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 until 1565. After that date, the capital was moved to Vientiane. However, it remains the country’s spiritual and religious centre.
What to do in Luang Prabang
Visitors to Luang Prabang are immediatly charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town. Indeed, the town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region. You may thus admire excellently preserved Buddhist temples and fascinating museum. Also, take your time to get lost in the streets to enjoy a variety of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Tai architecture. Luang Prabang also manufactures a large variety of traditional goods. The town is notably famous for its unique textiles and beautiful mulberry paper. Last but not least, do not miss Luang Prabang delicious food:
- '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. A 1,5 hour walk through the hills and forest across the Mekong river will also take you to remote old temple sites and peaceful environment. Finally, just outside of the main town are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfall, Tham Ting Caves and the tiered Tad Sae Waterfall. Adventurous travelers may even reach Muang Ngoi Kao, a quiet village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River. This gorgeous intimate place is 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 Lao New Year, Pi Mai Lao, takes place officially from 13-15 April. In Luang Prabang, it often lasts a full week with a trade fair, 'Miss Lao New Year' contest, parades and religious ceremonies. Also, in late December, Hmong tribe celebrates the Hmong New Year. This is a time where Hmong show off their finest traditional clothing, hold musical performances and other cultural ceremonies. Eventually, Luang Prabang holds annual boat races in late September.
While in Luang Prabang, you may also observe the morning alms giving ceremony. Each morning, monks walk through town in single file carrying alms bowls to collect alms. Lao people usually offer sticky rice, fruits or simple traditional snacks. Known 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.
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