City Luang Prabang – The UNESCO World Heritage City of Laos
Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos, is a city located in the north central region of the country on the River Mekong. Also known by various names, like Louangphrabang and Louang Phrabang, the city has European architectural sites, Buddha caves and monasteries to its credit, making it one of the World Heritage Sites.
Accommodation Options
Guesthouse facility is the main accommodation option available in Luang Prabang.
Budget hotels and mid-range hotels can also be located easily in the region. Resorts and converted colonial villas are also preferred by the tourists. You can find best accommodation in the areas like Thammikarat Road, near Mekong riverfront, Kingkitsarath Road and Sakkarine Road. Breakfast, spa and massage facilities, pools and rooms with balconies are the common facilities at most of the accommodations. You can also find a few
youth hostels in the city.
History
Before the conquest of the town in 698 AD by Khun Lo, a Tai Prince, it was under the control of Nan-chao. After the Tai annexation, the town came to be known as Muang Sua. However, Nan-chao gained back the control in the 8th century. Soon, the Khmer Empire expanded its limit to the region. The town was known by the name of Xieng Dong Xieng Thong under the rule of Chanthaphanit. In 1353, the town was declared the capital of Lan Xang kingdom. After the fall down of the kingdom, Luang Prabang became the capital of the Luang Prabang kingdom in 1707. French forces and Japan captured the region in the 19th and 20th century. After the independence of Laos, Luang Prabang was declared the World Heritage Site in 1995.
Popular Places
Haw Kham is the royal palace located in the city and one of the popular places. Kuang Si waterfalls are other popular tourist spots in the city. Pak Ou caves, or the Buddha caves, are among the most visited attractions of Luang Prabang. Also, one can prefer to visit Vat Xieng Toung, the oldest monastery in the town. Wat Xieng Thong temple can also be counted among the topmost tourist attractions.
Phra That Khong Santi Chedi is the famous stupa in the city. That Chomsi, Wat Pha Mahathat, Wat Pha Baht Tai, Wat Pa Huak and Wat Pa Phai are among other tourist places you can prefer to visit.
Getting Around
Buses and boats are the two convenient modes of getting around the city. Though, you can prefer to hire a
guide and explore most of the tourist attraction on foot.
Places of Entertainment
You would love to watch the Alms Ceremony performed by the monks to collect alms. Bear Rescue Centre can be visited to see the endangered species of Asiatic Black Bears. The Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre can be visited to learn more about the country. One can also enjoy motorbike rides to explore the countryside. Local markets and stores can be visited to buy Chinese goods, paintings, handicrafts and notebooks. Food and drinks can be enjoyed at various restaurants and cafes in the city.
Language(s) Spoken
Lao is the official language, though Khmu and Tai languages are also spoken by many people. English and other foreign languages are spoken by hotel staffs.
Currency
Kip is the local currency, while Baht is also used in Luang Prabang. Make sure that you leave for the city after learning the currency exchange rates through online
news.
Group accommodation in Luang Prabang |
Cheap hostels & budget hotels
