THE 13th THINGS TO VISIT IN LUANG PRABANG...THE PEARL OF LAOS...

General:

Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful city in Laos, many even classifying it as the most beautiful and the pearl of Laos.

Classified as a UNESCO World heritage it is undeniable that the city has no shortage of assets.

Located about 380 kms north of Nongkhai border between Thailand and Laos, Luang Prabang can be reached by road, waterway and airway.

If you intend to get there by road know that the journey from the border to Nongkhai will take you about 9am to go through the 380kms and this without counting the stops.

Indeed the road is not good and crosses high mountains. Certainly the ride is picturesque but keep in mind that there are risks and that the duration of the journey (El Risks) can be considerably increased during periods of rain.

For the waterway you can reach Luang Prabang from the north West border near Chiang Rai, the navigation usually lasts two days with a night ashore but it is a nice trip.

Concerning the plane the flight is quite expensive because just few companies serves Luang Prabang but you can get there either from Bangkok or from Vientiane passing the border to Nongkhai. The advantage is the speed (40mn from Vientiane and 2h from Bangkok) and security.

The city is not very big (54,000 inhabitants) and has really opened up to tourism since the years 90 without being overpopulated today, which gives it a charm and a special ambiance.

A Little history:

We will speak mainly of the modern era, from the nineteenth century to the present.

The end of the nineteenth century was highly unstable, the city was first plundered by the Chinese and occupied by the troops of Siam to finally be forced in 1893 to accept a French protectorate.

The French rebuilt Vientiane and enlarged the kingdom of Luang Prabang, building roads, universities and many other infrastructures.

It was at this time that Luang Prabang saw its rise with the advent of a colonial architecture, the remains of which can still be admired today.

The city was part of French Indochina until 1945.

It is curious to see here (and throughout Laos), a double writing in the indication of the streets or official buildings, in Laotians and... in French.

The other two symbols of France that still endure are the petanque (practiced very widely) and the baguette of bread!

 

 

All 13 things to see in Luang Prabang:

I have no claim to be exhaustive because Luang Prabang and its surroundings present so many things that it is difficult to make a choice.

I did it, at risk of being corrected, because it is necessary to make a choice to steer travelers who often only stay a few days.

Also it is not the purpose here to make a detailed description but to list the most important things.

The list here is without priority any in terms of importance, everyone will choose...

THE LIVING LAND COMPANY

Here, in a totally rural environment and within a local population you will learn all about the cultivation of rice.

You will even be able to participate, barefoot in the paddy field at ploughed or subculturing, at harvest also depending on the season.

It is an interesting experience that deserves to be lived.

 

2) KUANG SI WATERFALLS

Essential places if you come to Luang Prabang they are located about 30mn from the city and you can easily access it by tuk tuk for a cheap price.

The waterfalls (storied on different levels, much like the waterfalls of Erawan in Thailand for those who know), are easily accessible.

The scenery is very beautiful, the water clear and it is good to bathe there.

At the entrance you will cross a reserve of Laos bears that are preserved here but reproduce to be then released through a restocking program.

 

3) PHA TAD KE BOTANICAL GARDEN

his half day excursion will make you discover a wonderful garden.

You can see a hundred species of ginger, 30 kinds of palm trees, a giant bambouseraie and hundreds of orchids among others.

This recent private initiative deserves to be supported and is enriched every year by new species.

 

4) UXO LAO VISITORS CENTRE

To understand the recent history of Laos.

Most bombarded country in the world there are still several million tons of bombs still buried in Laos and each year more than 300 people are still losing their lives by jumping on bombs or mines.

To see to understand and in memory of too many victims.

 

5) THE OLD QUARTER OF LUANG PRABANG

The old town, called Colonial, lies not far from the Mekong.

Through multiple temples (there are 34 in Luang Prabang) You can admire colonial houses, some restored, others remained such as.

An interesting and charming tour if you take the time to contemplate and return to some small alleys.

 

 

  6) THE GOLDEN TEMPLE OF CITY  "WAT XIANG THONG"

Considered the most beautiful temple in the country it dates from 1560 and its architecture will not leave you indifferent...

It has nothing in common with more modern temples and breathes a soul that encourages meditation and the imagination of a past greatness.

7) MOUNT PHOUSI

This mountain located in the heart of the city really deserves to make the effort to climb the 300 steps because the scenery at the top is grandiose.

We dominate the city and the Mekong in an incomparable way.

The best time to go is at sunset with fantastic lights or early in the morning when tourists are not there yet.

Not to be missed in all, the effort is rewarded...

8) THE NIGHT MARKET

It's also a place to go.

Located in the center, every night the street, over a distance of more than one km is dedicated to the night market.

Certainly you will see things that you will have already seen if you have already visited the night markets of Thailand but also interesting handicraft products and curiosities that you will want to bring home such as the bottles of alcohols with a Cobra, buffalo horn canes or hand woven garments by local people.

In addition, the night market has many restaurants in its street, very good and welcoming.

A very good plan to spend one or more evenings (every time we go there we eat every evening here).

 

 

9) THE CRUISES

In Luang Prabang you will find plenty of possibilities for walking along the Mekong River.

Some cruises will offer opportunities of 3 or 4h with visits to some sites and others longer cruises.

In the 2-day cruises It is interesting to make a cruise with a night at the inhabitant in a farmer village.

The experience really deserves to be lived and people are so nice that we do not get tired (for our part) to return each time with our guests.

You can also make a 2-days cruise, which will take you from Luang Prabang to the north west of Thailand, near Chiang Rai where, from there, you can extend your trip to visit the North west of Thailand.

 

 

10) THE BAMBOO BRIDGE

This bamboo bridge in the centre of the old town spans a branch of Mekong.

Destroyed every year in the rainy season to be rebuilt then it is original by its structure and on the other side you will meet 2 Weaver sisters who weave the silk on their farm.

There is also a good restaurant on the other side overlooking the river.

 

11) THE MONKS’ OFFERINGS IN THE MORNING

This tradition is ancestral.

Every morning several hundred monks parade around 6am to receive the offerings of the donors (rice, various food...)

Impressive to see this parade in the morning mist.

It is easy to participate, you just have to buy a kind of "basket" sold by many women and put you on your knees to make your offerings.

12) PAK OU CAVES

This half day excursion will take you to the caves where you can see thousands of Buddhas.

Located on the river you can easily reach it by boat from Luang Prabang where many long-tailed boats will take you there.

It is better to go in the morning as there are fewer people and in the late morning to go across the river lunch to the small village where many gargottes offer succulent dishes at a very low price.

13) THE POTTERY VILLAGE OF BAN CHAN

You can also go there easily with a long-tailed boat, there are many in Luang Prabang all along the river.

The village has kept a certain authenticity and here you can see the work of the Potters who realize wonders with a more than rudimentary equipment.

You will be able (if you have a translator) to easily discuss with the villagers who are charming and very open people, always happy to see people interested in what they do.