Luang Prabang

For several centuries the city of Luang Prabang served as the capital of the former state of Lan Xang – the forerunner of the modern country of Laos. Later the city ruled over a country with the same name, and then became the Royal city during the period of French colonisation. Today it’s the principle centre of Buddhism for the country, as well as being an important tourism hub. The city has earned a UNESCO World Heritage Listing for its successful symbiosis of city planning using typical Laotian building styles and traditions with the heritage of European colonisation forced upon the country during the C19th and C20th. The city is situated on a natural river peninsular in the Nan Kan river, a tributary of the Mekong River, and in the shade of the surrounding Puhi Hills. 

There’s a range of different methods of getting around Laos that might bring you through Luang Probang. In addition to conventional air and road travel, Laos’s river network has served the country for hundreds of years. The Mekong River runs eastwards into Thailand, and to the south; or northwards on the River Nam Ou. River transport is fascinating and inexpensively priced. 

This hill is the highest point of Luang Probang, and visible from any point in the city. Its history is shrouded in myth and legend, with a consequent number of Buddhist shrines, temples and sacred natural caves nearby. One legend claims that the entrance-way to the Centre Of The Earth is secretly located here. But most visitors find their eyes fall on the military weaponry of recent war years – so gleaming and polished that they seem ready for deployment at a moment’s notice. 

From the top of Phou Si hill there is a marvellous panorama of the entire city, the Mekong River, and the Nam Khan River 

There are several buildings within the grounds of the Royal Palace, which is more like a park with beautiful avenues and ponds. The building of the Royal Palace – built in 1904 – was home to the last of the Laotian kings. Today the square in front of the former palace is used for ceremonial civic events.

The Xieng Thong Temple, or Temple of the Golden City, is found at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. It’s one of the most significant and popularly-visited monasteries in Luang Probang. The temple, built in 1560, is a classic example of Laotian architecture. 

As well as the Main Temple, the monastery area has several other buildings, including an elaborately decorated Royal Necropolis. 

This temple stands on the site where there had previously been a Khmer shrine. Nowadays the temple has a Buddha statue weighing over two tonnes, and six metres in height. 

This temple is situated on the main street – near to the Royal Palace. One special feature of the temple is its facade, covered with gilded carved panels which depict scenes of the life of the most recently-reincarnated Buddha. 

Laos is famed for its silk and cotton clothing – much of it hand-made. It can be found for sale at shops and markets, and also in villages. Very often the person selling the clothes has made them too. 

Luang Phabang has a huge range of different places to eat. There’s street food, and cafes offering Asian and European cuisine. Many tourists enjoy the buffets – for just over a dollar you can heap your plate full!