Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region. The town is built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. Mountain ranges (in particular the PhouThao and PhouNang Mountains) encircle the city in lush greenery.
Many legends are associated with the creation of the city, including one that recounts that Buddha would have smiled when he rested there during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful city. Known as Muang Sua, then Xieng Thong, from the 14th to the 16th century the town became the capital of the powerful kingdom of Lane Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants), whose wealth and influence were related to its strategic location on the Silk Route. The city was also the centre of Buddhism in the region. Luang Prabang takes its name from a statue of Buddha, the Prabang, offered by Cambodia.
After the establishment of the French Protectorate in 1893, following a period of turmoil during which the country was divided into three independent kingdoms, Luang Prabang once again became the royal and religious capital during the reign of King Sisavang Vong. It played this role until Vientiane became the administrative capital in 1946.
Luang Prabang is exceptional for both its rich architectural and artistic heritage that reflects the fusion of Lao traditional urban architecture with that of the colonial era. Its remarkably well-preserved townscape reflects the alliance of these two distinct cultural traditions.
The political and religious centre of Luang Prabang is the peninsula, with its royal and noble residences and religious foundations. The traditional urban fabric of the old villages, each with its temple, was preserved by later constructions. The colonial urban morphology, including the network of streets, overlapped harmoniously with the previous model. Formerly the town limits were defined by defensive walls.
The richness of Luang Prabang architecture reflects the mix of styles and materials. The majority of the buildings are, following tradition, wooden structures. Only the temples are in stone, whereas one- or two-storey brick houses characterize the colonial element of the town. The many pagodas or "Vat" in Luang Prabang, which are among the most sophisticated Buddhist temples in Southeast Asia, are richly decorated (sculptures, engravings, paintings, gilding and furniture pieces). Wat Xieng Thong, which dates from the 16th century, comprises an ensemble of the most complex structures of all the pagodas of the town. It is remarkable both from the archaeological point of view, and from the Lao iconographic and aesthetic viewpoint.
Many traditional Lao houses remain; they are built of wood using traditional techniques and materials introduced in the colonial period, such as plaited bamboo panels coated with wattle and daub. Brick-colonial buildings, which often have balconies and other decorative features in wood line, are found on the main street and along the Mekong.
The built heritage of Luang Prabang is in perfect harmony in the natural environment. The sacred Mount Phousi stands at the heart of the historic town built on a peninsula delimited by the Mekong and the Nam Khan, domain of the mythical naga. Ceremonies to appease the nagas and other evil spirits, and Buddhist religious practices (Prabang procession, the monks’ morning quest) perpetuate the sanctity of the place. Natural spaces located in the heart of the city and along the riverbanks, and wetlands (a complex network of ponds used for fish farming and vegetable growing) complement this preserved natural environment.
Integrity
The integrity of the inscribed site is linked to an architectural and cultural heritage set in a natural landscape that reflects its Outstanding Universal Value. All of the significant elements, especially the urban fabric and major monuments (temples, public buildings, traditional houses), have been preserved.
However, there are some threats to the site due to the rapid development of the town and strong economic pressures, many of which are related to tourism (transformation of use of buildings, departure of residents, illegal construction).
Authenticity
The landscapes and urban fabric retain a high degree of authenticity, and the site is not disturbed by any major construction.The religious buildings are regularly maintained; monks teach young monks restoration techniques for their heritage. Moreover, the Buddhist cult and the cultural traditions related to it (rites and ceremonies) are still alive and practiced diligently.
However, the degree of the authenticity of materials and construction techniques of many houses is low, since, for a long period, unsuitable modern techniques and materials (concrete, in particular) have often been used to replace traditional materials.
See
Designated as the first UNESCO listed site in Laos, the town itself offers a treasure trove of discoveries. Simply meandering down the streets can be rewarding in itself. The peninsular section of town is especially glutted with well-preserved temples. This latest of Laos’ tourism videos, sanctioned by the Ministry of Information, Culture, and Tourism, will give you glimpses of Luang Prabang:
1. Local landmarks and culture
• Alms ceremony — monks at dawn (6:00) collecting alms of rice from kneeling villagers and tourists, who form the majority, along Sakkaline Road near Wat Sensoukharam. Just look for the long row of rice baskets and stools that have been laid out for tourists who have paid for the privilege of giving alms.
Seeing these tourists, who make up the majority of the alm-givers, seated on plastic stools participating out of fun rather than sincerity definitely reduces the authenticity of the moment. To make things worse, some are dressed inappropriately: please, if you want to give alms, at least cover up and do not show the monks your cleavage! If you are white, please keeps a distance from the monks so people can take authentic photos without a European backpacker getting in the way. Ask your guest house’s host to assist you the day before in preparing if you'd like to get up and give alms in the morning. Please note that the alms giving ceremony is one which, while picturesque, is not without its detractors. Unscrupulous local merchants have used the eagerness of tourists to participate in a local tradition as a means of making easy money, and sometimes sell unsuitable, stale and even unsafe food. This has resulted in monks falling ill after having consumed the offerings, and resistance to continuing the tradition. However, the government has made it clear that the monks have to continue the tourist pageant or risk being replaced with lay people clothed in saffron robes in order to keep up appearances, and thereby maintain tourist revenue. So if you wish to participate in this ceremony, prepare the food or fruit yourself, and avoid giving food of unknown quality. Another problem is the photography: while it looks nice on your collection, think about how it must feel for the monks to have hundreds of tourists photographing them every day. Strongly consider only watching this old tradition from a distance instead of using it as a tourist attraction, as this may detract from the beauty of the ritual - both for locals and tourists alike. You can always download a picture of it somewhere on the net for your collection.
• Haw Kham — the former royal palace and now national museum, entrance fee, no photo/video/bag/shoes allowed, free locker. Open 08.00-11.30 and 13.30-16.00 every day except Tuesday. There are also sometimes local drama or dance performances in the adjacent theatre. It is important to check the timings and plan the visit accordingly.
• Phou Si/Chomsy Hill — the main hill in the city from which you have a good view of the whole area. It's not a very steep climb from the bottom. Sunrise and sunset are the most sensible and rewarding times to go up. There is a near-panoramic view from the top. There are 2 entrances from ground level: one on the north along Sisavangvong Road, facing the Royal Palace, and another one on the East, on Sisavang Vatthana Road. The northern entrance has about 130 steps up to the ticket counter, and another 190 steps to the top. Even folks with low fitness levels should be able to complete the climb, although it can be tiring for the unfit. The eastern entrance is longer than the northern one by a factor of 2 or 3, and is hence less steep and has more points of interest along the way, which are perfect excuses for stopping for a breather on the climb. Entrance fee is applicable.
• Sunset on the waterfront — take a walk along the Mekong, or sit and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and watch the sun sink into the horizon. If having dinner, make sure to bring some mosquito repellent or wear long trousers. Mosquitoes love stationary targets.
• Vat Xieng Toung — the oldest monastery in town and one of the most beautiful. The place opens from 06.00-18.00. Entry fee is applied. One entrance is on the road along Mekong River, the other is on the by-lane off the main road.
• Vipassana temple and park — this golden temple, highly visible from Phou Si, is a shrine for Buddhists who practice Vipassana meditation.
2. Out of town
• Elephant Village Sanctuary & Resort, Ban Xieng Lom: Elephant Village ensures the support and the survival of (currently) 9 elephants. They are kept away from abusive work and cared by professional veterinarians. They make sure that the elephants are well cared for and they seem to be very well looked after. You can do basic elephant rides, or 1 or 2 day mahout course where you learn the commands to control the elephant. You also get to wash it in the Namkhan River which is a lot of fun!
• Bear Rescue Centre (on the way to the Kuang Si Waterfalls): The Bear Rescue Centre has an enclosure for endangered Asiatic black bears that have been rescued from poachers and bear bile farms. Feeding time is at 12:30
• Kuang Si Butterfly Park (300 meters before Kuang Si Waterfalls): The park’s area is a total of 2800m2 of gardens, landscaped, orchids, 900m2 of netted butterfly garden, free natural fish spa (those little nibbling fishes that feed on your skin), European bakery, good coffee/tea. Best visit on sunny days. Opening hours: 10:00 - 17:00.
• Kuang Si Falls (opens 8.00 & closes 17.30): A large multi-stage waterfall, accessible by boat or truck hire, some 29 km south of Luang Prabang. You can rent a motorbike to transport yourself there. There are parking slots at the entrance which will cost you. There are food and tourist stalls outside the waterfalls. It is worth putting a whole day or more aside for seeing this because it is a great place to relax and meet others. There are multiple pools at different levels, all of which are reportedly safe to bathe in, and are extremely picturesque. Becareful of leeches in the water, especially if you climb to the top of the top of the falls. There are lots of leeches in the water. There is an admission fee.
• Pak Ou Caves: The famous "Buddha caves" are north of town on the Mekong and can be reached by road (approx 1 hr) or river boat (around 1.5 hrs). Alternatively, you can hire canoes and a guide for the day, which will allow you to view the beautiful scenery and visit the caves without throngs of other tourists. It's also possible to finish the trip at the "whisky village" where the local Laolao rice spirit is made. Those caves were used as a storage unit to keep the damaged Buddha statues (it is considered bad luck to throw them away, so they are often stored in caves) and were made a tourist attraction; if you ever been to any cave before, it is not worth a dedicated visit as you're likely to be disappointed. There are two caves: one on the entry level and another, the upper caves, on top of the hill, a very steep climb. A flashlight is recommended to see the upper cave, and will be given on entrance. Simply cross the river for 3,000-5,000 kip, walk up the hill and turn to the right crossing the primary schools to find your way to the caves. Admission fee is applicable.
• Tad Sae Waterfalls: Stepped waterfalls which are not as big as Kuang Si, but very beautiful. You can bathe there, and elephant rides are also available. You must take a river boat to reach the place.
• Zip-line next to Tad Sae Waterfalls: A 20 platform zip line, total length of all segments of which is claimed to be over 1000 meters. Located next to Tad Sae Waterfalls.
• Tad Thong Waterfall and Nature Trail (6 km from town centre, off Route 13 south to Vientiane): The waterfalls are not as spectacular as the Kuang Si but there is a paved 50 minute walk through the jungle through a forest of huge trees dotted with picnic areas. It has closed for years but now re-open. Water from the falls cascades into a big lake that you can swim in. A natural location with not many tourists, but there is a restaurant. Go by tuk-tuk, minivan, or rent a scooter or bicycle.
3. Arts and crafts
• Ock Pop Tok Living Craft Centre: On the banks of the Mekong just 2 km south of Luang Prabang Town, it offers an informative free tour to all visitors. Operating as a fair trade traditional weaving centre you can take classes in bamboo/textile weaving, dye your own silk, draw your own batik, or just relax at the Mekong garden cafe. Free tuk-tuk departs daily from both Ock Pop Tok shops in town: 10.00, 12.00 & 14:00.
• The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre: A small but perfectly formed museum dedicated to the ethnic cultures of Laos. Find out more about the groups that make Laos unique and so enrich your visit to Luang Prabang. Sometimes it is closed for exhibitions, so please check in advance.
• Garden of Eden: It is a very nice jewelery shop in a small wooden hut on the Nam Khan riverside. The quality of the products is way better than the stuff you can buy at the night market. The owner Nic will give you a free jewelery class if you buy one piece from her shop. To get there you can use the free boat service from the restaurant or take the longer way over the bridge.
Do
1. Big Brother Mouse: A helping organisation devoted to encouraging literacy in young adults and has premises off the main street, down a side street next to 3 Nagas restaurant. Depending on sponsorship and volunteers, it welcomes tourists Mondays to Saturdays from 09.00-11.00 and 17.00-19.00 to help with English conversation and reading practice. They publish and distribute books in Lao and English. Consider buying some books to take as gifts to village children as you travel through Laos. They also have a branch in Vientiane.
2. Fair Trek Project: People who love activities and treks may find some interesting interactive tours which are designed to support villages outside of Luang Prabang, and in the north of Laos.
3. Lao Red Cross Massage (Wisunarat Road, in front of Wat Wisunalat.):
• Massage, 09.00-21.00; Sauna, 16.00-20.00. A traditional Lao sauna and massage that is popular with locals in the afternoon. 1 hour massage, 40,000 kip; sauna, 10,000 kip (price may change).
4. Lenou's Library: Lenou started a library and children's English tutoring centre in his house a few years ago and since then he has been steadily expanding services with help from some volunteers. Lenou sometimes organises dinners on the NumOu River by request and generally seems to appreciate a helping hand. This is a good way to experience the local culture and experience the Laos village life without a tour bus.
5. Rent a Motorbike: Riding around the surrounding areas of Luang Prabang is a fantastic way to see the countryside. Typically, they will keep your passport so make sure they know when you are leaving and how to recover your passport.
6. Discovering Laos: TAs will offer an all-inclusive package or your choice of trekking, overnight camping, bicycling, cultural and eco tours, with accommodation including home stays with local tribes. They provide pick-up from the bus station or airport. Vegetarian and Vegan travellers can request special meals prepared by a Tai Dam chef.
7. Music for Everyone School (MES), (First street on the right after crossing the old bridge, look for the sign after crossing the bridge.): An amazing organization ran by the incredibly inspiring and friendly Mr. Max. This school provides free music classes to Lao children and teens. Volunteer are enthusiastically welcomed to drop by, to either play with students or help with any kind of skills they may have. An amazing chance to help and connect through the passion of music!
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