak Bat’ is an ancient Buddhist tradition which represents the symbolic connection between monks and the secular society.

Lao people give alms to Buddhist monks, Luang Prabang, Laos — Lao people give alms to Buddhist monks

Women pray after the ceremony, Luang Prabang, Laos — Women pray after the ceremony

The responsible way to witness the tradition is to follow the etiquette during the ceremony. That means not to be rude and loud, to wear appropriate clothes, do not stand too close to the procession, do not make physical contact with monks, do not make annoying photos with a flash and so on. The not appropriate tourist’s behavior has become an issue these days.

A procession of monks at a street of Luang Prabang, Laos — Monks at the street of Luang Prabang

A woman prays after the ceremony, Luang Prabang, Laos — A woman prays after the ceremony

Natural scenery

Kuang Si waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos — Kuang Si waterfalls

In addition to the rich cultural scene of Luang Prabang, there are gorgeous natural surroundings. The Kuang Si waterfalls, located 30 kilometers south the town, is the place should not be missed.

The main waterfall of the cascade, Kuang Si waterfalls, Laos — The main waterfall of the cascade

Amazing turquoise water rich with minerals formed the cascade of picturesque waterfalls flowing down lush hills. Some pools of the cascade are available for swimming. You may hire a motor-rickshaw or buy a group tour to get to the waterfalls. Motorbike and bicycle rental is also available in Luang Prabang.

Amazing turquoise water of Kuang Si waterfalls, Laos — An amazing turquoise water of Kuang Si waterfalls

While in Luang Prabang, do not miss to meet a sunset atop of the Phou Si hill located in the center of the town.

Sunset over Luang Prabang, Laos — A sunset over Luang Prabang

The view of Luang Prabang at dusk, Laos — Luang Prabang at dusk

How to get there: There is an international airport in Luang Prabang located just in 5 kilometers away from the center. Luang Prabang is connected by the road with other major tourist locations in Laos. The road trip to Vang Vieng takes about 6-8 hours and the journey to Vientiane lasts about 10 hours.

French charm with Buddhist traditions, Luang Prabang, Laos

Cultural Heritage

Alms giving ceremony

Natural scenery

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Cultural Heritage

Alms giving ceremony

Natural scenery

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