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Luang Prabang Province |
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Located:
Luang Prabang is situated in the centre of northern
Laos, bordering provinces of Oudomxay, Phongsaly and
Houaphanh to the north, Vientiane and Sayabouly to the
south and southwest and Xiengkhouang to the east.
Total area: 16,875 square kilometers.
Population: Luang Prabang province has a total
population of just over 400,000 that includes 12
distinct ethnic groups. The Khmu are the largest ethnic
group in the province and make up the majority (about
44%) of the provincial population. They are a Mon-Khmer
speaking people known for their knowledge of the forest,
and they are believed to be the original inhabitants of
Laos. The Hmong are the second most populous ethnic
minority (16%). Lowland Lao comprise 39% of the
population and live mostly in lowland valleys and Luang
Prabang Town.
11 Districts: Luang Prabang, Xieng Ngeun, Nan, Pak Ou,
Nambak, Ngoi, Pakxeng, Phonxay, Chomphet, Viengkham and
Phounkhone.
Capital: Luang Prabang.
Hotels in Luang Prabang
History : Archaeological evidence suggests that Luang
Prabang has been inhabited since at least 8,000 BC. The
first Laos kingdom, Lane Xang, was founded here in the
14th century by King Fa Ngum after he conquered and
unified the lands of modern-day Xiengkhouang , the
Khorat Plateau and Luang Prabang. The city was first
reffered to as Muang Swa and by 1357 the name was again
changed to Muang Xieng Dong Xieng Thong by local
inhabitants. Shortly thereafter, King Fa Ngum accepted a
golden Buddha image called the Pha Bang as a gift from
the Khmer monarchy and the thriving city-state became
known as Luang Prabang.Luang Prabang was the capital of
Lane Xang until moved to Vientiane in 1545 by King
Setthathirath (although Luang Prabang remained the
country's main religious centre). The city's first
contact with western emissaries occurred in the mid 17th
century during the reign of King Surigna Vongsa. After
his death in 1694, Lane Xang broke up into three
separate Kingdoms; Vientiane, Champasack and Luang
Prabang.
By the late 19th century Luang Prabang was under attack
by marauding Black Flag bandits who destroyed many
sacred Buddha images, temples and historical documents.
Under King Sisavang Vong (1904-1959) a number of
restoration and beautification projects were launched,
many of which are still evident today. French influenced
buildings began to appear in the later 1800's, adding to
the mixture of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Tai
architecture.
Luang Prabang is rich in cultural heritage, and is known
as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments
traditional costumes and surrounded by many types of
nature's beauty. Luang Prabang province has a total
population of 365,000. It is one of two World Heritage
Sites in Laos named by UNESCO.
Flights to
Luang Prabang are served by Lao Airlines, Thai Airways
International, Bangkok Airways and PB Air, with regular
services to Vientiane, Chiang Mai and Bangkok.
Tourist Sites in Luang Prabang Province
Vat Xieng Thong Temple: Built during the 16th Century by
King Saysetthathirath and completed in 1560.
Wat Xieng Thong temple is one of the most interesting
examples of art and Buddhist architecture.
The ornate carved and gilded funeral vehicle of the
former king is kept in one of the buildings in the
temple grounds. It is well worth visiting and paying
your respects to this temple while in Luang Prabang.
This temple was used to organize the highest Royal
Ceremonies and houses the bones of King Sisavangvong.
The intricate golden facades, colorful murals, glass
mosaics and unique three-layered roof make this one of
the most beautiful temples in Asia.
Vat
Visounarath: This is the oldest surviving temple in
Luang Prabang, originally erected in 1503 by King
Photisarat and rebuilt in 1898. The carved wooden
railings in the temple's windows are reminiscent of
those found in the Vat Phou temple in southern Laos.
Inside you can admire ancient statues and steles. Also
located on the grounds of this temple is That Pathoume,
also known as that Mak Mo (watermelon stupa) because of
its shape.
Vat
Mai Suwannaphummaham: Built in 1796, Vat Mai (New
Monastery) was given its present name following the
restoration undertaken in 1821 by King Manthathourat.
Notice the four-tiered roof when visiting the temple, as
well as the scenes from daily life and the legend of
vessantara on the bas-relief walls.
Vat
Chomphet: Located across the Mekong river to the north
of Ban Xieng Mene, Vat Chomphet is built on the top of a
hill, and offers stunning views of Luang Prabang town
and the river. The temple was built in 1888, and
although currently undergoing renovation, the dragon and
bird designs on the ceiling still retain their mystical
power.
Binthabat: While in Luang Prabang, you may observe the
morning alms giving ceremony where monks walk through
town in single file carrying their alms bowls to give
laypeople the opportunity to offer alms and gain merit.
Offerings by the people are usually comprised of sticky
rice, fruit or simple traditional snacks. Known as
Binthabat in Lao, this is a sacred religious ceremony.
Tourists may participate and photograph the ceremony.
However, the people of Luang Prabang, especially the
monks, ask that this is done is a respectful way and
visitors do everything they can not to disrupt this
ancient tradition.
National Museum: The former Royal Palace, which was
constructed between 1904 to 1909 during the reign of
King Sisavangvong, has now been converted into the
National Museum. A collection of personal artifacts
belonging to the former Royal Family, historical
photographs, musical instruments and gifts to the nation
from foreign countries are on display.
Vat
That Chomsi Temple: Located at the top of Mount Phou Si
in the heart of the town, this delightful stupa was
built in 1804 during the reign of King Anourouth. Wat
That Chomsi has become a symbol of Luang Prabang's
spiritual significance to Laos. The view of the Mekong
and the city from the hilltop is superb, especially in
the evening. However, you must first climb 328 steps to
see the 20m high Vat Chomsi Stupa - please dress
accordingly and be aware that the consumption of alcohol
is strictly prohibited.
During the Pimai Festival, woman carry flower offerings
up the stairs and leave as offerings at the foot of the
stupa. A spectacular view is afforded from the top of
Mount Phou Si.
In the foreground the National Museum and gabled roofs
of the many Buddhist temples can be seen scattered
around the palm-tree label urban landscape. In the
distance, the Mekong and Khan rivers are set against the
dramatic mountain backdrop.
Tad
Sae Waterfall: This waterfall is accessible by car,
tuk-tuk, bicycle but during the rainy season can be
raech by boat only. It is divided into three limestone
steps and is ten minutes ride up the Nam Khan River from
Luang Prabang. This waterfall is perfect for picnicking,
swimming and relaxing.
Tad
Kuang Si Waterfall: This impressive waterfall is located
about 28 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. You can take
a tuk-tuk from the center of the city or rent your own
transport. Several villages inhabited by people from
ethnic minorities can be visited along the way to the
waterfall. The scenery on the way to Tad Kuang Si is
beautiful featuring fresh air, flowers and wild animals.
Tham
Ting Cave (Pak Ou Cave): The caves are located 25km
upriver from Luang Prabang, at the confluence of the
Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers. These caves are a well known
Buddhist site and a place of pilgrimage with 5,000
statues-mainly Buddha images in the traditional Luang
Prabang style. To get to the cave, take a slow boat 1.5
hours upriver or a car/tuk-tuk for about one hour.
Nong Khiaw & Muang Ngoi Gao: Nong Khiaw is a small
district capital bisected by the Nam Ou River north of
Luang Prabang, famous for its dramatic limestone cliffs
and lush vegetation. From Nong Khiaw take a boat one
hour upriver to Muong Ngoi Gao, where you can get a
taste of traditional Lao village life and relax in
riverside bungalows.
Trekking-Chomphet & Muang Ngoi: In Luang Prabang, two
community-based treks have been supported by the Mekong
Tourism Development Project. One trek begins just across
the river from town in Chomphet district; the other
starts in Muong Ngoi. Both are 2-day. 1-night treks
where you can enjoy nature, interact with local people,
and be confident that you are contributing to the
sustainable development of tourism in Laos. More details
are available at the Tourism Information Center.
Ban
Phanom: This village located 4km to the north of Luang
Prabang was a former royal weaving village. You can view
women working on their looms, buy their products and
take a stroll through the village. It can be reached by
bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Ban
Long Lao/Ban Nong Heo: A Hmong and Khmu village one
hour's journey from Luang Prabang (travel by car or
tuk-tuk). This village is located in a beautiful valley
is the starting point for a three hour trek that
finishes at the Kuangsi waterfall. Local guides are
available to lead you to the falls (note they speak only
Lao). You can also begin a longer five hour trek to
Kuangsi Waterfall from Ban Nong Heo, which has a
spectacular view over the valley and river. Ban Nong Heo
is 20 minutes from town by tuk-tuk.
Ban
Xieng Mene: Located across the Mekong from Luang Prabang
Town in Chomphet District, Ban Xieng Mene is part of the
World Heritage Site and offers a glimpse into Lao
village life. There are several temples worth visiting
in the village, including Vat Chomphet (visible up on
the hill) which offers a spectacular view of Luang
Prabang Town and the Mekong. Ban Xieng Mene is also the
starting point for several short walks and bike-rides in
the district, as well as longer two and three day treks.
Ban
Chan: This village is famous for its traditional
pottery-making, where you can watch pots being
hand-thrown and fired in old ovens. The village's lamps
and pots decorate the small streets of Luang Prabang's
old town, and are known all over northern Laos. Ban Chan
is located in Chomphet District, across the Mekong River
and to the south. It can be by boat in 15 minutes, or by
taking a boat across to Xieng Mene and walking
downstream along the river for 25 minutes.
Where to shopping / what to buy
Night Market: Open between 5pm-10pm, the atmospheric
night market is set up on the main road between the post
office and the museum, selling a large variety of local
textiles and ethnic handicrafts, There is also a small
lane with lots of food stalls serving inexpensive local
fare located next to the Ancient Luang Prabang Hotel.
Phosi Market : The largest market in Luang Prabang, the
newly constructed Talat Phosi has lots of fresh produce,
meat, household goods and clothing. It is a located on
the road to Kuangsi Waterfall and can be reached in
about 5 minutes by bicycle or tuk-tuk.
Handicraft Market : On the corner across from the Phousi
Hotel and Post Office, the handicraft market is open
during the day (the vendors then move to the night
market after 5pm) and is filled with ethnic handicrafts
made mostly by the Hmong.
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Source: Lao National Tourism Administration
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