Luang Prabang is a stunning place. Nowhere else on this trip have we visited a town so beautiful. I say town, though after travelling through Vietnam for a few weeks it felt like a tiny village (the same would be true for the rest of Laos).
Another busy day on the streets of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang town is a UNESCO World Heritage site. It is centred on a small peninsula of land where the Nam Khan river meets the mighty Mekong. The central two streets running parallel to the larger river are littered with temples, monasteries and historic teak-fronted buildings. It is a former capital city of Laos and is still the spiritual centre, where many monks come to learn the ways of Bhuddism.
We spent a day visiting the main temples. Each one has its own unique style and interesting points. Most of the temples are free however a few of the more popular ones will set you back $1 or $2 to enter. Like any temple it is always necessary to be respectful and wear clothes that cover knees and shoulders (especially women).
Wat Mahathat had these huge silver nagas guarding the entrance to the temple.
Silver Nagas guard the entrance to Wat Mahathat
And the nagas at Wat Ho Siang were coming from the mouth of a bigger dragon.
More Nagas guarding Wat Ho Siang
At Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham we saw ornate carving on the doors and rafters, and even a small ceremony taking place inside.
The doors of Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Monks receiving donations in Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Three Bhudda statues at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
Wat Sensoukharam had a huge Bot (no giggling, that’s what they call the central hall) and also contained a funeral carriage.
Wat Sensoukharam
Wat Sensoukharam funeral carriage
Wat Xieng Thong is the largest monastery in Laos. The site had many ornate stupas and buildings featuring intricate mosaic decoration. There was also the huge funeral carriage that carried the body of last emperor of Laos to his final ceremony.
Wat Xieng Thong
The Emperor's funeral carriage at Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong Bhudda
A monk at Wat Xieng Thong
At the end of the day we climbed up the hill in town. Mount Phousi divides the town and is adorned by a temple on the top. This spot also offers a pretty stunning view of Luang Prabang and the surrounding countryside. It’s a bit of a slog in 38°c heat though!
View to the North from Mount Phousi
Sunset view from Mount Phousi
We arrived at the top in good time for the sunset but the place was packed with people waiting already. I also thought that, although the view was good, the image at sunset wouldn’t be as pretty as watching the sunset from the riverside. We sacked off waiting and went back down to another stunning Mekong sunset.
Sunset on the banks of the Mekong