Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital of Laos, once isolated and forbidden, the 600 years old city on the banks of the Mekong River is a visual feast of Buddhist temples, French-colonial mansions and quaint, teakwood houses, nestled amidst groves of swaying coconut palms. The easy-going and charming residents of this historic city lead lives little changed from what French explorers witnessed in the late 19th century.
In the misty early morning hours, local women and tribal peoples in traditional dress crowd the market to buy tropical fruits, while lines of saffron-robed Buddhist monks stroll the narrow lanes to receive alms from the faithful. Luang Prabang has been described as Southeast Asia's best preserved ancient city and it was recently awarded World Heritage status by UNESCO, a move that will ensure that Luang Prabang remains pristine for generations to come. Once you arrive in Luang Prabang via Bangkok Airways, the city is easily explored on foot or bicycle and has an exotic array of sight on offer.
Visas
Visas can be obtained at Laos embassies abroad or on arrival at Luang Prabang Airport for US 30. Only US dollars are accepted as payment and it is necessary to bring along two passport-sized photos in order to process a visa-on-arrival.
Climate
March through to May are the hottest months in Luang Prabang with the maximum daily temperatures reaching 32 degrees Celsius. December and January are the coolest months; with the daily high averaging about 26 degrees Celsius. Lightweight cotton clothing is most comfortable for touring Luang Prabang.
Language
Laos is the official language of Laos, English and French are spoken among the educated classes and hotel staff.
People
The majority of Laos people are Theravad Buddhists who are well known for their hospitality.
Currency
The currency of Laos is the Kip. Thai Baht and US dollars are widely accepted. One US dollar approximately equals 4,000 kip.
Accommodation
Luang Prabang has a wide variety of hotels and guest houses to cater to every budget. Stay in a former royal palace or in one of the many cozy guest houses that line the banks of the Mekong River. Revel in the ambience of old Luang Prabang while enjoying the gentle vibes of Laos hospitality, with prices starting at only a few dollars per night.
Food & Drink
Luang Prabang is known throughout Southeast Asia for its unique cuisine. In the morning, the smell of freshly brewed coffee and baked French bread fills the air. The traditional Luang Prabang meal is starred with a crispy watercress salad and proceeds to generous helpings of sticky rice flavored with crispy side dishes of chicken and Mekong River fish.
Shopping
Luang Prabang is renowned for its shopping. Due to its former role as the royal capital, the city is home to numerous skilled artisans who once produced objects of silver and textiles of cotton and silk for the royal court. Superior quality works of silver, such as hammered bowls and utensils, can be bought directly from Luang Prabang's expert silversmiths. Ban Phanom, a village located a few kilometers outside Luang Prabang, is the home of hundreds of talented textile weaves who produce everything from hats to blankets.
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong is a Buddhist monastery known for its elegant temple, whose roof sweeps gracefully to the ground. The temple was built in 1560 by King Setthathirat. The walls of the temple are decorated inside and out with delicate gold patterns on a maroon background. Adjacent to the temple is the Funerary Carriage Hall or haw latsalot. Built in 1962, the hall's wide teakwood panels are deeply craved with depictions of Rama Sita, Ravana and Hanuman, characters from the Laos version of the Ramayana.
The Royal Palace Museum
The Former Royal Palace, an electric blend of French and Laos architecture, is filled with the treasures of Laos' royal past. On display here are rare articles of royal regalia: swords with hilts and scabbards of hammered silver and gold, an elaborately decorated fly-whist, even the king's own elephant saddle. Also on exhibit are a collection of rare Buddha images of crystal and gold. The Royal Palace Museum is also where the Pra Bang is enshrined, the sacred Buddha image for which the city Luang Prabang was named.
Phu Si
Or "sacred mountain", is the geographical as well as spiritual center of the city. Believed to have once harbored a powerful naga who dwelt in its bowels, the hill is also seen as a miniature Mount Meru, the Mount Olympus of Hindu-Buddhist cosmology. Phu Si, topped by a golden stupa, is striking from a distance. Indeed, the golden spires are the first bit of Luang Prabang that visitors arriving will gaze upon.
Pak Ou Caves
A popular river excursion, about an hour out of Luang Prabang, are the Pak Ou caves, located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. Every year, during the Laos New Year celebrations in April, boatloads of townflok make the pilgrimage upriver to gain merit by ritually bathing the Buddhas. Even if you don't happen to be in Luang Prabang during Laos New Year, the caves are still worth visiting, if you only to gaze upon the mysterious scene of hundreds upon hundreds f serenely smiling images covered in dust and cobwebs.
The Whisky Village
On the opposite bank, across the Mekong from Pak Ou Caves, is a picturesque village, the inhabitants of which are famed for their expertise in brewing a smooth but potent rice whiskey.