Luang Prabang, The Mythical City Of Laos
To the north of Laos, Luang Prabang is one of the most mystical cities that we can find in the region. It was the capital of the Kingdom of the Million Elephants until 1545 and there is no doubt that you will fall in love with its beauty but also with its tranquility. You will be captivated by everything you see!
Luang Prabang: monks, temples and saffron
The ancient capital of Laos is surrounded by green mountains and lush vegetation. Therefore, the humidity is felt at all times of the day.
For centuries Luang Prabang was an important point in the area, being halfway between Vientiane and China. For this reason, its road is well maintained and the transport services are quite reliable for being in Southeast Asia. However, it is recommended to visit it by bicycle or on foot, since it is small and so you can enjoy all its attractions.
The historic center is declared a World Heritage Site. Trucks and buses are prohibited in it. But be careful with motorcycles! There are many and they can pass at high speed near you.
A very quiet old town and in which it is very easy to find yourself, almost all the streets are parallel to the Mekong River. Most of the attractions, hotels and restaurants are located close to each other, that is, between the river and the sacred mount Phousi.
Let’s now see some interesting facts. The city of Luang Prabang has more than 50 temples and is situated 700 meters above sea level. Its about 80 thousand inhabitants are divided into twelve different ethnic groups and the city has a great French influence that can be seen not only in the architecture but also in the shops, which offer baguettes and other delicatessen.
What to do in Luang Prabang?
It does not matter how many days you stay in this beautiful city, where at 11:30 pm all shops close and it is completely silent … But there are activities that you cannot miss!
Alms Delivery Ceremony
It takes place every day. Considering that before midnight you will be back at the hotel and that you will sleep like an angel due to the tranquility of the environment, it will not cost you anything to get up early to witness and participate in this ceremony.
Basically at 5.30 in the morning you will see the monks walking the streets always in line and in silence, collecting the alms that people, residents and tourists give them. The “parade” takes place all over the city, so you can buy some rice and stand in a remote street where there are not so many tourists.
Royal Palace
Although you are not very fond of going to museums or castles, this house, which belonged to the Laotian monarchy, is nothing like what you may have seen in your life. The throne room has its walls completely covered by colored crystals that form various figures (plants, animals and people) to represent everyday life.
It is the only “ostentatious” place, to call it somehow, since the rooms, however, are too simple for a monarch.
Temples and more temples
They come in all sizes and sizes… and they are worth exploring. Everybody? Well, at least a large part of them. They are very close to each other, so you won’t have a problem.
You will be able to see Buddha statues in different materials and postures and also learn about the daily chores of the monks. In the local temple language it is said “Wat” and the most popular are: Aham, Ho Pha Bang, Pathum, Mai Suwannaphumahan (almost impossible to say) and Manolon.
Night market
Unlike what happens in other fairs in Southeast Asia, here no one will urge or follow you to buy an item. Vendors display their products on the ground and sit next to them, waiting for tourists and locals to ask for a price or want to buy everything from souvenirs to vegetables, from clothes to … Toads!
If you dare you can haggle the value of the merchandise while you rest a bit from so many corridors and red ceilings.
If you have more time, you can explore the surroundings of Luang Prabang, such as Pak Ou Caves, Tat Kuang Si Waterfall and Phu Si Hill. You don’t want to go back to the routine!
