Buzz
Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos, greets visitors in May with alternating sunshine, rain, and the refreshing breeze of early summer blowing through its heritage streets.
Travel Essentials for Visiting Luang Prabang
Nestled amidst the mountains of Upper Laos and the majestic Mekong River, Luang Prabang warmly welcomes travelers with its coolness and charm. The journey from Hanoi to Laos's heritage city spans nearly 900 km, with 700 km winding through mountain passes.
Luang Prabang's bus station sits on the outskirts of the city. We hailed a tuk-tuk to take us to the city center, to the hotel pre-booked on Kingkitsarath Street, nestled between Phousi Mountain and the Nam Khan River. Opening the window, a cool breeze from the river swept in, soothing the lingering heat of early summer. A restful night on Luang's soil feels as serene as the tranquility of this land.
The sunrise scene through the hotel window reveals distant mountain ranges, momentarily veiled under forest clouds. A house blending French architecture with Laotian tradition hides amidst the beautiful coconut palms, captivating the heart.
We were also informed by the hotel reception about the morning alms-giving ritual by the monks around 5-6 am on the central streets. Regretting missing it the previous day while admiring the sunset, we vowed to participate in this intriguing activity the next morning.
Having feasted our eyes, we sought something to satiate our hunger, and the best choice was Luang Market. Situated left of the Royal Palace, now the Luang Prabang National Museum, the bustling market offers a plethora of Laotian delicacies such as grilled chicken, pork, various bamboo shoots dishes, and even noodle dishes reminiscent of Vietnam.
In the central part of the market, there's a bustling noodle stall, mainly frequented by locals. Two Laotian elders recommended their coconut-based noodle soup with pork and fragrant herbs. Conversing, we learned that they are currently doctors at Luang Hospital and alumni of Thai Binh Medical University in the 90s. The conversation flowed in Vietnamese, making us feel as though we were in Vietnam.
Along the main aisle, tropical fruits like watermelon, mangoes, and pineapples are abundantly displayed. Here, we learned that vendors never haggle. They always wear bright smiles and cheerfully respond to tourists' questions like 'How much?' with 'Sa bai dee' (hello) and 'Khop chai' (thank you).
After a stroll around the market, we were all stuffed with the rich flavors of the land of a million elephants. Such a breakfast was more than enough to explore this beautiful heritage city.
Having covered the market, we stepped foot into the Royal Palace, now open for tourists to delve deeper into the feudal and modern eras of the Laotian people. From the 14th century until 1946, Luang Prabang was the capital of the Kingdom named Lang Xan, and before becoming the former capital in 1975, it was still the center of the Kingdom of Laos.
Situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this city boasts the highest density of temples per capita in the world, with a staggering 98% of the population adhering to Buddhism. From the summit of Phousi Hill, one can behold a panorama adorned with soaring pagodas, emblematic of Laos' Buddhist heritage.
A must-visit on your journey to Luang Prabang is the venerable Wat Xieng Thong, the oldest and most renowned temple in the area. Erected during the reign of King Setthathirat between 1559 and 1560, this temple, known as the 'Golden City Temple,' showcases an architectural marvel with its sweeping rooflines and intricate carvings, a testament to the artistry of its craftsmen.
Beyond its distinctive temples, Luang Prabang captivates visitors with its unique blend of traditional Laotian and French colonial architecture. It is the harmonious fusion of these elements that led to Luang Prabang's designation as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
Located upstream on the Mekong River, Kuang Si Waterfall lies approximately 30 km from central Luang Prabang. Embarking on a breezy tuk-tuk ride through the Teak-lined avenues, we ventured away from the city center.
In stark contrast to the scorching heat of upper Laos, Kuang Si Waterfall offers a refreshing respite. Standing at approximately 60 meters tall, with cascading tiers enveloped by pristine forests, it beckons some members of our party to succumb to its allure. They plunge into the majestic cascade, their ecstatic cries mingling with the roar of rushing waters.
At Kuang Si Waterfall, visitors can also explore the Bear Conservation Center and Butterfly Park, both alluring for their novelty and proximity to nature.
Delicious Eats:
– Most dishes at Luang are oily and spicy grilled dishes. Apart from noodle dishes, there are few green vegetables served.
– Lao Beer is a favorite among many tourists. Priced at 10,000 - 15,000 Lao kip (27,000 - 40,000 dong).
– You should try dishes made from fish, shrimp caught near the Mekong River close to Wat Xieng Thoong temple.
– Prices usually range from 15,000 - 35,000 Lao kip per meal per person (40,000 - 100,000 dong).
Other Points to Note:
– Women should dress modestly when visiting temples and the Royal Palace.
– It's advisable to use sunscreen, hats, or umbrellas as the weather here can be quite sunny and hot.
– Vendors at the night market often engage in bargaining, you should negotiate around 50-70% of the asking price.
Source: Lê Hồng Thái/vnexpress
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Reference: Travel guide by Mytour
ExploreVaca.comMay 29th, 2017
