Luang Prabang:The Ancient Capital of Laos
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Luang Prabang: the Quaint Laotian City Along the Mekong
If the Luang Prabang box has not yet been ticked off from your globe trotting must-do matrix, it's time to get yourself in gear and visit this ancient capital of Laos. Nestled where the Nam Khan River meets the Mekong in north-central Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and although some of those sites are more political than real, believe me this is one of the winners and you will NOT be disappointed.
It was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos until the Communist take-over in 1975 and all of that wonderful history is laid out and totally accessible.
Know that Lao is NOT Vietnam. The notion of "laid back" was invented here and chilling out is a national obsession. There is no local word for fast or urgent. Classic Type A's should visit another country!
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Luang Prabang in Lao History
The Seat of the French Protectorate

In the ancient times, Luang Prabang was called Muang Sua. The first dynasty was established by Khun Lo, a Tai prince, and his assorted off spring ruled for a century until the Nan-chao princes took over. The Khmers (Cambodians) took over for a century or so until the national hero, Sipsong Panna gave them the boot. It's hard to imagine a war between the Khmer and the Lao in that such activity might interrupt everyone's sleep. But both the Pathet lao and the Khmer Rouge showed the hidden capacity for savagery that seems to lie in all of us.
When France annexed Laos, the French recognized Luang Prabang as the royal residence of Laos and the ruler of Luang Prabang became the figurehead of the French Protectorate. No Colonial Government can be called good, but the French were maybe a bit better than average and did leave a few worthwhile contributions such as leaving without destroying the country as they nearly did in Vietnam and Algeria, and leaving the recipe for baguettes. When Laos achieved independence in the 1950's, the then King of Luang Prabang, Sisavang Vong, became the head of state of the Kingdom of Laos by default and it gradually started to slip back to the long sleep that has marked most of its history.
Read about Lao History
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A History of Laos by Martin Stuart-Fox
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North Vietnam and the Pathet Lao: Partners in the Struggle for Laos (Rand Corporation Research Studies) by Paul F. Langer, Joseph J. Zasloff
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Here There Are Tigers: The Secret Air War in Laos, 1968-69 (Stackpole Military History Series) by Reginald Hathorn
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A Short History of Laos: The Land in Between (A Short History of Asia series) by Grant Evans
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Codename Mule: Fighting the Secret War in Laos for the CIA (Naval Institute Special Warfare) by James E. Parker Jr.
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Breaking New Ground in Lao History: Essays on the Seventh to Twentieth Centuries
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Creating Laos: The Making of a Lao Space Between Indochina and Siam, 1860-1945 (Nias-Nordic Institute of Asian Studies) by Soren Ivarsson
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Tragic Mountains: The Hmong, the Americans, and the Secret Wars for Laos, 1942-1992 by Jane Hamilton-Merritt
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Indochina's Refugees: Oral Histories from Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam by Joanna Catherine Scott
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Sky Is Falling: An Oral History of the CIA's Evacuation of the Hmong from Laos by Gayle L. Morrison
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The Last Century of Lao Royalty: A Documentary History by Grant Evans
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History of Aid to Laos: Motivations and Impacts (Mekong Press) by Viliam Phraxayavong
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The Kingdoms of Laos by Sanda Simms
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Lao: Webster's Timeline History, 600 BC - 2001 by Icon Group International
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Buddhist Kingdom Marxist State by Martin Stuart-Fox
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How to go to Luang Prabang
Fly from Vientianne or Bangkok or take the Bus or Boat

It is easy to just fly there from Bangkok or Vientiane. The road is better now and safer but it is still long and bumpy and the boats are often full and have a speed equal to that of the culture. There are tour operators that offer premium boat cruises and the accomodation is much better so this could be an option as well.
For those who want to save money and experience the country better, you can take buses and the moto drivers know where the terminals are. Just go and get your tickets in the terminal. This is not Greyhound Country! Relax, take water and toilet paper. Savor the pace.
Visas to Laos
Visas are required except for ASEAN passport holders. These can easily be obtained upon arrival. Be ready with two passport size pictures and about US$35.
Your Guide to Luang Prabang
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Landmarks of Luang Prabang
Temples and Monasteries

A landmark of Luang Prabang is the Wat Chom Si which sits atop a hill so is easy to spot. However there are many other temples and monasteries that are easy to find and visit. There are many monks in the temple courtyard who love to practice their English to practice their English so asking them about the temple can be real fun.
The temple grounds are often peaceful so just enjoy a rest and enjoy the quiet around you. Squint your eyes and drift back a thousand years and get a feeling of timelessness. If this does not make sense to you, please go to downtown Bangkok or Ho Chi Minh and go jogging with your fellow MBA's
Don't forget to visit the Vat Xieng Toung, the oldest of their monasteries. There is an entry fee and make sure you check the hours when it is opened.
When you go to Luang Prabang
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More information on Luang Prabang
Global Treasures LUANG PRABANG Louangphrabang Laos
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The Dawn Offering to the Monks
An interesting Buddhist ritual

Rise early with the monks and watch them stream through the streets accepting food offerings from the locals who are seated on their mats that line the sidewalk of the main city street. Clad in their saffron robes with their bowls, they flow along the pavement like a golden river. They are NOT begging. They bless the homes and families and allow those who wish to do merit to give them food. It is a ritual that needs to be respected by keeping your distance. Equally, it needs to be understood or you'll really miss the importance of Buddhism to the culture.
You may participate in this ceremony by offering alms as well but prepare your own offering of fruits or rice so you know these are safe for the monks to eat. There have been cases of people just buying from unscrupulous merchants who sell them stale food and this making the monks reluctant to continue the practice of taking alms from foreigners. My suggestion is that you just watch the process unfold with respect. If you really want to try, ask for someone to help you and get instructions on how to do this properly.
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The Culture of Luang Prabang
Interesting ancient city
Het bun dai bun: Luang Prabang : Rituale einer glucklichen Stadt (German Edition)
Amazon Price: $16.00 (as of 02/22/2012)![]()
It is interesting to read the culture of Luang Prabang distinctly different from the rest of Laos.
Cruising the Mekong in Luang Prabang
Pak Ou Caves

Rent a local boat for the day and just cruise through the Mekong towards the famous Pak Ou caves which as a destination can be a bit disappointing but the trip is enjoyable. The villages that line the river are full of life and you can stop at some of these for visits. The locals are really happy to see you and are often there waiting for sales from tourists.
Make sure you have good pairs of sunglasses
The sun can be too strong
Pictures of Luang Prabang
A City with Character
Night Market in Luang Prabang
Meet the Hmongs

In the evening, the main street is transformed into a night market. It starts a bit early and ends early as well. You will see many Hmong, some in their traditional garb, lining their mats with whatever crafts they have for sale. Food stalls are busy as well. They are lined up in the streets so it is not hard to find al fresco dining can cost as much as a dollar. Maybe, higher now with food prices going up everywhere. Bu the market is well lit and clean and not crowded so you can get some great pictures.
Luang Prabang Night Market
Don't miss this one
Hmong Vendor at the Luang Prabang Night Market
More pictures of the Luang Prabang Night Market
One Must Do in Luang Prabang
Know Luang Prabang better
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Hang out in Luang Prabang's Main Street
Try out the restaurants

Hang out in one of the restaurants along the main street. You can get a great meal along with a free education on the mis-adventures of tour groups. Have a contest. Which national tour groups are the worst dressed, or are the loudest, or grumpiest or least sensitive? It is usually fun but occasionally very embarrassing as you recognize a group from your patch really being offensive! This small patch of territory in remote Southeast Asia seems to attract the world's unique and exotic tourists and given the main street concentration, there is enough for the eyes to feast on.
There are quasi-museums to enjoy some local cultural artifacts. Some are cum-restaurants and stores. They are in the main street and are good places to buy quality souvenirs. At premium prices, of course. The city is full of old style architecture homes that reflect the place's colonial (French) past. It also has a fair collection of 20 somethings with dead locks and the lost look of those that sold their ticket home for a last packet of weed.
Things on Luang Prabang
Bargains
Where to Stay in Luang Prabang
Stay in the City Center

There are many options now for places to stay as Luang Prabang has gone beyond the once backpack route. Along the river, there are cheaper rooms and just outside of town are some of the high end luxurious hotels which will spoil you and give you the best views. Our choice as we wanted to be able to walk to the center easily, was the Maison Souvannaphoum, the former residence of Prince Souvanna Phouma. It only offers 4 guest rooms in the royal residence and 20 more in the garden wing. You have a good view of the garden in your balcony. It has also a very good spa.
This is a wonderfully accessible city, cleaner than many and with miles of smiles. It's not expensive, and you will meet the world.
Things to refresh your Laos experience
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What others say about Luang Prabang
Interesting experiences
- Getting Away: Luang Prabang
- Chilled-out and friendly, Luang Prabang is one Asia's most charming small cities. Its mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions lure growing numbers of travelers every year, yet its character remains intact. The survival of so much of Luang ...
- In Luang Prabang, Laos, Lao New Year is drenched in color — and water
- Spring new year's festivals are held across Asia, and in Laos the most famous one occurs every April in Luang Prabang, the ancient town on the Mekong River that UNESCO recognized as a World Heritage site in 1995 for its charming blend of local and ...
- Making Merit In Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang now has the feel of an international retreat: Everyone is from somewhere else. Colin Cotterill, author of the Dr. Siri detective series set in Laos and a regular visitor to Luang Prabang since 1991, says, ?Once the tourists came, ...
- Plan your own trip to Southeast Asia
- A boat ride down the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos, opens vistas of surrounding mist-shrouded hills. (SAM BEUTLER/For the Lincoln Journal Star) If you want to know when Bangkok's Grand Palace was built or the significance of sculptures at Angkor ...
Your guide to travel in Laos
Not just Luang Prabang
Useful links for your trip to Luang Prabang
Know more
- Luang Prabang travel guide - Wikitravel
- Open source travel guide to Luang Prabang, featuring up-to-date information on attractions, hotels, restaurants, nightlife, travel tips and more. Free and reliable advice written by Wikitravellers from around the globe.
- 36 Hours in Luang Prabang, Laos - NYTimes.com
- The beguiling ancient capital of Luang Prabang is still a place that feels as if it is on the cusp of discovery.
Document your trip to Luang Prabang
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Keep yourself updated before travelling to Luang Prabang
- Getting Away: Luang Prabang
- Chilled-out and friendly, Luang Prabang is one Asia's most charming small cities. Its mix of cultural, historical and natural attractions lure growing numbers of travelers every year, yet its character remains intact. The survival of so much of Luang ...
- In Luang Prabang, Laos, Lao New Year is drenched in color — and water
- Spring new year's festivals are held across Asia, and in Laos the most famous one occurs every April in Luang Prabang, the ancient town on the Mekong River that UNESCO recognized as a World Heritage site in 1995 for its charming blend of local and ...
- Making Merit In Luang Prabang
- Luang Prabang now has the feel of an international retreat: Everyone is from somewhere else. Colin Cotterill, author of the Dr. Siri detective series set in Laos and a regular visitor to Luang Prabang since 1991, says, ?Once the tourists came, ...
- Plan your own trip to Southeast Asia
- A boat ride down the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos, opens vistas of surrounding mist-shrouded hills. (SAM BEUTLER/For the Lincoln Journal Star) If you want to know when Bangkok's Grand Palace was built or the significance of sculptures at Angkor ...
For your trip to Luang Prabang
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Please leave your comments on Luang Prabang
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py999
May 18, 2011 @ 3:32 am | delete
- Phousi is one of the well known land mark in Laung Prabang, make sure you visit it if you go to Luang Prabang. It is a good spot to watch sun set and have a bird-eye view of the town, the rivers (Nam Khan and Mekong River) and the royal palace museum. I found this site and thought might be worth sharing, very informative laos-guide-999.com
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Reply
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JaguarJulie
Dec 31, 2010 @ 9:01 am | delete
- So many beautiful "landmarks" of such a meaningful place ... the Wat Chom Si is spectacular.
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What the twitter world says about Luang Prabang
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- WOWiAustin
- RT @shelleyseale: About to start cooking with classes at Hotel de la Paix - Luang Prabang, Laos http://t.co/Ya05w5nk via @AddThis
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- shelleyseale
- About to start cooking with classes at Hotel de la Paix - Luang Prabang, Laos http://t.co/Ya05w5nk via @AddThis
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- GAdv_JP
- @GAdv_gapsabai oi!!! Nice and warm in Luang Prabang, a little bit cold in the morning before the sun comes up.
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- hotels_airlines
- Vientiane Luang Prabang Laos / Lao hotel accommodation booking deals cheapest to best hotels http://t.co/4de3w2GR
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- Rochelleqwi
- Old Luang Prabang (Images of Asia): Old Luang Prabang provides a vivid description of the history, geography, an... http://t.co/PSLxCTCU
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