Luang Prabang is the formal capital of Laos and the UNESCO world heritage city from 1995 . This city is almost like a island sarrounded by the river mekong and Nam Khan . The city was prominent after the king Lan Xang make it the capital . The whole city was full of old and traditional buildings . Upto 19 th century , it was under the control of Monarchy and after that french take over it in the name of the protection from the chines . After that Luang prabang was ruled under the french and finally in 1975 the power was backed to the general public . There are lots of things to do in Luang Prabang city , that might be a voyage in the mekong , seeing the historic buildings and palaces , visiting waterfall Kuang si and mountain phou si or may be going to the Pak ou cave .
Things to do in Luang Prabang :
Alms Ceremony :
Alms giving is the morning rituals in all Laos and specially in Luang Prabang as it is one of the cultural city in Laos .
In the morning the Buddhist monks wearing a saffron dress and a big pot collect food items from the Local people . They whole heartily serve the monk for their’s family’s well being .
Phou Si Mountain :
Phou si mountain is situated in the middle of the luang prabang city and from this place you have the panoramic view of the surrounding plains .
There is a Buddhist temple Wat Chom si in the top of this mountain established by king Anourat in 1804 . According to Ramayana Monkey king Hanuman lifted this mountain from Sri Lanka and established here .
This mountain has been opened for the general public between 7 am and 6 pm and entry fees in 20000 Laotian Kip for a adult .
Wat Xieng Thong :
Wat Xieng Thong was the most impressive monastery in the Luang Prabang which was established in the 16 th century by the king Say Satthathirath in between 1559 – 1560 .
The complex consists of a Sim( phutthasima ) , Triptaka Library , Worship hall , the pagoda and Buddha image statues .
Price of the ticket is 20000 Laotian Kip .
Pak Ou Cave :
This is a cave situated 20 km north of the Luang Prabang city . It can be reached by both the boat and the road but boat journey is most scenic . Long boats are used to carry tourists inside this caves .
In this cave you can see lots of small Buddhist statues . there has been two caves one lower and one upper cave . In the upper cave there is very less light . so you have to bring light to see the sculpture inside .
Entry fees to this cave is 20000 Laotian Kip per adult .
Kuang Si Waterfall :
Kuang si waterfall is one of the beautiful multiple layered waterfall . It looks like the mountain of the waterfall . It’s blue water and the surrounding nature making lasting impression among the minds of the tourists . It is situated 23 km from Luang Prabang city .
Entry to this waterfall is 20000 Laotian Kip per adult . It is opened from the morning 8 am – 5:30 pm .
Museum of the Royal Palace :
This building was originally build as the royal residence of the king Sisavang Vong in the year 1904 and was royal residence until 1975 .
After the monarchy was not abandoned it was converted into museum in the year 1995 . In this museum you can see lots of items relevant in Buddhist tradition . It also has atifacts of Royal family .
Entry to this museum is opened from the 8 am to the 4 pm and ticket priced at 30000 Laotian Kip per adult .
Wat Visounnararth :
This temple has been established by king Visounnararth in the year 1512 . In the window the wood curving are specifically beautiful . there is another stupa inside the temple complex which is called watermelon stupa for it’s size .
It is opened daily from the 8 am – 5 pm and ticket costs 20000 Laotian Kip per adult .
Summary :
Luang Prabang is the oldest and first capital of Laos . It has been inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage site in the year 1995 . The main city has been surrounded by two river Nam Khan and the Mekong . Inside the city you can see the traditional buildings and lots of buddhiest temple . Pak ou cave and the Kuang si waterfall are the two major attraction outside of the city .
