Luang Prabang, UNESCO World heritage site, is a city located in north central Laos, on the Mekong river about 400 km north of Vientiane, and the capital of Luang Prabang province.
Luang Prabang is rich in culture heritage, known as the seat of Lao culture, with monasteries, monuments traditional costumes and surrounded by many types of nature's beauty. Luang Prbang province has a total population of about 400,000. Main Ethnic groups are khmu, Hmong and Lao loum.
Luang Prabang is a town that wakes early each day when, beginning ever so faintly, the bells, gongs, and drums of local temples crescendo around 5 am to send Luang Prabang's estimated 1,000 resident monks and novices on their morning alms rounds. Making a circuit around the small peninsula formed by the Nam khan and Mekong, the crisp column of barefoot, orange - robed figures collect rice or treats to the monks as they pass - a unique way to connect in a city that alive with Buddhist culture and history. The colonial legacy and torch of Franch culture and custom is born by Luang Prabang 's colonial architecture and rich cousin. Even the briefest visit to this magically tranquil town is memorable.
Designated a UNESCO world heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang is named after the golden statue that's kept here, the prabang, or the great holy image. " Luang Prabang was the first capital of Laos and has mercifully remained relatively untouched by war, which means that many of 33 temples are original, and the town's charm is ancient and authentic.
And there is certainly something magical about Luang Prabang. It's a place to wander, to watch street -side craftsmen, get lost in lazy back alleys amid stately colonials, and stop for a chat down by the river or in one of many cozy street-side cafe. Allow yourself at least 3 days to sink into the city 's languid rhythms, but beware: You might end up staying longer than planned. Day trips by boat to Pak Ou caves, outlying weaving villages, and waterfalls round out the experience.