“The World Heritage City” Luang Prabang, the name means “ Royal Holy Image” was established by Fa Ngum in 1353 was the first Lao Kingdom and the capital rewith its gleaming temple foots and crumbling French architecture. It is the ancient capital city of Lane Xang Kingdom (sometimes translated as Land of a Million Elephants). According to legend, its first name was Muang Swa. Later it was known as Xieng thong. A stroll through the streets of this enchanting city is a journey back through the history of the Lane Xang Kingdom, the land of a million elephants. The Lao and foreigner tourists like to visit Luang Prabang during Pimai Lao (Lao New Year), in mid April. It is celebrated with emphasis on the features that are different from others regions. The city is also small where you can tour on foot with pleasure. Where to visit in Luang Prabang In 1995, UNESCO listed Luang Prabang province as a world heritage site. The magical and charming Luang Prabang is the every traveler has to see once in his lifetime. Wat Xiengthong: Wat Xiengthong is the masterpiece of Buddhist with golden facades and colorful murals. This temple was used to organized the highest Royal Ceremony and housed the funeral vehicle of the former king. it was built in 1560, represents classic local temple architecture. Wat Wisunalat, Wat That Luang, Wat Mai and Wat Aham are also interesting temples National Museum (The Royal Palace Museum) The Luang Prabang National Museum is a housed in the former Royal Palace, which was constructed in 1904-1909 as King Sisavangvong’s palace. It displays a lovely collection of personal artifacts of the royal family. The building itself feature a mixture of French styles and traditional Lao motifs. Tham Ting cave The Tham Ting (Pak Ou Holy Caves): are located within the steep rock-cliff that rises vertically from the water of the Mekong river, where it meets with the Nam Ou river. Can reach by car, tuk-tuk or a 2-boat trip upstream from Luang Prabang. Underground sanctuaries venerated for centuries that house thousands of statues of the Buddha. Tham Ting and Tham Phoum are accessible by the Mekong River from Luang. During the celebration of the Lao New Year, Luang Prabang residents and tourists from every corner of Laos come up the Mekong by boat or car to make merit at the caves. Opposite the caves is Ban Pak Ou a fishing village that regularly supplies fish for Luang Prabang market. Along the way to the cave, you will stop at Ban Sang Hai where people in this area produce Lao liquor (Fermented rice liquor). Kuang Si water falls Tat Khuangsi is situated in deep thick forest, 29 km south away from Luang Prabang city where is one of the most beautiful scenery with flowers fresh air and see tribes who live in the mountain with traditional lifestyle. The water tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into several cool, green pools good for relaxation and swimming. You can Take Tuk-Tuk or Mini bus at Dala Market at any time. At the site are beverages and snacks services in reliable prices. Ban Phanom (Weaving Village) On the left bank of the Nam Khan River just 2.5 km from the city is a Leu village built 300 years ago. The Leu of Ban Phanom came originally from Yunnan Province (China). It is the right place of hand-woven product. At its gallery you are welcome to purchase and order any kind of its best quality fabrics thread by local people: Lao traditional sinh (skirts), Hangings, Home Interior Decoration Textile, Baby gifts, Carvings…and more! Phusi Mountain It is the highest green hill, located in the heart of Luang Prabang. At its top you will find the majestic of That Chomsi Stupa. The summit offers a marvelous view of the city and the surrounding countryside, especially at sunset. Useful Information Telephone Luang Prabang’s area code is 71. Domestic and international calls may be placed from the public call office, the post office, or any of the telephone booths in town. You may purchase a telephone card at the public call office and at designated shops around town. Office Hours Official hours of all government offices in Luang Prabang are Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 12:00 and 13:00 to 16: 00. Banks are opened Monday to Saturday, 8:30 to 15:30. Exchange office open 7 days per week from 8:00-16:00. The post office is opened from Monday to Friday, 8:00 to 17:00. Getting around Luang Prabang is a small city, and is best explored on foot. However, tuk-tuks and cars are available to take you to all attraction places inside and outside of town. Bus station Bus from Luang Prabang departure time to Vientiane via Vangving at 6:00 AM untill late afternoon every day. Just 3000-4000 kip from city to bus terminal or 3000-5000 kip from the bus terminal to town in the night time. Accommodation Guesthouses are blooming up wildly in the whole country in different prices depend on their qualities from 20,000 -60,000 kip per night
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