Phoebettmh Travel: (Laos) - Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a city beside the Mekong River in Laos. It was until the communist takeover in 1975 the royal capital and seat of government of the former Kingdom of Laos. The city was established in AD 698 by a prince of the Tai people, Khun Lo, and was originally named Muang Sua. Khun Lo began a dynasty that ruled over Muang Sua for close to a century.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

In the 12th century, with the rise of Khmer power, the town, now known as Xieng Dong Xieng Thong, was briefly a Khmer suzerainty under the famous Khmer ruler who built many monuments at Angkor Thom, Jayavarman VII. It regained its independence in 1180, and in 1358, became the capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom. Ub 1560, King Setthathirath I relocated the capital to Vientiane. When the Lan Xang Kingdom disintegrated in 1707, there emerged two different kingdoms, the Kingdom of Luang Prabang and the Kingdom of Vientiane.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

When the French annexed Laos, they recognised Luang Prabang as the royal residence of Laos, and its ruler became the figurehead of the French Protectorate of Laos, even as the capital remains in Vientiane. When Laos gained independence from France, the king of Luang Prabang, Sisavang Vong, became the king of the Kingdom of Laos.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

When the communist took over Laos in 1975, they abolished the monarchy, and Luang Prabang lost its status as a royal capital. However, due to its glorious past, it is home to many exquisite temples that are the finest examples of Lan Xang architecture.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

Today, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It receives a steadily increasing stream of visitors coming to admire its heritage sites. The city has the highest concentration of functioning temples in Laos. Many of these have been restored and are now well maintained.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

Meanwhile, tourism has exerted an incredible impact on Luang Prabang. Revenue from tourism has provided employment and improved standard of living in Luang Prabang. On the other hand, the pressure exerted by mass tourism has to be controlled, lest it destroys the fragile beauty of Luang Prabang.

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

What to see there

Local landmarks and culture

(Laos) - Luang Prabang – A place must to see

- Alms ceremony — monks at dawn collecting alms of rice from kneeling villagers (and early-rising tourists). Ask your guesthouse host to assist you the day before in preparing if you'd like to get up and give alms in the morning. Please note that the alms giving ceremony is one which, while picturesque, is not without its detractors. Unscrupulous local merchants have used the eagerness of tourists to participate in a local tradition as a means of making easy money, and sometimes sell unsuitable, stale and even unsafe food. This has resulted in monks falling ill after having consumed the offerings, and resistance to continuing the tradition.

(Laos) - Alms ceremony, Luang Prabang

However, the government has made it clear that the monks have to continue the tourist pageant or risk being replaced with lay people clothed in saffron robes in order to keep up appearances, and thereby maintain tourist revenue. So if you wish to participate in this ceremony, prepare the food or fruit yourself, and avoid giving food of unknown quality. Another problem is the photographing. While it looks nice on your collection, think about how it must feel for the monks to have hundreds of tourists photographing them every day. Some lowlifes even stand right next to them, flashing them in the eyes! Strongly consider only watching this old tradition from a distance instead of using it as a tourist attraction, as this may detract from the beauty of the ritual - both for locals and tourists alike. You can always download a picture of it somewhere on the net for your collection.

- Haw Kham — the former royal palace and now national museum, 30,000 Kip, no photo/video/bag/shoes allowed, free locker. Open 8AM-11:30AM and 1:30PM-4PM every day except Tuesday. There's also sometimes local drama or dance performances in the adjacent theatre. In August 2011 for examnple, each Mo/We/Fr/Sa, there was a performance at 6:30PM of "Search of Princess Sida", a royal ballet, with prices from 80,000 to 150,000 kip. It is important to check the timings and plan the visit accordingly

(Laos) - Luang Prabang - Haw Kham (Royal Palace)

- Phou Si — the main hill in the city from which you have a good view of the whole area. It's not a very steep climb from the bottom and sunrise and sunset are the most sensible and rewarding times to go up. There is a near-panoramic view from the top. Entrance fee 20,000 kip.

(Laos) - Phou Si View, Luang Prabang

- Sunset on the waterfront — take a walk along the Mekong, or sit and enjoy dinner at one of the many restaurants and watch the sun sink into the horizon

(Laos) - Sunset on the waterfront, Luang Prabang

- Vat Xieng Thong — the oldest monastery in town and one of the most beautiful. Opens from 6AM-6PM. Entry fee 20,000 kip. One entrance on the road along Mekong river, the other on the by-lane off the main road.