Luang Pra Bang Laos Travel Guide A Vagabond Life
Luang Pra Bang Laos Travel Guide
Luang Pra Bang is one of my favourite places on the planet. Its remoteness has meant that until very recently it was difficult to get to thus preserving it in a little time bubble.
Luang Prabang was the ancient royal capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom until King Phothisarat moved the administrative seat to Vientiane in 1545. When Lan Xang broke up following the death of King Suriya Vongsa in 1694, one of Suriya’s grandsons set up an independent kingdom in Luang Prabang, which competed with kingdoms in Vientiane and Champasak. The monarchy was weak and after a horrific attack by the Black Flag wing of the Chinese Haw in 1887, the Luang Prabang kingdom accepted French protection, and a French commissariat was established in the royal capital.
The French influence is still strong in the town with beautiful colonial buildings and wide streets making Lung Pra Bang a wonderful place to simply wander around. The lovely Luang Pra Bang sits on the confluence of the Mekong and Man Khan Rivers.
Luang Pra Bang is far more expensive than other parts of Laos with few real budget options.
Luang Pra Bang Table of Contents
Luang Pra Bang Laos
Luang Pra Bang Laos
Things To See & Do In Luang Pra Bang Laos
Luang Pra Bang Laos Royal Palace
Luang Pra Bang Laos Royal Palace
The Royal Palace is in the heart of the old town and was built in 1904 during the French colonial era for King Sisavang Vong and his family.
The site for the palace was chosen so that official visitors to Luang Prabang could disembark from their river voyages directly below the palace and be received there. After the death of King Sisavang Vong, the Crown Prince Savang Vatthana and his family were the last to occupy the grounds.
In 1975, the monarchy was overthrown by the communists and the Royal Family were taken to re-education camps. The palace was then converted into a national museum.
Mount Phou Si
Mount Phou Si (Mt Chomsy)
Climb the 328 steps to the top of Mt Chompsy for a stunning panoramic view of Luang Pra Bang and its surrounds.
Mt Phou Si is 100 metres high and sits smack bang in the middle of Luang Pra Bang old town. The mount holds religious significance to the local people with several Buddhist shrines along the way.
Wat Chom Si is the shrine that sits on the top of the mount.
Luang Pra Bang Laos Monks Alms Walk
Luang Pra Bang Laos Monks Alms Walk
Each morning at day break the Monks of Luang Pra Bang walk the streets of the town to collect food. Locals and visitors place food into the containers the monks carry.
If you wish to participate in this ancient ritual ensure you are giving food that is of high quality, your guesthouse will be able to provide you with appropriate food gifts.
Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls are stunning three tiered falls 29 km south of Luang Pra Bang. The falls are a popular swimming spot in the dry season and become a raging torrent in the wet season.
To get there catch a taxi or tuk tuk, there is a small market at the gates to the park with several food stalls serving simple tasty food.
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre
The Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre wa established in 2003 to house bears rescued from the horrendous bear bile trade that exists in south east Asia.
Visitors to the centre walk along the Bear Discovery Trail which leads to the popular Kuang Si waterfall.
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