The province of Luang Prabang, with its approximately 404 000 inhabitants, is one of the most visited regions in Laos. And for the reason, the city of the same name, head of the province, is a very preserved architectural jewel, high in colour and relief, a kind of place of national pilgrimage… listed in World Heritage of Mankind. The city séduit the traveler with its dreamlike charm, calm, and the impression of emptiness.The peninsula (1 km long on 250 m wide) on which Luang Prabang was built, is located at 700 m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Kham River and the Mekong, in the heart of northern Laos. Considered as the cultural organ of the country, Luang Prabang is the most important site for a stay in Laos. In 1995, the request was sent to UNESCO, so that the city could be listed on the World Heritage List. This was done when, at the beginning of 1998, Federico Mayor, the then President of UNESCO, came to attend the ceremony of Luang Prabang's entry into this World Heritage. This former royal capital of the country is also the living home of the Buddhist tradition in Laos. Because of what, it is considered the most important pole of the Lao culture and its spiritual tradition. The cultural, religious and aesthetic interest of the trentaines of its vat and monasteries is known. The architectural influences mix the construction traditions of Lao-Burmese, Tai Lu, Chinese or Thai, with the end of the th, a French inspiration that is widely felt. One example is the old Royal Palace, which houses the Pra Bang (Golden Buddha, of ceylanaise origin), built at the beginning of the last century in a rather sober style. It is full of jewels that belonged to the royal family, antique furniture and objects, and frescoes that show a true artistic wealth marked by various influences. Mount Phoussi, which dominates the city with its golden stupa, and colonial houses also participate in the charm of the city, which combines an unspoilt nature with preserved colonial and religious architecture. A charm that goes far beyond what our eyes see, a more intimate charm linked to its inhabitants, the softness of living lying along the Mekong and the Nam Kham. Within a few years, the city should change significantly; Indeed, all the land west of the Mekong was purchased by the major hotel complexes. At the moment no building was built there. Moreover, traffic in the old town should be prohibited for vehicles. A large parking lot is expected on the east shore of the Nam Nam, between the Vat Vat and the Vat Luang, from which a bridge should cross the Nam Kham to reach the Old Town.

What to visit Luang Prabang?

Weather at the moment

Loading...
Organize your trip with our partners Luang Prabang
Transportation
Accommodation & stays
Services / On site

Luang Prabang travel inspiration

Find unique Stay Offers with our Partners

Pictures and images Luang Prabang

Vat Xieng Thong, danseuses traditionnelles. S.Nicolas - Iconotec
Wat Ho Pha Bang, temple bouddhiste de Luang Prabang. hadynyah
Vat Mai. Eric Martin - Iconotec
Balade sur le Mékong dans les environs de Luang Prabang. Aline SCHNEIDER

Other destinations nearby Luang Prabang

Send a reply