Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995.  The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river.  In the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time seems to stand still.  As part of the UNESCO plan, new buildings have been limited and development must be in keeping with this magical place.

Luang Prabang is small, and just about everywhere can be reached by foot.  Walking and travelling by bicycle is the best way to see this tiny city.

Luang Prabang - City Sites

Luang Prabang has dozens of temples and religious sites, both large and small.  The best way to see these sites is by foot or by bicycle.  The biggest concentration of temples is in the old quarter, much of which forms a peninsula between the Mekong and the Khan rivers.  In between temple visits, there are many small restaurants perched high on the banks of the Mekong where you can watch life go by at a very slow pace

Wat Xieng Thong - is situated 300m south of the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers and was built in 1560.  The temple is the most stunning in Luang Prabang, richly decorated with coloured glass and gold.

Mount Phousi and Wat That Chom Sii - situated 150m and 300 steps up above the peninsula with spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside.   The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are certainly worth it. From the top, you can see the old Royal Palace, now the Palace Museum, the rivers and surrounding villages.  The temple has a gold spired stupa that can be seen from most parts of the city.

The Royal Palace, now a museum houses a collection of artefacts belonging to former rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.    Photography is not allowed in the museum. 

Luang Prabang - Out and About

Pak Ou Caves

Situated 25km upriver from Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Ou and Mekong rivers are two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun,  that house countless numbers of Buddah images that have been left over hundreds of years by devotees.  The caves are best accessed by boat from LuangPrabang, either a slow boat, that takes about two hours to reach or by speedboat. 

Perhaps the most enjoyable way to visit the caves is to take your time and enjoy a quiet lunch at the caves - there is  a covered rest area there where you can relax, enkoy lunch and take your time overlooking the Mekong river.

Ban Xang Hai

Near Pak Ou caves, downriver towards Luang Prabang is the village of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its manufacture of rice whiskey.  The villagers carry water from the Mekong and use it to soak rice in large jars which sit for several days.  The fermented rice yields alcohol which can be drunk as a cloudy liquid, or distilled to make a fire water.

Kuang Si Waterfalls

About 30km south of Luang Prabang, passing through many ethnic minority villages are the magnificent Kuang Sii Waterfalls.  There are trails all around the falls and visitors can swim in the lower pools.  The falls has a covered area for eating and there are several stalls serving simple Lao food and drink.   A full day should be allowed for a trip to the falls.

Ban Phanom Village

Situated four km from LuangPrabang is a small village famous for its weavings.  There is a small market set up here, and you can wander in the village and see village women weaving underneath their homes