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Luang Prabang Travel Guide
If there is anything that Laos takes most pride in, it is the historic city of Luang Prabang - even more so than the capital Vientiane. A cauldron of crumbling French mansions, ancient temples, saffron-robed monks, and ethnic villages, it is the country's biggest draw - some 400,000 travelers visit it every single year. It is located at the confluence of two great rivers, the Mekong and the Nam Khan, and has been a staple Southeast Asian destination since Laos embraced tourism back in 1989.
The first thing that visitors often notice about Luang Prabang, aside from the sights, is its sounds, colors, scents, tastes, and feel that invade the senses. May it be the noisy markets, spicy delicacies, exotic flowers, burnt offerings, or small-town atmosphere, Luang Prabang goes beyond the aesthetics.
UNESCO World Heritage Site
Luang Prabang had made its fame with its cultural heritage. Its history is traced back to 698 AD, and was an important commerce link among Laos, China, and Thailand. In fact, it once held the position of being the nation's capital, evidenced by the Royal Palace. Travelers are bound to see the traces of its past, like the Wat Xieng Thong which is its oldest monastery; the Pak Ou Caves that contain hundreds of Buddha statues; and the Wat Mai which is the city's center of Buddhism.
It is the city's fusion of traditional and 19th century colonial architecture that earned it the distinction of a World Heritage Site. While a tourist staple, its protected status has helped it preserve its sights and attractions - thanks to a ban on buses and trucks, as well as an 11:30 curfew law.
Highlights
The thousands of travelers who visit the city also discover that Luang Prabang possesses an underrated natural beauty too. Boating and rafting are at a premium at the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, which both provide adventure and sightseeing experiences. Animal lovers may find comfort in the knowledge that the rare Asiatic Black Bears are protected in the Bear Rescue Center near the beautiful Kuang Si Falls.
Perhaps one of the best examples of the city's unique traditional and French culture is its cuisine, which visitors can either sample or take cooking lessons of. Shopping trips are also common, with its busy markets hawking Lao handicrafts and goods.
Luang Prabang Landmarks:
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