Luang Prabang, Laos. Literallt meaning “Royal Buddha Image”. A city in the north Central Laos with 58 villages. 33 of the villages are UNESCO’s world heritage sites.
It was listed in 1995 for unique and “remarkably” well preserved architectural, religious and cultural heritage.A blend of the rural and urban developments over several centuries.
Luang Prabang is most famous for its numerous temples and monasteries.
Every morning, hundreds of monks from the various monasteries walk through the streets collecting alms.
One of the city’s major landmarks is Mount Phou Si; a large steep hill which is 150 meters high.
A steep staircase leads to Wat Chom Si shrine and an overlook of the city and the rivers.
The city is part of Luang Prabang District of Luang Prabang Province. It is the capital and administrative centre of the province.
It lies approximately 300 km (190 mi) north of the capital Vientiane.
Its population is approximately 56,000 inhabitants.
10 Things to Do and Not to Do in Luang Prabang
- Don’t touch a monk. This is even a taboo for women! As a woman,you should not pass anything directly to a monk but instead hand it to a male intermediary.
- Do not trek with a guide since you risk stepping on cluster bombs. Instead, try to stay on path of go with a guide.
- Avoid arguing with police and instead, when they are asking for bribe, it’s advisable to give them. It’s against the law but they will let you go. Do not accompany them to the police station.
- Do not step on someone who is seating. They take it as rudeness. Always be careful of where you are stepping to avoid such cases.
- Do not wear your shoes inside a house or temple. Instead, leave them outside and when you are not sure of what to do, just follow what others are doing.
- Do not be in a rush at the shops. Services are generally slower. Instead, practice patience and don’t expect anyone to rush because you are in a hurry.
- Don’t get romantic publicly. Public hugging and kissing is not common. You must avoid it and do it privately.
- Don’t but antiques or wild products because it is illegal as it depletes cultural heritage. Instead, you can purchase wood carvings from craftsmen and leave with them.
- Avoid using illegal drugs such as opium. Only alcohol is available in plenty for you.
- Do not swim naked or in bikini but instead swim fully dressed!
7 Most Interesting Facts About Luang Prabang
- You will get the cheapest alcohol in the world in Luang Prabang and Laos. A liter costs below a dollar.
- Luang Prabang and Laos remains the most bombed place on earth. During the Vietnam war, USA dropped more than 2 million tonnes of bomb here. 30% of them did not explode and are still dangerous up tp today.
- Every morning at sunrise, monks collect their daily meal from people.
- The landlocked country of laos has 4000 islands.
- It takes about 300 steps to reach the top of Mount Phousi, but the climb is gentle enough for anyone with good health.
- Pak Ou Caves are packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons believed to have been left in the caves by local people for thousands of years.
- The Royal Palace Museum of Luang Prabang once served as the residence of King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era.
History
Climate
Geography
13 MOST POPULAR THINGS IN LUANG PRABANG
#1 - Mount Phousi
Phousi means ‘sacred mountain,’ and it’s located quite literally in the center of Luang Prabang. Climb the more than 300 steps to the summit where you’ll discover a temple, Buddha’s massive footprint, and golden stupa. There are two units of stairs, one across from the Royal Palace Museum and one on the avenue that runs alongside the Nam Khan. Visit Mount Phousi at sunrise to keep away from the crowds or at dusk if you’re willing to battle the masses for the golden hour panoramic view.
#2 - Royal Palace Museum
The former Royal Palace was built in 1904 and abdicated in 1975 with the Pathet Lao took over Laos’ government. Now a museum, entrance is 30,000 kip (USD 3.75), and pictures and personal property are currently not authorized inside. Make sure to check out the Phabang Buddha statute that dates lower back to the 14th century and gives Luang Prabang its name.
#3 - Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most elaborately decorated temples in the UNESCO World Heritage component of Luang Prabang. Enter one of the smaller shrines and test your energy and conviction by attempting to lift a seated buddha statue while kneeling and thinking of a wish. The temple has been restored a number of times over the years and has over 20 structures on the property.
#4 - Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Gardens is both a teaching center for the public and a research center for botanists. Check out their artist-in-residence program where creators from all over the world create art and lead workshops for visitors. See endangered trees such as the Dipterocarp and Water Pine, as well as their orchid collection.
#5 - Butterfly Park
Run through Dutch couple Olef and Ineska, the Kuang Si Butterfly Park is a delightful, well-manicured area to spend a few hours. Ticket picks include just entry, entry plus espresso and cake, or entry plus lunch. The coffee is wonderful and the dutch apple cake is moist. You can dip your feet in the aqua water stuffed with carp while you revel in the treats. Many species of butterflies stay in the enclosed component of the butterfly gardens. Visitors can also see caterpillars and chrysalises on display.
#6 - Uxo Laos Visitors Centre
A small theatre indicates documentaries about the Lao Civil War, citizens affected by Unexploded Ordinances, and the slow, painstaking clean-up efforts. The center is free to visit, but you should leave a donation before you go. Information about tools bomb elimination teams use, and the myriad reuses for warfare remnants are each informative and will tug at your heartstrings.
#7 - Tad Sae
Tad Sae waterfall can make a great full or half-day trip. Visit during a weekday if you prefer to minimize interactions with the crowds. For those involved in hiking, Tad Sae gives many streams and trails to explore. Visit from August to November for the best views and costume modestly if you’re going swimming. You’ll observe nearby Lao people swim completely clothed or covered in a sarong. Pack a picnic lunch and some Beer Lao and enjoy the views.
#8 - Wat Mai
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is regularly called by using its nickname Wat Mai or ‘new temple’ even though it was constructed in 1780. Check it out when you’re at the Royal Palace Museum as the temple is next door. Wat Mai is the most elaborate temple in Luang Prabang and till the mid-1900s housed the Phra Bang golden Buddha for which Luang Prabang is named. The Phra Bang is brought back to Wat Mai in the course of Pi Mai or Lao New Year for ceremonial cleansing.
#9 - Plain of Jars
THE PLAIN OF JARS IS a collection of large stone jars interspersed throughout the Xieng Khouang plain in the Lao Highlands. The stone structures are mostly made of sedimentary rock and, ranging from 3 to 10 feet in height (1 to 3 meters), each can weigh up to 14 tons.
#10 - Tad Sae Waterfall
Tad Sae Waterfall is a spectacular natural wonder you can enjoy during the wet season in Luang Prabang. The cascades aren’t as high as Kuang Si waterfall, but it has many more streams of water pouring over unique limestone formations. You can also go for a swim in large pools below the falls.
#11 - Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves are packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons believed to have been left in the caves by local people for thousands of years. The caves are set in a dramatic limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. There are 2 caves to visit: a lower cave called Tham Ting and the upper cave Tham Theung, both serving as shrines to the river spirit and Lord Buddha.
#12 - Kuang Si Falls near Luang Prabang
Kuang Si Falls has 3 tiers leading to a 50-meter drop into shallow pools, before flowing downstream. The pools make great swimming holes – you can change into your swimwear at wooden huts close to the waterfall’s entrance.
#13 - Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun)
Wat Wisunarat dates back to 1513 and named after King Wisunarat (Visoun), who ruled Laos from 1501 until 1520. It’s the oldest Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang and served as the city’s Museum of Religious Arts. You can see religious artifacts and precious items related to Buddhism and the royal family.