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 Luang
Prabang is the jewel of Indochina, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1995. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains at
the junction of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan river. In
the centre of the city is Mount Phousi with stunning views of the
surrounding temples and hills. Luang Prabang is a city where time
seems to stand still. As part of the UNESCO plan, new buildings
have been limited and development must be in keeping with this magical
place.
Luang Prabang is small, and just about everywhere can be reached
by foot. Walking and travelling by bicycle is the best way to see
this tiny city.
Luang Prabang - City Sites
 Luang
Prabang has dozens of temples and religious sites, both large and
small. The best way to see these sites is by foot or by bicycle.
The biggest concentration of temples is in the old quarter, much
of which forms a peninsula between the Mekong and the Khan rivers.
In between temple visits, there are many small restaurants perched
high on the banks of the Mekong where you can watch life go by at
a very slow pace
Wat Xieng Thong - is situated 300m south of the confluence of the
Mekong and Khan rivers and was built in 1560. The temple is the
most stunning in Luang Prabang, richly decorated with coloured glass
and gold.
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. The climb is tiring, but the views from the top are
certainly worth it. From the top, you can see the old Royal Palace,
now the Palace Museum, the rivers and surrounding villages. The
temple has a gold spired stupa that can be seen from most parts
of the city.
The Royal Palace, now a museum houses a collection of artefacts
belonging to former rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang. Photography
is not allowed in the museum.
Luang Prabang - Getting There
 Lao
Aviation flies to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Houay Xai, Phonesavanh,
Luang Namtha and Oudomxai.
Slow boats travel between Vientiane and Luang Prabang and between
Luang Prabang and Houay Xai. Taking a slow boat is an adventure
for seasoned travellers only. Expect no toilets, no comfort and
expect to take your time. This is the real way to see old Indochina.
Speed boats run on the same routes but will take just a few hours
- you will pay accordingly. The journey is fast and furious and
not for the faint of heart
Buses run from to Luang Prabang from Vientiane's Nong Duang Market
three times a day. The service takes between eight and 14 hours.
There are also daily buses to Luang Prabang from Xiang Khouang and
Oudomxai.
Important Note
Visitors travelling by air will automatically register with immigration
police at Luang Prabang airport. All other visitors must register
with immigration police on arrival and departure in Luang Prabang.
Failure to do so will result in a stiff fine and you may have to
return back to Luang Prabang to complete formalities. Your hotel
or guest house will assisit you with the formalities.
Luang Prabang - Out and About
Pak Ou Caves
 Situated
25km upriver from Luang Prabang at the confluence of the Ou and
Mekong rivers are two caves, Tham Ting and Tham Phun, that house
countless numbers of Buddah images that have been left over hundreds
of years by devotees. The caves are best accessed by boat from LuangPrabang,
either a slow boat, that takes about two hours to reach or by speedboat.
Perhaps the most enjoyable way to visit the caves is to take your
time and enjoy a quiet lunch at the caves - there is a covered rest
area there where you can relax, enkoy lunch and take your time overlooking
the Mekong river.
Ban Xang Hai
Near Pak Ou caves, downriver towards Luang Prabang is the village
of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its manufacture of rice whiskey. The
villagers carry water from the Mekong and use it to soak rice in
large jars which sit for several days. The fermented rice yields
alcohol which can be drunk as a cloudy liquid, or distilled to make
a fire water.
 Kuang
Si Waterfalls
About 30km south of Luang Prabang, passing through many ethnic
minority villages are the magnificent Kuang Sii Waterfalls. There
are trails all around the falls and visitors can swim in the lower
pools. The falls has a covered area for eating and there are several
stalls serving simple Lao food and drink. A full day should be allowed
for a trip to the falls.
Ban Phanom Village
Situated four km from LuangPrabang is a small village famous for
its weavings. There is a small market set up here, and you can wander
in the village and see village women weaving underneath their homes
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