Guide de voyageTripadvisor

Luang Prabang, the jewel of Indochina

11/04/2019 1.343 Views
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.
The National Museum

Until the communist takeover in 1975 this building directly opposite the town rock was the king's palace. The building itself is not very old. Its construction, consuming 20 years, was begun only in 1904. But it contains spectacular objects of art. However, the museum's most important piece of art can only be admired as a copy: a small Buddha statue by the name Pra Bang. The name of the town derives from the name of that statue: Luang stands short for Nakhon Luang = capital, Pra = holy. Luang Prabang may well be translated as Capital of Holy Bang. In the 11th century it was kept in Angkor until it was brought to Luang Prabang by the Laotian King Fa Ngoum, after he had married a Khmer princess. When King Setthathirat made Vientiane the capital of Laos, he took the statue there. In 1779 it was robbed by the Siamese, but was returned in 1839. The statue is the most important holy object of Laotian Buddhism.
The National Museum
The National Museum

Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is right in middle of Luang Prabang. On top of the mountain is Wat Chom Si, built in 1804. You have to climb 328 steps up Mount Phousi, but if you're fit enough, the beautiful view from the top is worth the effort. In the 18th century a number of other Wats were on the mountain.
Mount Phousi
Mount Phou

Wat Pra Bath Nua

This Wat features a 3 metres long "footprint" of the Buddha. Such Buddha "footprints" are found in all Southeast Asian Buddhist countries. Usually they are richly decorated ornaments with the approximate outline of a footprint. They are supposed to express that the teachings of the Buddha have reached, and are respected, here.
Wat Pra Bath Nua
Wat Pra Bath Nua

Wat Xieng Thong

This royal Wat on the banks of the Mekong was built in 1559 during the reign of King Setthathirat. It has survived, comparatively well, the various invasions of mostly Chinese armies. Being a royal Wat it was well taken care of over the centuries. The Wat is impressively decorated with carvings, murals and mosaics.
This royal Wat on the banks of the Mekong was built in 1559 during the reign of King Setthathirat
This royal Wat on the banks of the Mekong was built in 1559 during the reign of King Setthathirat

Wat Visoun

This Wat south of Mount Phousi is a replica of an older Wat, which had been erected in the same place in 1513. Even though the replica has been built only in 1898, it does exude the atmosphere of a monastery of the middle ages. The Wat houses numerous religious art treasures.
Wat Visoun
Wat Visou

The Pak-Ou Caves

These caves in the rocky walls of the sandstone mountains at the confluence of the Ou river and the Mekong, some 25 kilometres upriver from Luang Prabang, are the most important attraction out of town. The caves are inhabited by thousands of Buddha statues, some allegedly more than 300 years old. Monks used to live in the caves, too. When Laos was still a monarchy, the caves were visited every year by the king. A small royal Wat is near the caves.
These caves in the rocky walls of the sandstone mountains at the confluence of the Ou river
These caves in the rocky walls of the sandstone mountains at the confluence of the Ou river

The citizens of Luang Prabang believe that many good-natured spirits have their homes in the caves. Thus they undertake short pilgrimages there on special occasions, especially traditional New Year's Day. The best way to visit the caves is by boat tour. The nature along the Mekong is absolutely beautiful, and a boat tour to Pak Ou is likely to be the most commemorable excursion from Luang Prabang.

Khoung-Sy Waterfall

The waterfall is about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang, on a Mekong tributary. In the surrounding area live a number of hill tribes.
Khoung-Sy Waterfall
Khoung-Sy Waterfall
ONLY WITH US : 100 % MONEY BACK GUARANTEE within 10 days from the date of booking if not satisfied.
For further information, or simply a free quote, please contact us at any time via our email: info@galatourist.com, our experienced consultants will reply to you within 48 hours.
Sincerely yours & see you soon!
GALATOURIST since 2005.
Related Articles
Best places to visit in Oudomxay, Laos - Oudomxay attractions
Best places to visit in Oudomxay, Laos - Oudomxay attractions
Oudomxay, also referred to as Muang Xay, is the capital city of Oudomxay Province in Northern Laos. A place where you can experience untouched nature as well as cultural life.
Savannakhet attractions - What to see in Savannakhet
Savannakhet attractions - What to see in Savannakhet
With the development and economic impact, Savanakhet is an attractive tourist destination with some of the most famous historical sites that travelers can not miss.
Top attractions in Luang Namtha, Laos
Top attractions in Luang Namtha, Laos
Luang Namtha may be best known for its adventures in nature, but it also presents plenty of cultural and heritage attractions that are easy to reach.
Everything you need to know about Champasak, Laos
Everything you need to know about Champasak, Laos
Champasak was once, 1400 years ago, the centre of power in the lower Mekong basin, later a revered outpost of the Khmer Angkor empire and later still one of the three kingdoms to rule over the remains of Lane Xang. A fine heritage that, according to the last prince of Champassak, was brought to hard times by a former queen's indiscretion.
Laos People & Population
Laos People & Population
Laos, officially the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia bordered by China, Burma, Cambodia, Vietnam and Thailand.
Laos Arts
Laos Arts
One of the trademarks of Laos is the diversity of its people and cultures. There are a number of traditional arts and crafts that represent their way of life. Lao has a rich cultural heritage with religious art and architecture forming the cornerstone of artistic traditions.
Climate Laos
Climate Laos
Most of the year is hot and humid. Laos enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through April.
Laos Traditional Dance
Laos Traditional Dance
Lao religious images and art is also distinctive and sets Laos apart from its neighbors.
Laos Culture
Laos Culture
Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect. Everyone who adheres to the latter will receive a warm welcome.
Laos Religion
Laos Religion
Buddhism first appeared in Laos during the eighth century A.D., as shown by both the Buddha image and the stone inscription found at Ban Talat near Vientiane, now exhibited at Hor Pra Keo Museum. After the foundation of the unified Kingdom of Lane Xang, King Fa Ngum (14th Century) declared Buddhism as the state religion and urged the people to abandon Animism or other beliefs such as the Cult of Spirits. His policy meant to develop the Lao culture based on a common faith: Theravada Buddhism.
When to visit Laos ?
When to visit Laos ?
If you’re planning a trip to Laos, determining the best time to visit should be a top priority. You may want to plan your trip for a different time depending on where in Laos you’ll spend the most time, and how you plan to get around.
Laos History
Laos History
Laos traces its history to the kingdom of Lan Xang, founded in the 15th century by Fa Ngum, himself descended from a long line of Lao kings, tracking back to Khoun Boulom. Lan-Xang prospered until the 18th century, when the kingdom was divided into three principalities, which eventually came under Siamese suzerainty.
Filter articles
Top
free telephone appointment
tripadvisor
call
Customize your trip
Customize
Leave a message
Contact
(+84)
Call now!
WhatsApp
WhatsApp
Messenger
View Google Map
Google Map