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is surely a
jewel in Indochina, and a well known UNESCO World Heritage
Site since 1995. Once the capital of former kings and an
important post along river trade lines it became a site of
interest for guest from all over the world. The ancient
royal city is surrounded by misty mountains at the junction
of the Mekong and the small Khan river.
The center of town is located on a peninsula on an altitude
of 300 meter above see level. Here we find ancient
buildings, the royal palace, monasteries and temples. In the
middle of the small city is Mount Phousi with stunning views
of the surrounding temples and hills.
Luang Prabang is a provincial city where time still seems to
stand still. As part of the UNESCO reconstruction plan, new
buildings have been limited and old houses and streets
receive reconstruction to keep Luang Prabang magical
place...
»Kuang
Si Waterfall
Following the road down south a magnificent waterfall offers
a day of discovery and perfect place to hang out in the sun.
The waterfall is about 30 km away from town and offers small
food stalls as well as the protection project for small
bears. An Asian tiger is hold there within his huge open air
cage. An amazing sight. Tuk-Tuks as well as normal cars
offer services to and from the waterfalls as it is the most
famous attraction out of town. Biking tours and trekking
arrangements can be combined with the waterfall visit as
well as multi day tours with trekking and home stays
Tad Sae
Waterfall
Crystal clear waters cascade over multilevel limestone
formations, forming pools surrounded by tropical trees and
plants. An ideal place for swimming and relaxing and also a
great place to get away from the crowd. The nearby river and
the lush green surrounding is just another beautiful place
around town that cannot be reached by road. You might use a
boat from Ban En or book one of the day trips that might
include Trekking and Elephant rides. Our Lao Spirit Resort
is just 15 min. away from the waterfalls.
Traditional
Arts and Ethnology Center
You are interested in the ethnic cultures of Laos?
Than visit the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Center, which
features information and exhibits of clothing, handicrafts,
baskets and religious artifacts from 7 different ethnic
groups of northern Laos. The Center has a museum shop where
you can buy a community handicraft and the Patio Cafe where
you can browse books on anthropology and culture while
sipping an espresso grown in Laos. Guided tours and
seminars are also available.
Wat Pa Phon
Phao
A forest temple famous for the teachings of Ajahn Saisamut.
When he died in 1992, his funeral was the largest that Laos
had seen in decades.
It’s Santi Chedi (Peace Pagoda) was built in 1988. This
large yellow stupa contains three inside levels plus an
outside terrace with a view of the surrounding plains. The
inside walls are painted with many Buddhist stories and
moral admonitions. You can easily reach this temple with a
bike or tuk-tuk. It is on the way to the Luang Phabang
Airport .
Ban
Panom Weaving Village
This village, populated by Thai Lue (a tribe with its
origins in Southern China ), is well known for cotton and
silk hand-weaving. Most of the women come into town for the
popular evening market in town, but at daytime you can see
them waeving with silk and cotton. Beautiful scarves and
newer patterns can be seen in Ban Panom.
Henry Mouhot
Gravesite
This is the tomb of the French explorer who showed the
famous Angkor Wat to the world. Henry Mouhot perished
of malaria in 1861, and the French erected a tomb over his
grave six years later. The last entry in his journal was
‘Have pity on me, oh my God’. Neglected for decades, his
engraved tomb was found by foreign aid staff in 1990. Today
it is a nice half day trip along the riverbank of the Nam
Khan and mountain bike tours as well as kayakers pass by for
a short stop while exploring Luang Prabang nature. Tiger
Trail also combines this site with some other adventure
package tours around Luang Prabang
Whisky Village near Luang Prabang
Ban
Xang Hai means jar-maker village. At one time that was the
industry here. Now the jars are brought in, and the small
community fills them with the white whisky (Lao Lao) made in
the village. Archeologists have excavated pots beneath the
village that could be 2000 or more years old. If you want to
try some of the finest and strongest Lao Lao shots you
should go there not to early in the morning.
Pak Ou Caves
north of Luang Prabang
Travel by boat about 25 km upstream from Luang Prabang on
the Mekong River to the famous Pak Ou caves, in a limestone
cliff at the mouth of the Nam Ou River. Already the boat
ride on the mekong is an experience and the landscape around
the cave is unique as well. These two caves are crammed with
a huge number of Buddha images of all styles and sizes. Both
caves are accessed by stairs. The lower cave, known as Tham
Ting, is naturally lit. The upper cave, Tham Phum, is
deeper, - bring a torch or rent one there.
Best
view from Luang Prabang
Mount Phousi and Wat That Chom Sii
situated 150m and 300 steps up above the peninsula with
spectacular views of the city and surrounding countryside.
Even the climb might be tiring, the view is certainly worth
the sweat. Looking out into the country side you can see
great mountains, the Mekong river and the great location of
the former kings residence. You can also see the old Royal
Palace, now the Museum, the old houses and surrounding
villages. The temple has a gold spired stupa that can be
seen from most parts of the city.
It is surely the most favorite sunset spot but also worth
seeing in the early morning - with less people |