Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang location map

It shares border with Oudomxay, Phongsaly and Huaphan provinces to the north, Vientiane and Xayaboury provinces to the south and southwest, and Xieng Khuang province to the east.

The city was formerly the royal capital and seat of the government of the ancient Kingdom of Lane Xang or the Land of Million Elephants.

Luang Prabang is a charming city with a lot of French colonial houses scattered in every corner of the city, small alleys with bougainvillea flowers in front of the houses, cafes with dim lights and cute outdoor terraces.

The sense of calm antiquity that first brought visitors to the city when Laos opened to tourism in late 1980s has been well preserved. The town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

It has both natural and historical sites, and it's well known for its numerous Buddhist temples, its monks and its well-preserved culture and traditions.

Royal Palace Museum

One of the highlights for most visitors to this city is the early morning procession of hundreds of monks from the various monasteries who walk through the streets collecting alms. It means getting up early, but it’s worth the effort.

For what it is and what it has, Luang Prabang has been considered one of Southeast Asia's "must see" destinations for over a decade.

Its landscape, golden stupas, monks, natural and historical sites, ancient traditions and cultures all come together forming a unique charming town, the like of which is increasingly hard to find in the region.

In 2008 the New York Times put Laos at the top of their list of “Places to Go”.

If you have hectic or stressful lifestyle, you will appreciate the relaxing atmosphere of the town.

Perhaps a stroll about town, watching the local life pass by, or simply lounging in a quiet café with a baguette and coffee can be just what you want. Or maybe a tasty Lao meal and a cold Lao beer while watching the sunset by the Mekong River is not a bad idea either.

If you are into natural travel, there are numerous lovely sites to visit and many activities where you can get at one with nature.

Falls and caves are just about an hour away from the city.  You can see a cave in the morning and swim at one of the falls in the afternoon if you're tight in time. However, to fully enjoy what this charming city has to offer you should allow at least a couple of days.