Being declared as the UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is truly one of the most alluring places you can visit in Southeast Asia. It used to be the capital city of Laos that neighbors prominent Asians countries such as China, Vietnam, and Thailand. Whether it is its delightful Gallic cuisine or saffron-clad monks, the monumental 33 Gilded Wats or classic Indochinese villas, Luang Prabang has a lot to offer to its adventurous visitors. It is mostly a quiet, close to the nature destination where you will find yourself free from the breakneck pace and typical urban lifestyle of the surrounding regions.
Let’s dive into some key aspects of the exciting life at Luang Prabang:
The Architecture and Local Traditions
The Architecture of the city is composed of a wonderful blend of traditional Buddhist style temples with golden roofs and the French colonial constructions. As in most parts of Southeast Asia, Buddhist monasteries are quite common in Luang Prabang. You will see monks passing through the bustling streets of Luang Prabang early in the morning – collecting their food for the day (which they call, “alms”) and preparing for the day long praying and chanting ceremonies. If you are curious enough, you can participate in these ceremonies. You can request your guide for a brief etiquette lesson before leaving to ensure nothing goes wrong.
The Outdoor Life at Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a walking city, so the odds of you spending most of your time outdoors are quite high. And the best part is that you will enjoy every second and every sight throughout your ride or walk through the lively streets of Luang Prabang. There are monuments (33 Gilded Wats, Kaysone Phomvihane, and Monument of President Souphanouvong – to name just a few), lush green farms, amazing bamboo bridges, stunning waterfalls, exotic caves, exciting parks and playgrounds, and a lot more that will keep you captivated in this city. The weather is hot and humid most of the time. It is good to keep yourself hydrated with adequate water consumption and to avoid your skin from being sun damaged, keep applying sunscreen when traveling outdoors.
Dress code and Cuisine
The locals of Luang Prabang are considered to have a conservative mindset when it comes to the dress code of the foreigners. You will better off adhere to their culture and norms and wear clothes that are not too revealing.