The most popular places you must visit in Luang Prabang Province
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the 14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, here in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. It remained to serve as the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Built during the 16th century by King Saya Setthathirath and completed in 1560, Xieng Thong Temple is one of the most interesting examples of traditional Lao art and Buddhist architecture. The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the former King is kept in one of the buildings in the temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying your respects to this temple while in Lung Prabang. This temple was used to organize the highest Royal Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong. The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass mosaics and unique three-tiered roof make this one of the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Phou Si Temple is known as Chom Si Temple which stands at the top of Mount Phou Si, the prominent hill in the center of Luang Prabang city. The main entrance of this temple is in front of Royal Palace Museum (5 minutes walk from the Tourist Information Center). It is forested with frangipani and hibiscus, and provides magnificent views of the Mekong River and the city from the hill top is superb, especially during sunset. However, you must climb 328 steps before you reach the 20m high Chom Si stupa. As the temple is a sacred religious site, please dress accordingly and remember that the consumption of alcohol here is strictly prohibited.
This atmospheric market is a place you should not miss when you visit Luang Prabang, the UNESCO World Heritage city. The market is a perfect place for visitors who are looking for a large variety of traditional gifts, such as local textiles, silk scarves, Lao ethnic handicrafts, portrayals of Buddha in all imaginable forms, local paintings and so on. Night Market opens daily from 5.00 pm to 10.00 pm.
Located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the Royal Palace Museum was first constructed in 1904 in the French colonial era. Visit the museum and see the real “Prabang” Buddha image. Prabang lives is an easy-to-miss little room surrounded by engraved elephant tusks and three silk screens embroidered by the former queen. To find it, walk east along the palace’s exterior south terrace and peer in between the bars at the eastern end.
Kuang Si Waterfall (Tad Kuang Si) is a very impressive waterfall which is located about 30 kilometers southwest of the town. This waterfall has three tiers leading to 50m drop into spectacular azure pools before flowing downstream. The pools are great for swimming and very popular with both visitors and locals. In the wet season the water is a deep green and you can hear the sound of falls well before you can see them. You can also visit the Bear Rescue Center situated in the waterfall area. You can take a Tuk-Tuk from the center of the city or rent your own transport.
This charming waterfall is a perfect place for picnic and swim which is located 15km Southeast of the town. This place requires a ride out of town and then a short trip down the Khan River in a traditional longboat to the main waterfall about 8 minutes. These falls feature smaller cascades on the wider tributary. There is an elephant park offer visitors the chance to meet, feed and even ride Asian elephants.
This stunning cave is situated on the Mekong River and it is a short distance from Luang Prabang. In this cave, there are thousands of Buddha statues. This underground sanctuary has been venerated for centuries. The numbers of Buddha images in the cave gradually increases as locals bring Buddha to this place when the visit. The cave can be reached either by boat or by road to Xang Hai village, where you can also experience the villagers make fermented rice liquor (Rao Lao). Visitors can taste the drink and the local handicrafts are also available in this place.
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos’ various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. There’s just enough to inform with overloading a beginner. If you want more information, watch video or ask to leaf through the books of a small library cabinet in the museum’s delightful café. TAEC is within a former French judge’s mansion that was among the city’s most opulent building of the 1920s. Open daily except Monday, from 9.00am to 6.00pm.
Alms giving ceremony can be seen in many places through Luang Prabang city. The main procession is in front of Xiengthong temple, Luang Prabang Primary School and National Museum. Every morning starts from 5.30 am saffron-robed monks and novices emerge onto the streets with their alms bowls. Awaiting them are Lao people who have already taken the time to prepare sticky rice and other foods. They will place a portion in the bowl of each monk who passes by. The ceremony is under taken in complete silence. The culture significance and austere beauty of alms giving has made it a very popular and attractive activity for visitors in Luang Prabang.
