Luang Prabang
is located in north-central region, on the Mekong River about 425 km north of Vientian, the capital of Laos. Luang Prabang is the capital of Luang Prabang province. The current population of the city is about 103,000. Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of the same name until the communist takeover in 1975.
Luang Prabang is located 320 metres above sea level in the green heart of the steep mountainous country of north-central Laos. The old historical town is perched on a narrow peninsula of rock at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers. The centrepiece of the town is Mount Phousi (Sacred Mountain), crowned by the spectacular golden spire of Wat Chomsi. (Wat=Temple) This idyllic setting affords views in all directions of colonial villas, jumbled village houses nestled among rice fields and banana trees, swooping roofs of venerable temples and the glinting surface of winding rivers disappearing among steep green hills slashed with dramatic ochre cliffs.
Luang Prabang today
Life seems to be flowing in slow motion here. There is no overload of traffic yet. the enchanting city is small enough to explore on foot.The entire surface of the core city was declared an United Nations World Heritage Site in 1995 in order to protect its 32 precious temples, the former royal palace and classic French /Laotian colonial buildings. The town is surrounded by extraordinary natural beauty including spectacular waterfalls, sheer amber-coloured cliffs, and ancient cave complexes. Buddhism is an intrinsic and powerful part of day to day's life here and groups of orange-robed monks and novices from age eight to 80 are a spiritual part of everyday life in town. Colourful local markets display an eclectic collection of richly-coloured textiles, home wares and jewellery alongside all kinds of fresh fruits, local foods and crafts from sturdy iron work to delicate paper lanterns. riverside cafes under vast trees cling to riverbanks offering a peaceful vantage point from which to watch the Mekong, and the world, pass by. The gentle spirit of Laos thrives in Luang Prabang.
The beautiful every day vibrant street markets is where one can get a strong impression of the locals and day to day's life. While strolling though the streets and markets the radiance of the locals is intense of an inner friendliness, independence and peace. The people here strong believe in their own potential and their ability to master every day’s life joyful and with dignity. The absence of stress and rush is amazing and one feels like in a land of profound joy.
Where to stay
Only a few small Hotels are there with high standard while there are many charming guest houses right in the center of town. Around Luang Prabang about 15 minutes out of town a few resorts are offering more calm, nature and space.
Down town are lots of cafes and restaurants as well as along the two rivers Mekong and Nam Khan which are offering delicious traditional local food in a nice atmosphere. Italian and French restaurants are not missing as well. To enjoy
good food and eating anyway is very important in Luang Prabang as it is is anywhere in Asia.
Attractions
The Peninsula iself is an attraction to explor not only tourist places but as well to explore litle streets and angles an wonderful places along the two rivers to enjoy
Interesting guided citytours, the historical royal palace museum. Short trips to the hand kraft villages around Luang Prabang are interesting. Each village produce one theme only like silk waving, bamboo work, wood carving or forgerone ware.
Elephant treks are proposed as well as trips into the mountains to visit the famous hill tribes in their villages. Trips to numerous spectacular waterfalls in amazing protected natural jungle areas, or interesting boat rides on the river Mekong.
Development
Luang Prabang from a western visitor point of view is behind in development of economy and infrastructure in many levels. Exactly this is the Charme of Luang Prabang. It opens up now but slowly. Since a few years touristic structures
are developing and at the moment (2017) the town seems to be a construction side, there are all kinds of activities, restorations and projects to build up the infrastructure.
- Roads are in process to be paved
- A new market center has just beed inaugurated
- Only a few small resorts and hotels were build, but now international chains are interested to establish around the town.
- Lots of private villa development
- A new golf court is opened
- A wonderful small cultural centers are active
- A nice aspect is that the local architecture mix with colonial French and Asian influence is respected and even protected and controlled by the local authorities with support of the UNESCO world heritage architectural comity.
