Luang Prabang History
Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Come discover its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment!
Luang Prabang was the capital of the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xang, founded in 1353. It remained the capital of Lane Xang until 1565 when the capital was moved to Vientiane. However, it remains the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
Visitors to Luang Prabang are charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region. You may thus admire excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museum and a variety of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Tai architecture. Luang Prabang also sells a large variety of traditional goods. The town is notably famous for its unique textiles and beautiful mulberry paper. Famous foods in Luang Prabang are 'Aur Lam' (a thick stew made with the forsted herb), 'Sakhan', (meat and eggplants), 'Jaew Bong', (a sauce made with hot chillies and buffalo skin) and 'khai Pan' (dried river weed lightly fried with sesame seeds and garlic).
Some of the most visited sites in Luang Prabang Town are Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phou Si, Wat Visounnarath and Wat Manolom. Equally beautiful are the lesser known temples across the Mekong River in Chomphet District. A 1,5 hour walk through the hills and forest will take you to the old temple sites and peaceful environment. Eventually, just outside of the main town are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, Tham Ting Caves and the tiered Tad Sae Waterfall. Further out is Muang Ngoi Kao, a quiet village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River, surrounded by high karst mountains and sheer limestone cliffs.
Luang Prabang major festivals and ceremonies
Luang Prabang celebrates all of the major Lao festivals in style. Notably, the largest, Pi Mai Lao or Lao New Year takes place officially from 13-15 April. However, In Luang Prabang the festival often lasts a full week with a trade fair, 'Miss Lao New Year' contest, parades and religious ceremonies. In late December Hmong New Year is celebrated. This is a time where Hmong show off their finest traditional clothing, hold musical performances and other cultural ceremonies. In Luang Prabang, the annual boat races are held in late September.
While in Luang Prabang, you may observe the morning alms giving ceremony. Each morning, monks walk through town in single file carrying alms bowls to collect alms. Offerings by the people are usually comprised of sticky rice, fruit or simple traditional snacks. Know as 'Binthabat' in Lao, this is a sacred religious ceremony. Tourists may participate in and photograph the ceremony. However, the people of Luang Prabang, especially the monks, ask that this is done is a respectful way.