Luang Prabang – a world cultural heritage recognized by Unesco. The ancient capital of the Kingdom of Million Elephants has a peaceful, close and friendly life. Arriving in Luang Prabang, you think you are lost in a dark world with ancient French architecture. Let’s save the Luang Prabang travel experience below to make your trip the most perfect.

 

ABOUT LUANG PRABANG

Luang Prabang is a city in northern Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong River, about 300km from the capital Vientiane. Previously, Luang Prabang was called Xieng Dong Xieng Thong, once under the hegemony of the Khmer. By 1353, Xieng Dong Xieng Thong was set as the capital of Lan Xang Kingdom, also known as the country of Million Elephants. In 1560, King Setthathirath I moved the capital to Vientiane (the current capital of Laos).

In 1707, the Lan Xang Kingdom disintegrated, at this time Luang Prabang became the capital of the independent Luang Prabang Kingdom. When the French came to protect Laos, they recognized Luang Prabang as the residence of the Lao royal family. Although it is the royal capital, the area and population density in this city are small and sparse, with only about 24,000 people.

Luang Prabang attracts tourists through its old streets and beautiful small houses with ancient French architecture. The air is fresh and peaceful without the noise of traffic or pollution. Because the planning architecture here does not allow building more than 2 floors to preserve the old architecture, you will have unobstructed views. Luang Prabang seems to be nestled in the protection of mountains and the Mekong River, you will not find anywhere that has such a “very Lao” beauty.

 

CLIMATE IN LUANG PRABANG

The climate in Laos is also divided into distinct regions from north to south. Because Luang Prabang is located in the North, it has a four-season climate similar to the North of Vietnam, you can come here at any time, just monitor the weather to avoid rainy months.

 

Sightseeing spots in LUANG PRABANG

Old Town

Almost like Hoi An, Luang Prabang’s old town still retains many peaceful old houses of honest and simple people. Along the old town, there are many large pagodas and you can directly watch the monks go for alms in the early morning on the streets. In the evening, you can shop for souvenirs or handicrafts at the night market on the central street of the old town.

 

Wat Phousi

This is a temple located at an altitude of 150m on the top of Mount Phousi with 328 steps. This is the most ideal place for you to watch the sunset and watch the ancient capital light up every time the sun goes down. Phousi is very close to the center of Luang Prabang, you should go to Phousi by the main road and back by the road behind the mountain to enjoy the scenery of Phousi mountain.

 

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. This is the most beautiful and oldest temple in Luang Prabang. There are many large Buddha statues and delicately sculpted reliefs. This is also the place for royal ceremonies and Buddhist dignitaries. You should wear polite clothes and have a respectful attitude when visiting Xieng Thong Pagoda because this is the place that is most revered by the people of Luang Prabang.

 

Wat Wisunarat

The temple is on the list of world cultural heritage and is one of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang. Wat Wisunarat was built in 1513 and restored in 1896-1898. The pagoda has a large campus, covered with a cool green color of plants and trees, the architecture is simple and not too sophisticated, but the special corrugated iron roof has many decorative details. Although the two sides face the main street, the temple exudes simple and calm beauty.

 

Royal Palace

The National Museum was formerly the Royal Palace, where the Prabang Buddha statue is considered a national treasure. The museum’s architecture is imbued with modern and sophisticated French style, a beautiful landscape with a lovely Royal Garden with many precious flower varieties, and a clear blue lake. Stepping into this place, you will clearly feel the image of the palace in the past, which is beautiful and noble.

 

Kuang Si Waterfall

This is a waterfall complex consisting of three consecutive waterfalls, the main waterfall is about 60m high, pouring water from above into a white stream, misty mist creates an extremely impressive natural scene. Kuang Si Waterfall is one of the attractive places for tourists to go trekking and avoid the heat every weekend. You can swim or party by the stream at the foot of the waterfall.

 

WHAT TO EAT IN LUANG PRABANG

Khausoy

This is a famous dish in the ancient capital of Luang Prabang. Looks like Vietnamese pho from the outside, but the ingredients are simpler. Khausoy is made from pureed pork, mixed with garlic, tomatoes, and spices. The price for a bowl is 15,000 Kip (about 40,000 VND), and this dish is sold at most roadside shops along the Mekong River.

 

Fruit

Tropical fruits such as watermelon, dragon fruit, and mango, … are sold a lot in Laos. In addition to fresh fruit, there is also fruit soaked in milk and shaved ice for refreshment on the summer days in Luang Prabang

 

Sausage

The specialty here is beef and pork sausages, which are often served at weddings or receptions. The sausage pieces are sour from fermented meat, and lemon, spicy from garlic, and ground chili pepper, and pungent from lemongrass. This dish can be eaten alone or with sticky rice.

 

Coconut cake Ka Nom Krok

This snack cake is sold all over the streets of Luang Prabang. The cakes are made from coconut milk, rice flour, and sugar and then put into small round molds. Baked cakes have the aroma of coconut milk, wrapped in banana leaves for guests to enjoy immediately.

 

Tapioca and black rice

Tapioca flour is a popular ingredient for processing into many dishes in Luang Prabang. Kopiak noodles can be mentioned to make soup or tapioca cakes. Black rice here is similar to Vietnamese sticky rice, used as a sweet dish when mixed with coconut milk and eaten with ripe mango.

 

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