LUANG PRABANG
A place where
time stands still is one way to describe the charms of this
historic capital of ancient wats. Luang Prabang is the most
popular destination in Laos, a compact, atmospheric town
that can be enjoyed at leisure on foot. Now a UNESCO World
Heritage Site, there are more than 30 historic temples
hidden among the streets of town, as well as the Royal
Palace Museum. Luang Prabang is now plugged into Laos and
the rest of the region, with a new highway connecting it to
the capital of Vientiane to the south and international
flight links to nearby Chang Mai in Thailand and Danang in
Vietnam. Combining this atmospheric place with the
highlights of Indochina such as Hoi An in Vietnam and Angkor
in Cambodia has never been easier.
National
Museum
The Royal
Palace, known locally as the Golden Hall, was built in
1904 for King Sisavang Vong and is now a museum that
makes a good starting point on any tour of Luang Prabang.
Combining elements of traditional Lao architecture with
French influences, the building houses some unique
Buddha, including a large golden Buddha gifted by a
Khmer king in the 14th century, and busts of the Lao
royal family.
Historic
Wats
Wat Xieng
Thon is the most striking temple in Luang Prabang, with
a stunning, sweeping roof that flows almost to the
ground. Dating from the 16th century, the interior
contains some fine decorative features, as well as some
uniquely Lao Buddha. It is also worth looking out for
the funerary carriage in the compound, originally used
for royal funerals. Wat Wisunlat is a curious shape,
resembling a giant watermelon, hence its Lao nickname of
That Makmo. One of the oldest temples in Luang Prabang,
it was rebuilt after the Black Haw burned the city to
the ground in 1887. Other popular wats include Wat Aham,
with its large Boddhi trees and Wat Manolom with a giant
seated Buddha, cast in bronze, about six meters high.
Pak Ou
Caves
These two limestone caves, looming over the Mekong, are
overflowing with Buddha images large and small and are
easily accessible by boat from Luang Prabang. The lower
cave is well lit and hundreds of Buddha stand guard
overseeing the river, while the upper cave is dark and
visitors need a torch.
Kuang Si
Falls
Kuang Si is the most impressive set of falls in the
Luang Prabang region, a series of cascades tumbling down
a steep cliff into small bathing pool below. In the dry
season it is possible to have a swim to cool off here,
but in the wet season most off the forest becomes
inundated with water.
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