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Luang Prabang

Visit Luang Prabang

Introduction

A visit to the former royal capital of Luang Prabang is a highlight of any trip to Laos - a World Heritage ‘city' of magnificent gilded temples at the junction of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

Luang Prabang is the best-preserved traditional city in South East Asia. It's really a small town though, easily discovered on foot or by bicycle, and the sight of saffron-robed monks wandering barefoot each dawn through the quiet, cobbled streets collecting alms from the locals provides a magical sense of Indochina in days gone by.

Luang Prabang is home to one of South East Asia's most authentic night markets, where local hill tribes come to sell their weavings and hand-made silver jewellery.

Out of town, the Kuang Si waterfalls, the Pak Ou caves, the gorgeous views from Mount Phousi and the dramatic gorges of the Ou River all compete for your attention.

The Royal Palace

The French built the Khmer-style Royal Palace for the Lao king Sisavang Vong at the start of the 20th century, in an attempt to bind the royal family into the colonial system of government.

The Royal Palace contains valuable Lao artwork and statues, including the Golden Buddha, or Pra Bang, a priceless 50kg gold statue, which gives the town its name.

A carved throne with a three-headed elephant insignia in the Coronation Room and the well-stocked King's Library are among the museum's other treasures.

Wat Wisunarat, Wat Mai & Wat Xieng Thong

Luang Prabang once boasted more than 65 wats, and while only half have survived, these ornate temples remain prominent landmarks.

The oldest operational temple, Wat Wisunarat, dates back to 1513, although the present building is an authentic reconstruction of the original, which was largely destroyed by marauding Chinese tribes. Next to the Royal Palace is Wat Mai, a royal temple with a distinctive five-tiered roof and an interior of red and gold.

However, the best example of a Lao monastery is, perhaps, Wat Xieng Thong, with its intricate carvings, delightful stone mosaics, gold-stenciled pillars and gardens shaded by banyan and palm tress.

Pak Ou caves

One of the most popular day excursions upstream on the Mekong from Luang Prabang is a trip to the sacred Pak Ou limestone caves.

Over the past 300 years local people have placed thousands of wood, stone and copper Buddha statues here, many of them in the pose of the Buddha calling for rain.

Kuang Si waterfall

Another attraction close to Luang Prabang is the misty Kuang Si Waterfall.

Surrounded by thick jungle, the water cascades over limestone rocks and collects in several tiered turquoise pools, ideal for swimming.

The journey to the falls passes through Hmong and Khmu villages and lush paddy fields. Once there, it's also worth visiting a rescue centre for Asiatic black bears that's close to the entrance to the falls.

 

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Top itineraries in Luang Prabang

Wat Sisaket, Vientiane, Laos

Best of Laos

13-day tailor-made holiday from £2,910 pp incl. flights

This introductory journey takes in several of Laos' must-see highlights, including Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves. Experience the very best of Laos' unique cultural and natural worlds.

Buddhist Temple, Luang Pabang, Laos

Laos & The Mekong

12-day tailor-made holiday from £3,065 pp incl. flights

See the best of Laos, before taking a Mekong River cruise into Thailand and the northern town of Chiang Rai, a centre for the country's unique hill tribes.

Hoi An, Vietnam

Highlights of Laos, Vietnam & Cambodia

23-day tailor-made holiday from £6,710 pp incl. flights

Experience the highlights of Indochina on this wide-ranging tailor-made holiday, taking in the unique cultures, history and natural world of Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia.

Top places to stay in Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Kiridara Hotel

Kiridara, Luang Prabang

Superior boutique

A boutique spa, tucked amongst dense teak forests and home to ancient Buddhist temples, sites and monasteries

Belmond la Residence, Luang Prabang, Laos Luang Prabang, Laos

Belmond La Residence, Phou Vao

Traditional hotel

Situated in stunning gardens with sweeping views across Luang Prabang, the Belmond La Residence offers peace and tranquility and boasts an excellent spa.

Exterior View, Maison Souvannaphoum by Angsana, Luang Prabang

Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum, Luang Prabang

Historic hotel

Luang Prabang, one of Indochina’s gems in Laos is waiting for you to explore her charms. Within this historic royal city, stay at the hotel which was once home to Laotian royalty, the Angsana Maison Souvannaphoum.

Sofitel Luang Prabang

Sofitel Luang Prabang

Traditional hotel

Sofitel Luang Prabang is located in the beautiful UNESCO-listed town of Luang Prabang, is designed by the accomplished architect Duangrit Bunnag and has a superb spa.

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When to go to Luang Prabang

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Meet our Luang Prabang experts

Speak to a tailor-made specialist on 020 7590 0613

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Why book with Wexas Travel?

At Wexas, we specialise in bespoke travel experiences. Our itineraries are just samples of what we can arrange, and can be changed depending on your precise needs, finances and ideas by our experienced destination specialists.

Contact one of our consultants on 020 7590 0613 to discuss how we can tailor your holiday.

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