Luang Prabang in Laos

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Luang Prabang is one of the best preserved and most beautiful ancient historical cities worldwide. Located in Laos in southeast Asia, this location is the former capital of the country, and today has remains of many palaces and temples. In 1995 it joined the World Cultural of UNESCO, while being named the best preserved ancient city in this part of the continent.

Luang Prabang is the ancient capital of the state and royal residence of Lan Xang Kingdom to the XIX century and so far has been reached only by water. The waters of the Mekong River was a waterway for the movement of many commercial boats. In China, Laos and Thailand the river was called by three names - Choe-la river, Kong Kong and the IEA.

Today the territory of Luang Prabang has a modern airport, and several land roads, but water transport remains the only way to move to this ancient place.

One of the biggest attractions of Luang Prabang is the former royal palace which is now a museum. Four times a week the Royal Ballet Theatre has performances in it. The interesting spectacle, lasts several hours and typically involves episodes of the captain for the Lao version of "Ramayana" (Phralak Phralam), military ceremonies, folk songs and show minorities.

Reserved are the 30 temple is in the town. They impress with thier elegant buildings and facades and from top to bottom are decorated with gold. The architecture resembles a pagoda in northern Thailand with a roof descending to the ground, carved columns, and windows with decorative grilles. The biggest and most famous is the, Wat Xiang Thong, which for two centuries has been the main temple of the kings of Laos.

The tomb in Luang Prabang looks more like a large golden boat, which may at any time sail away. Another famous temple is the, Wat Mai, which was built in 1796. Interesting to visit there are also the Pu hill where you can enjoy a unique view of the setting sun and the Buddhist caves and temples.

The wonderful thing about Luang Prabang is its scale, there is always plenty to see, but a few morning walks can take most of it in. Today Luang Prabang is home to some 70 wats, 2000 monks and millions of tourists!

How to get there

You can reach Luang Prabang from Vientiane by bus. The air-conditioned VIP bus, which is a lot more comfortable than the non-air-conditioned public bus, will cost you roughly 120, 000 kip though on the return.

You can catch a boat down the Mekong River between Huay Xai on the Thai border, and Luang Prabang, with a stop at Pakbeng.

The airport in Luang Prabang is served by regular flights from Bangkok Airways.