Luang Prabang
Tourist Destinations in Laos
The ancient town of Luang Prabang situated in northern
Laos, was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Considered by many travellers and writers as being the heart
of Laotian culture, the tiny town is encircled by mountains
and is 700 metres above sea level at the confluence of the
Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. Here visitors are subjected
to an inflamed economic bubble that does not apply to the
rest of the country. Being Laos' premier tourist destination
and (arguably) Southeast Asia's most beautiful spot, ironically
tourists will pay more for the innate pleasures of eating,
drinking and sleeping than they would in the country's capital
city Vientiane.
Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan
Xang Kingdom until King Phothisarat moved the administrative
seat to Vientiane in 1545. Regardless, it has continued
to overlook Vientiane as the destination of choice with
its amalgamation of crumbling French architecture, glistening
temples and extensive natural beauty. Even the hardest of
hearts would have a struggle not to warm to the place. The
town's entire historical section is dedicated to tourism,
with everything from former royal palaces to over 33 Wats
(temples), on the tourist trail. This former Royal capital
still remains the main centre for Buddhist learning in Laos
and is the perfect location for spiritual contemplation.
Cascading waterfalls, scaling peaks and the milky-brown
waters of the Mekong River provide ample opportunity to
swim, climb and sail your way through Luang Prabang. It
is only as recent as 1989 that Laos opened up to tourism
and the country that had previously been cut off from the
rest of Southeast Asia developed a small but steady economy,
based on tourism and regional trade. This small and gentle
town where most locals are asleep by 22:00 is now one of
the richest and most visited provinces in Laos. It's one
of the few places where you feel that this is the genuine
article and one that retains its unique ambiance.
Luang Prabang hotels and resorts at the best rates, from
Five Stars resorts such as Villa
Santi Hotel or La
Residence Phou Vao, to budget accommodation like Le
Parasol Blanc Luang Prabang or Sanakeo
Hotel, you are sure to find the accommodation you are
looking for.
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Luang Prabang offers many possibilities when it comes to
tours and excursions: From a half-day
City & Temples excursion to a full day at Pak
Ou Cave, to a three-day Luang
Prabang stopover, the choices are numerous...
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For reasons that soon become apparent, Luang Prabang is
often described as the 'Jewel in Laos' Crown'. Even though
the town is well and truly on the tourist trail, it has
nonetheless managed to preserve its natural splendor and
inherent charm, exuding a missed-out-on-modernization vibe.
The majority of the city sights can be reached on foot,
so getting a map and making your way to the many temples
(33 to be exact) is a good way to soak up the surroundings
and observe the way of the Lao, and the large monk community
that lives in the town.
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Luang Prabang has been the discerning traveller's darling
for a good few years now, also popular with backpackers
making their way through Southeast Asia. The town projects
an impression of challenging the values of modernity matched
by an impressive menu of structures and scenery. This is
first and foremost where Luang Prabang really captures the
imagination. Travellers arriving by boat will be greeted
by verdant riverbanks and glistening temple roofs. Disembarking
at the Royal Palace is only the start of a trip packed with
unique and charming encounters.
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The eclectic range of menus in this small town fuse traditional
European fare (including hot crusty baguettes, hearty stews
and succulent steaks) with the spicy and exotic dishes of
the Orient. Other than the distinct architectural feel the
town has due to the French-connection, the food choices
truly serve to demonstrate the positive influences of colonisation.
The popular Restaurant Row on the banks of the Mekong plays
host to a range of restaurants from Indian to Laos to Laos
and French fusion.
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Luang Prabang is not a destination for those who want to
spend their evenings getting messed up and days recuperating
from the previous night's shenanigans. But that's not to
say it can't be fun and as wild as you want to make it.
Luang Prabang is decidedly morning orientated and the majority
of the locals are in bed by 22:00, rising at 05:00 to feed
the monks. Staggering home with last night's clothes on
while this is happening is not such a good idea. There are,
however, a small few establishments that stay open past
midnight where conversation and beer flow in harmony.
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Much like Vientiane, Luang Prabang trades in handicrafts,
art, textiles and jewelry. Be sure to explore the night
markets such as Thalat Sonpao or Thalat Dalat, where Northern
ethnic hill-tribe people sell handicrafts and creative textiles
such as hand-sewn bedding, bags and many other distinctive
souvenirs. The numerous gift shops around town are good
for picking up couture-style textiles and quaint household
objects.
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