It’s a great time to experience unspoiled Luang Prabang before crushing hordes of tourists arrive by the plane-load
For decades, Luang Prabang been a favourite among backpackers determined to take the arduous yet often more rewarding “road less travelled”.
As a relatively unspoiled destination, Luang Prabang – about 300km north of Vientiane in Laos – offers travellers a rare experience of traditional Lao culture and their way of life. However, recently, Luang Prabang has been fast-becoming a hot destination for everyone, as accessibility to this small town of 60,000 gets better and easier.
Fortunately, Luang Prabang has a good mix of sophisticated cafes, hotels, and fusion restaurants catering to foreign tastes while maintaining its distinctive Lao culture.
Before this scene disappears with the arrival of plane-loads of global tourists, here are some must-sees.
Ancient Tradition – Alive & Well
The Tak Bak or Almsgiving ritual in Luang Prabang thrives to this very day. Single files of monks, from every temple, march onto the streets to receive food from the residents.
They appear to move in a somewhat meditative state, with the oldest monk leading the way, while almsgivers quietly place food, flowers, or incense into the alms bowls.
This is a must-see occurrence, with opportunities to photograph vivid scenes. But you’ll have to arrive before dawn to catch it.
If you miss it on any particular morning, don’t worry. They have been doing this every morning for centuries!
The Living Temples
Despite the fact that Laos is a communist country, the people’s reverence for Buddhism remains highly-guarded. Within the small city limits of Luang Prabang, there are 32 temples, which are protected by the UNESCO World Heritage programme.
The oldest temple, Vat Visounarath, dates back to over five centuries, and still serves as an active place of worship for the locals. Nevertheless, the crowning jewel is Vat Xieng Thong – The Temple of the Golden City.
Built in the late 15th Century, this temple exemplifies the iconic graceful and sloping roofs and ornate gold-gilded carvings on the façades of classic temples. Its surrounding chapels and shrines within the compound are decorated with intricate paintings, depicting stories of one of their legendary kings.
Refurbished in the 1960s, the Temple remains an oasis of spiritual splendour to this day, serving devotees and travellers alike.
Breathtaking Views from Mount Phou Si
Luang Prabang is situated along verdant rolling hills and mountains. Its highest peak is over 2,000m, but the most popular is Mount Phou Si (pronounced Mount Pu-See) located in the centre of the town.
Rising over 100m (or about 25 storeys high), the steep and irregular steps lead travellers to an ancient stupa, and a wondrous panoramic view.
The highest point on the top is a small perch – room enough for one – overhanging the side of the hill. Tourists queue for a chance to snap selfies with the mighty Mekong River, the valley and its surrounding hills from this precarious vantage point.
Mekong & Pak Ou Caves (Tam Ting)
After a strenuous climb, reward yourself with a calm and relaxing cruise down the Mekong. Starting from the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River, the 7th longest river in Asia, meanders thousands of miles to arrive at Luang Prabang.
The two-hour upstream journey from Luang Prabang by longboat is the only way to get to Pak Ou Caves. Carved out of the limestone cliffs, the Pak Ou Caves house thousands of Buddha statues, ranging from 2cm to life-sized ones.
The caves continue to be an active area for devotees as part of their pilgrimages during the Lao New Year period. Facing the cave, across the river, is Ban Pak Ou (Village), where the restaurant overlooking the river serves Mekong carp and mountain vegetable dishes. Humble, yet tasty!
It’s a timeless experience as the lush, timbre-rich hills and the occasional house (shack) on the riverbank roll past, just as it was centuries ago.
For the More Adventurous
Aside from the classic attractions, there are a number of unique opportunities for adventurous travellers. The hilly areas are ideal for trekking while the Mekong offers an ideal place to kayak.
There are overnight stays, in tents, alongside the native hill tribes planting rice and weaving baskets. Or, the Kuang Si waterfalls where locals and tourists can swim together.
Trips like these are not complete without a visit to the night market or all-you-can-eat street-side buffets for US $1.25 – a real steal.
Unspoiled… For Now
The spiritual capital of Laos and its people doesn’t appear keen to change its traditional way of life. Perhaps, the local anecdote reflects that notion.
Laos is officially “Lao PDR” or “Lao People’s Democratic Republic”. But the people have humorously changed it to “Lao – Please Don’t Rush”!
So before Starbucks, McDonalds or flocks of tourists overwhelm it, rush to visit Luang Prabang before everyone else does and changes it. The clock is ticking.
By Frank Young
TIPS & RECOMMENDATIONS:
Thailand – Gateway to Indochina
Like many unspoiled places in Indochina, there is no direct flight from Singapore to Luang Prabang. Travellers must transit from another hub.
That’s why using Bangkok as a gateway into Indochina is a great idea. Spend a night in Bangkok, get your shopping fix, then conveniently hop on to Luang Prabang from there!
Hate crowds? Avoid the peak tourist season from October to January, which is also the cooler season. Be prepared for the rainy season in the summer months with short bursts of rain daily, just like in Singapore.
Highly recommended:
Bangkok Airways
Choose from many destinations around Indochina from Bangkok with twice daily flights to Luang Prabang. Economy class passengers get access to its airport lounge as well.
Cathay Pacific
Flies daily from Singapore to Bangkok. For a convenient way to stop over in Bangkok.
The Luang Prabang View Hotel
Situated on top of a hill overlooking the valley, this hotel offers a fantastic panorama of the surrounding mountain ranges. This is a luxurious respite from a full day of sightseeing, only five minutes by shuttle from town.
The Taramind
Exquisite Lao Cuisine and unique drinks such as Iced Jujebe Drink, Iced Cinnamon Bael Fruit Tea, etc. are served here. Seats are limited, so make reservations.
Tamnak Lao
Offers traditional Lao home-style cooking within a French Colonial setting.
Laos Trip Advisor [not related to TripAdvisor]
See the best of Luang Prabang with experienced English-speaking guides.
Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre (TAEC)
A boutique museum dedicated to preserving and showcasing handiworks of the local tribes. Tasteful and well- curated. Visit the museum and help their cause.
LOOK OUT FOR:
The Amari Watergate Bangkok
Directly opposite the Platinum Shopping Centre, The Amari Watergate is a strategic place for your shopping adventure.
The Grande Centre Point Terminal 21
Located directly above the Terminal 21 Shopping Centre, The Grande Centre Point offers exquisite rooms and views of the city.
www.grandecentrepointterminal21.com
The Blue Elephant Bangkok
This world-renowned restaurant serves Royal Thai cuisine fit for the most discerning.
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