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- #21. This Ancient Capital🇱🇦 of 30+ Buddhist Temples🧘 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site🌏
#21. This Ancient Capital🇱🇦 of 30+ Buddhist Temples🧘 is a UNESCO World Heritage Site🌏
Cruise into Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage treasure nestled in the ethereal, misty mountains of northern Laos, where the serene confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet golden Buddhist temples and charming French colonial architecture, bustling food stalls and vibrant markets, and timeless spiritual traditions.
Located in the heart of the mountains of northern Laos, at the intersection of the mighty Mekong River and Nam Khan rivers, and just 190 miles from the country’s capital (Vientiane), Luang Prabang, a city of just 60,000 residents, is one of the Land of a Million Elephants’ oldest cities and spiritual backbone of Southeast Asia.
While archaeological evidence points to present-day Luang Prabang’s inhabitance since 8,000 BC, it wasn’t until the 6th century that the city was officially established, after Tai/Lao warlord ‘Khun Lo’ seized the area from the Chinese dynastic kingdom of Nanzhao, naming it ‘Muang Sua’. In the 8th century, Sri Lankan missionaries arrived, introducing Theravada Buddhism to the region, the oldest and most widely accepted form of Buddhism - a decisive event that laid the spiritual and cultural foundation of both Luang Prabang and Laos today.
Subsequent centuries saw Luang Prabang experience its fair share of tumult, transitioning from rule (and occupation) under Khmer and Vietnamese overlords to its role as the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom (1353-1707). After the kingdom’s dissolution, the city became the capital of the independent Kingdom of Luang Prabang.
However, a devastating attack by a Chinese mercenary and bandit group, the Black Flag Army, coupled with the Franco-Siamese crisis (war) of 1893, led to the King of Luang Prabang requesting French protection - a move that ultimately resulted in the cessation of lands east of the Mekong and establishment of the French Protectorate of Laos. French annexation recognized Luang Prabang as the royal residence of Laos, adding an eclectic depth of colonial architecture to the traditional stilted wooden houses and gilded Buddhist temples adorned with intricate mosaics and murals.
World War II and its aftermath brought further complexities and destruction, as the city was occupied by numerous foreign powers, including Vichy and Free France, Imperial Japan, and Nationalist China. Post-WWII, Luang Prabang became instrumental (and contested) in the staging and defense operations of the First Indochina War and the Laotian Civil War, even hosting a covert American airbase during the latter.
Despite these upheavals, the city emerged with considerable traditional Lao and French colonial architectural, religious, and cultural heritage (and spirit) intact, with 33 of its 58 villages gaining recognition (and listing) in 1995 as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Today, Luang Prabang, the Western transliteration of ‘Luang Phabang’, meaning ‘Royal Buddha Image’, is the perfect destination for visitors seeking out a tranquil rhythm of life, verdant, picturesque landscapes, and a unique blend of historical, spiritual, and humble charm.
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Luang Prabang: the Cultural Jewel of Southeast Asia
Kuang Si Falls!
Luang Prabang Fact: Luang Prabang is home to the rare and ancient frangipani flowering trees, locally referred to as ‘dok champa’. These white fragrant flowers are sacred in Lao culture, symbolizing joy, good luck, and eternal life. It’s a bit paradoxical as it is the national flower and emblem of the Lao nation but actually comes from America!
Must-See Attractions
Luang Prabang is no sprawling metropolitan by any means, with its compact Old Town stretching just 1.5 kilometers long and 500 meters wide. This is easily a city where you can cover most things on foot. And, for some experiences, the only way to reach them is by foot, so make sure to bring your walking/running shoes!
Begin your journey in the ‘World Heritage City’ at the Luang Prabang Royal Palace, which now operates as the National Museum. Built in 1904, under the French colonial protectorate, this complex boasts an engrossing blend of intricate Lao motifs and French Beaux-Arts architecture (think French Neoclassicism), easily recognizable by its three-headed elephant emblem above the entrance. Get a glimpse into traditional Lao lifestyles via depictions by French colonial artists, silver, paintings, china, and other diplomatic gifts presented to the former King of Laos, and the crown jewels.
The royal living quarters remain preserved as they were in 1975, the year the last King was forced from the palace by the communist political movement the ‘Pathet Lao’.
Pair your trip to the Royal Palace with a trek up the majestic and iconic Phousi Hill, a nearly 500-foot ascent offering breathtaking panoramic views of the city, Mekong River, and the surrounding mountain range. On your way up, don’t forget to stop at Wat Tham Phousi, a small golden temple with a big-bellied Buddha in a grotto along with a reclining Buddha statue.
No trip to Luang Prabang is complete without visiting Kuang Si Waterfalls, roughly 30 km from the city center. This three-tiered waterfall sports gorgeous turquoise pools (perfect for a quick dip) nestled among limestone formations on a steep hillside. Make sure to get there right when it opens to beat the crowd!
Just next door to the falls is the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, a wildlife refuge housing Asiatic black bears that have been rescued from illegal Laotian wildlife trade and bile farms, where you can help prepare a nutrient-rich feed before meeting the bears.
For a Swing on over to the nearby Kuang Si Butterfly Park, where vibrant orchid gardens and butterfly enclosures highlight and preserve some of the country’s most precious flora and Insecta. Wash down the wonder with a potent (earthy and acidic) Lao coffee and flaky French baguette from the park cafe.
En route to Kuang Si, stop by Laos Buffalo Dairy, the country’s first dairy and buffalo farm, where you can milk buffalo, feed them, and even try assorted snacks and desserts like buffalo milk ice cream and cheese. Buffalo are ‘nature’s tractors’, and an integral part of a thriving Southeast Asian farming ecosystem thanks to their splayed hooves (like mini shovels), aquatic resilience, and voracious appetite.
End your day with a tranquil sunset cruise along the Mekong River, sipping a Beerlao while tossing back traditional Laotian barbecue as the hustle and bustle of the day fades into the evening. Cruise options range from simple cruises with standing terraces to luxurious experiences featuring professional chefs or even cooking classes.
Most cruises last roughly two hours, however, you can also find extended one to two-day cruises for those seeking an unforgettable getaway.
Cultural Experiences
As the religious epicenter and pilgrimage site for Theravada Buddhists in Laos, one that’s home to over 1,000 monks, it’s incumbent on every traveler to Luang Prabang to immerse themselves in one of Laos’ most revered traditions - the ‘Morning Alms’ (Sai Bat). Each morning, at dawn, over 200 saffron-robed monks can be seen departing their temples to collect food offerings from the faithful along Luang Prabang’s streets, a tradition that dates back to the 14th century.
For visitors, this is a sacred moment, and one that the Laotian government encourages, to (respectfully) participate in and observe. Set your alarm clock an hour or two before so that you can head to a local market to pick up sticky rice (the primary offering), dress modestly (shoulders, stomach, and legs covered), and avoid standing too close to the procession.
Wat Sensoukharam is a popular temple to witness this solemn and ethereal ritual. l
Visit the prominent temple Wat Xieng Thong, an ode to the once-ancient name of Luang Prabang, a masterpiece of Lao architecture and art. Constructed in the late 16th century, its elegant, sloping roof and intricate glass-tile mosaics make it one of the most celebrated temples in the country (and Southeast Asia). Arrive early for serene photos.
Follow it up with a lesser-known temple like Wat Hosian Voravihan, an active monastery with a school building, or Wat Phon Phon Phao, a golden octagonal temple with technicolor murals depicting Buddha’s life and teachings.
Step back in time at the Heuan Chan Heritage House, one of the last bastions of pre-colonial Lao aristocratic architecture. This 19th-century wooden mansion propped up via tree-trunk stilts doubles as a serene oasis of palm-shaded footpaths and a small museum offering glimpses into traditional Lao life. Try on traditional Lao garb for photos or sign up for a cooking class to get a taste of the herbaceous, vibrant ingredients that make up Laotian cuisine.
Local Cuisine & Beer/Alcohol Scene
Luang Prabang boasts a rich and earthy culinary tradition, shaped by its positioning between Vietnam and Thailand, borders with Myanmar and China, abundance of herbs and wild vegetables, and freshwater rivers that carve north to south - all of which result in fresh distinctively bitter-spicy flavors.
Dishes typically feature freshly caught Mekong fish and fermented (or cured) meats, emphasizing simple yet nutritious and flavor-packed profiles.
From local street stalls serving up exotic snacks and barbecue to French bakeries, like Le Banneton, and Indochinois bistros, steakhouses, and pizzerias, this city of 60,000 packs a far more powerful gastronomic punch than one might first expect.
When in Laos, don’t miss signature dishes like:
Or Lam (O-lam): a mildly spicy, slightly numbing, peppery stew consisting of sticky rice, citrus, and proteins like dried buffalo skin (they love their buffalo here).
Kaipen: a crispy Mekong green algae snack that’s flavored with garlic and sesame seeds.
Jeow Bong: a sweet and savory chili paste with fish sauce, garlic, and popular Laotian herbs. The defining feature of this paste is its addition of shredded water buffalo or pork skin! It was also a favorite dish of the former Lao royal family.
Laos is also what you might refer to as ‘Noodle Nirvana’ as this is a staple that is eaten at all points of the day. Breakfast, second breakfast, brunch, lunch, afternoon tea, dinner, and beyond! Make sure to try:
Khao Piak: thick, al dente rice noodles similar to Japanese udon (made from rice flour and tapioca) served in a chicken or (occasionally) pork-based soup with shredded chicken and topped with a gaggle of fresh herbs.
Kao Soi: my personal favorite Southeast Asian noodle and the signature noodle soup of Luang Prabang. This signature red-hued noodle soup made with fermented soy bean paste and clear pork stock is topped with a ‘Laotian bolognese’ of minced fatty pork, tomatoes, chili, and topped off with a squirt of lime and some mint.
Mee Ka Tee: a creamy Laotian red pork and coconut curry soup with minced pork and peanuts.
Pair any meal with Laotian sticky rice. After all, it boasts the highest per capita consumption of sticky rice in the world along with over 3,000 varieties!
For an evening feast and trip through all the flavors of Laos in a single location, head to the Luang Prabang Night Market. Indulge in mango sticky rice, buffalo sausage, crepes, and Laotian BBQ skewers while snagging a few trinkets, handicrafts, and other souvenirs to bring home.
Wash it all down with a fresh fruit smoothie from one of the many stalls found in the night market and across the city, or an ice-cold Beerlao - what I personally consider to be one of the most underrated lagers in all of Asia!
Where to Stay: Located at the scenic intersection of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the Mekong Riverview Hotel truly lives up to its name. This charming 3-star property boasts elegant tropical-style rooms with carved wood decor, wood-beamed ceilings, and even private balconies. Centrally located, it’s a five-minute walk to Wat Xieng Thong and just 1 km from the Royal Palace and Phousi Hill. Better yet, there’s a free breakfast buffet and bicycles so that you can seamlessly carve the city.
Luang Prabang Insider
Best Time to Visit
Luang Prabang sports a tropical wet and dry climate. This simply means that it experiences two distinct seasons: a wet season, categorized by heavy rainfall, and a dry season, with little to no rain at all. It’s a popular pattern in areas near the tropics, where seasonal shifts are driven by the movement of monsoon winds or the Intertropical Convergence Zone (ITCZ).
Luang Prabang’s location in a mountainous region of Southeast Asia means it enjoys noticeably cooler weather than elsewhere in the country. However, its ‘wet and dry’ cycle still dominates its overall weather patterns.
The dry season (October to April) is the best time to visit Luang Prabang, as it offers more comfortable and predictable weather, especially in December and January. It’s ideal for exploring the city’s temples, cruising down the Mekong River, hiking Phousi Hill, and enjoying a wide array of cultural events and festivals like Boun Lai Heua Fai (for water spirits) and the Blue Chair Film Festival (sporting more than 30 Southeast Asian films).
Lao New Year (Boun Pi Mai Lao), celebrated in mid-April, is completely worth making the trip for, even with its staggering temperatures and humidity. The city (and country) shut down for water fights, elephant processions, beauty pageants, parades, and other cultural activities.
The wet season (April to October) brings nearly 60 inches of annual rainfall, with frequent downpours, muddy roads, and inclement weather. While lush greenery and fuller waterfalls make for an unforgettable experience, the unpredictable rain can put a damper on even the most flexible itineraries.
Escape the city by heading 10 kilometers southwest to the Green Jungle Park in the rolling flourishing hills of northern Laos. This reclaimed rubbish dump utilizes the forest and stunning surrounding jungle as its backdrop to host a series of thrilling ziplines, monkey bridges, and even serene natural pools. It also boasts over 1,500 species of flower, roaming water buffalo, and a pair of ostrich. Don’t miss its organic market, vibrant flower gardens, and cafe.
Bonus: Head down to the Green Jungle Park via a relaxing 30-minute boat ride from just outside the Royal Palace!
Journey two hours upstream via a cruise to Ban Xang Hai (Pak Ou District), the ‘Whiskey Village’. Watch local artisans craft textiles and pottery, weave beautiful fabrics from Laotian silk, sample traditional rice wine and whiskey, or try your hand at all three via an array of workshops!
Continue further north to the Pak Ou Caves (‘Buddha Caves’), a group of caves that is home to thousands of miniature Buddha sculptures and small wooden figures in a sacred perch overlooking the Mekong!
Cap the day off at Luang Prabang’s Royal Ballet Theater, set in the picturesque garden of the National Museum. Every Monday, Wednesday, Friday, and Saturday evening, one-hour cultural performances of the Lao epic ‘Phra Lak Phra Ram’ (‘Lao Ramayana’) light up the stage. Picture bold, multicolor sets and costumes and mesmerizing dances!
Travel Tips
For North American, South American, and European travelers, Laos offers a 30-day visa on arrival for nearly every country. Or, consider applying ahead of time for a 30-day eVisa before touching down. India, China, Australia, and roughly half of Africa also can snag 30-day visas on arrival.
Overall, Laos is an extremely visa-friendly country so spending months in advance trying to secure a visa before your trip isn’t a thang to sweat.
You may have seen in the news recently that there have been several reported fatalities in Northern Laos due to methanol poisoning from bootleg alcohol (specifically on the backpacker route/trail of ‘Vang Vieng). A general rule of thumb I follow in Southeast Asia is to avoid consuming alcohol from unopened bottles (should you choose to party). This is a good precaution to follow anywhere in the world.
Be mindful when in a different country or city, especially one as ‘remote’ as Luang Prabang’, when it comes to consuming alcohol. Always aim to play it on the safer side by sticking to beers, ciders, wine, pre-mixed drinks, and any other type of beverage with a seal.
Further, avoid purchasing or consuming alcohol that isn’t legally produced or sold. That means skipping the booze served at a local market stall (the prices are suspiciously low).
Always check labels carefully and steer clear of unlabelled containers!
If you’d like to get involved with local children and young adults during your time in Luang Prabang (and are an English speaker - of any level), you can volunteer to spend several hours at Big Brother Mouse or Big Sister Mouse in the countryside (transportation provided).
Big Brother Mouse is a local charity dedicated to promoting education and English amongst Luang Prabang’s youth via informal, practical conversations and reading sessions with students. All you need to do is turn up to one of the two daily sessions. This is not a major commitment by any means and can be as long or as short as you want it to be!
If you plan on taking a day trip or two outside of the city, consider asking your hotel and/or homestay to arrange a small songthaew (passenger vehicle/truck that’s commonly used as a shared bus) for a fixed fee to take you around for the day. This ensures a fixed income for the local driver while providing you with a reliable mode of transportation - meaning you can spend as much time as you want at each attraction/experience without worrying about catching the last boat back!
Keep in mind that Uber and Grab are not available in Luang Prabang. However, they do use a local Laotian app called ‘Loca’. This is the most well-known ride-hailing service in Laos and sports an English interface!
Worried about data? Pick up a local SIM card at the Luang Prabang Airport for roughly $2 for 5GB of data over 3 days.
Finally, consider renting a motorbike and/or bicycle to get around town and outside of the city. Note, if you’ve never driven a motorbike before, this is definitely not the place to start. Luang Prabang’s mountainous positioning means that mountain biking is quite popular, so this can be a great, unique way to get out and see the sights (especially the Kuang Si Waterfalls).
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Going Out With a Luang Pra-Bang
Luang Prabang is still an area that has yet to see an explosion of mass tourism. It’s growing exponentially year after year, seeing a nearly 100% increase in tourism from 2022 to 2023.
So, consider making the trip before it has been taken over and become the new Chiang Mai or Da Nang! And when you go, you’ll be able to go out (leave) with a Luang Pra-Bang.
Zing. I’ll see myself out.
If there are any particular destinations you’d like to see in an upcoming Destination Spotlight, please don’t hesitate to reach out to me at [email protected].
Travel well everyone,
Big Body