Things to see and do Luang Prabang

Its name means "Monastery of the Golden City" or "Monastery of the Flaming City". It was built in 1560 by King Sai Sethathirath, a patron of the arts, to commemorate the memory of Thao Chanthaphanith, a merchant from Vientiane who was (according to legend) elected King of Luang Prabang before Fa Ngum. Until 1975 it remained under the guardianship of the royal family. It is an absolutely sumptuous place from an artistic and architectural point of view. The roof perfectly illustrates the local style with its complex structure of superimposed planes, its golden façade with a red background, its square and black pillars decorated with golden stencils, and its roof almost reaching the ground. The legend of Thao Chanthaphanith is illustrated inside the vihan.

Outside, the bas-reliefs on black or red background, illustrate on the right the legend of Thao Sisouthone and on the left that of Thao Souttasom. At the back, the superb Bodhi tree - tree of enlightenment or tree of life - climbs up the façade. The remarkable tradition of colored glass mosaics is very old. At the top of the roof, the dok so fa represents the bouquet of flowers of heaven. The chapel of the funeral chariot of King Sisavang Vong is of Xieng Khouang style. The imposing golden wooden chariot, which is 12 meters high, was used to transport the remains of King Sisavang Vong to That Luang for his cremation in April 1961. As for the Standing Buddha Chapel, it houses a gilded bronze statue, a gift from the King of Thailand to King Sisavang Vong. The Red Chapel in the shape of a parallelepiped (two-story composite roof, red pediment with gold decorations in bas-relief) houses a bronze statue of Buddha lying down in expectation of Nirvana; a statue cast in 1569, on the order of King Say Sethathirath. It is one of the most venerated in the country. The magnificent mosaics on the walls of the chapel depict scenes of life in a traditional village of the time. One can admire houses, trees, horses, elephants, fishing and hunting scenes, as well as religious scenes. Vat Xieng Thong is a high place of worship, very important during the celebration of the Lao New Year (Pi May, mid-April). On the second day, the meu nao, the superiors of the vat of Luang Prabang, arrive carried by faithful on the occasion of a great procession, in order to proceed to the ritual watering of the images of the Buddha and to attend the sacred dance of Phou Nieu Nia Nieu, the mythological ancestors of the Laotians.

This superb palace faces Mount Phousi. It was built in 1904 by King Sisavang Vong. The architecture shows different influences: French classical foundations and traditional roof with a three-headed elephant as an emblem. The palace was inhabited by the royal family until the removal of the future king Sisavang Vatthana and the queen in the north of the country in 1975.

The main entrance opens onto a huge park, Sisavangvong Street. On the left, as you enter, you can see the statue of Sisavang Vong (sculpted in 1960 by a Russian artist) whose hand position - one evoking a promise, the other holding the Constitution of the former Kingdom of Laos - symbolizes the oath of loyalty to her people. The checkroom is behind the statue, you will have to leave your bags and cameras, forbidden in the palace, in a secured locker. On the right, stands Wat Ho Pra Bang which houses the Prabang, the standing golden Buddha that gave its name to the city. This statue of Buddha of Sinhalese origin (between the 8th and 9th centuries) is 83 cm high and weighs 40 kg. It was offered in 1359 by the Khmer king Praya Sirichanta to Fa Ngum, founder of Lane Xang, in order to reinforce the legitimacy of the latter who made Buddhism the state religion. Entering on the left: the King's Secretary's Hall where gifts given to the sovereigns by foreign heads of state are displayed, including a collection of exceptional handicrafts. On the right: the former king's room where Art Deco murals illustrate the traditional life of the time. They were painted by the French artist Alix de Fautereau in the 1930s. In addition to the furniture and objects that belonged to the royal family, there are busts of the various kings of Luang Prabang as well as magnificent bronze drums. On the way to the throne room, one can notice the collection of Sevres vases, as well as a representation (wooden cabinet on the right) of a Dutch merchant with a large hat, whose testimonies have contributed to the knowledge of Lao history.

The throne room, with its frescoes in colored mosaics on a red background (1963) illustrating life in the palace, is quite unusual. The wooden throne is decorated with gold leaves. In the showcases, are distributed various religious objects, including crystal Buddhas dating from the fifteenth and sixteenth centuries, brought back from That Mak Mo, ancient statuettes, swords of pomp, jewelry and toiletries that belonged to the queen. When you cross the throne room (in the direction of the visit) you pass in front of the library, then you reach the private apartments of the royal family. Art Deco style (1930), very chic at the time. The dining room and the bedrooms have been stripped of their original decoration. We then go through the left wing occupied by the reception room of the queen. Here are displayed the portraits of Their Majesties King Sisavang Vatthana, Queen Khamphouy and Crown Prince Vong Savang.

Behind the Royal Palace, you can visit the garage which houses the collection of cars of the royal family, including two Lincoln Continental of 1960, an Edsel of 1958, an old DS Citroen, but also a jeep and a small boat. A must-see visit to learn more about the history of the country!

Located in the south of the city, next to the sports field, this temple whose name means "the temple of the stupa" was built by Mangthatourath around 1818. Also called Wat Pra Mahathat, the pagoda was named after the Lanna-style temple in northern Thailand. It was built in 1548 by King Say Setthathirath, but was almost completely destroyed during the storm of 1900, as was Vat Ho Xiang. It was therefore rebuilt and renovated several times (the last time in the early 2000s). It shelters about ten Buddhas. Moreover, it is the seat of many festivals in honor of Buddha, and the population meets there frequently. During the Lao New Year, Pi May, this temple is very active. Until 1975, the temple was used to celebrate the funerals and cremation of the high dignitaries of the kingdom. You won't miss the stupa or that. The That Luang is square plan, redented. Second emblem of the country after the That Luang of Vientiane, it is a "funerary" building which would shelter relics of Buddha. The smallest golden stupa, opposite the sim, was built in 1820 during the reign of Queen Pathoumma. Since the 1960s it has contained the ashes of Her Majesty Sisavang Vong, who died in 1959. The Wat also has a number of smaller stupas containing ashes of kings and other members of the royal family. The complex is home to one of the largest monk communities in the city, in traditional-style living quarters.

Located in the heart of the historic city, along Sakkarine Road, Vat Sene is one of the most beautiful temples in the city. Built in 1718 by King Kitsarath, the first ruler of the independent kingdom of Luang Prabang, on the site of an ancient shrine dating from the reign of Souvanna Banlang, Vat Sene Souk Haram literally means "temple of 100,000 treasures". It was the first monastery of Luang Prabang whose vihan (or sim) was covered with yellow and red tiles, of Thai inspiration in the Lanna style. At that time, such architectural audacity must have provoked a great outcry. The same type of colours can be found in the Vat Nong Sikhounmuang. Buddhist deities holding lotus flowers on horses and lions are represented in gold on the bright red walls. The windows are decorated with Khmer-style wooden balustrades and shutters. There are also two large dugout canoes used during the festival of canoes every year in August or September. This complex of the "Patriarch's Temple", as it is also called, houses a monastery with several dwellings for the monks, several stupas and chapels with Buddha statues, and a tower where a drum is enthroned. It was restored for the first time in 1932, and was restored a second time in 1957, on the 2,500th anniversary of the Buddha's birth, when it was consecrated anew. Unfortunately the sim rarely opens its doors, but with a bit of luck...

Wat Choum Khong is located at the end of the alleyway housing the Heuan Puang Champa. The name of this temple literally means "temple in the heart of the Gong". It is a beautiful building built during the reign of King Sukaseum (or Sukaseum) in 1843 and has been renovated several times since then. This temple is one of the most flowery of Luang Prabang, we can especially see Bougainvilleas. Located in the centre of the peninsula, where the commercial and tourist activities of the city are concentrated, it enjoys great tranquility. Close to the Vat Xieng Mouane, it shares not only the same architectural style but also some of its walls. The sim, like the majority of the city's walls, is decorated with gilded doors and frames, and its facade has a finely carved wooden mantling. One will take time to stroll in its garden which houses some recent statues of Buddha in the traditional positions, stupas, a tower with a drum, and a small chapel. Two Chinese-inspired stone statues frame the stairs leading to the sim. Reflecting the elements of yin and yang, the statues represent two of the main bodhisattvas of Chinese Buddhism: Vajra, the lightning or thunderbolt, representing male principles, and Ghanta, the bell, representing female principles.

Next to the temple, you can see the former house of the prince, the Villa Xieng Mouane, which has housed the tourist information centre and temporary exhibitions since 2006.

The superb view of Luang Prabang and the surrounding mountains is worth the effort: a climb of 328 steps. It is advisable to go early enough in the late afternoon to admire the sunset. At the foot of the hill stands the 19th century monastery of Wat Pa Houak, whose façade is decorated with wood carvings and mosaics depicting Buddha riding Erawan, the three-headed elephant. On the north face, the remains of Vat Pa Phou Thabat can be seen. Despite the horde of tourists who flock there at the end of the day, the visit is well worthwhile.

The Vat Chomsi is at the top. This small cross-shaped temple was enlarged in 1796. On the last evening of Pi May(Lao New Year), it was once the starting point for the procession of Nang Sang Khan, tutelary deity of the New Year: a long procession descended the steps to bring the sovereign the support of heaven, the protection of the geniuses and the homage of the people. The Ramayana was then performed in the purest tradition. Nowadays, this procession has been replaced by that of the civil and religious authorities of the country, accompanied by Miss Laos and the inhabitants of the city.

The That Chomsi, also on Mount Phousi, is a stupa built in 1804 by King Anurut and restored in 1914 by Tiao Komakhoun Duang Chanh, director of worship at the time. Its base is rectangular and not square, like that of the other stupa. Since 1997, it illuminates the city with all its majesty.

Vat Mai Suwannaphumaham, one of the largest temples in Luang Prabang, is located in front of the night market, next to the Royal Palace, making it one of the most visited. The Wat Mai, whose name means "new monastery", is said to have been built around 1796 under the orders of King Anurut, who wanted to build a monastery more beautiful than the others. It was then enlarged in the 19th century. It was during its restoration during the reign of King Manthatourat (1817-1836) that it took its final name. It benefited from major renovations in 1943 and 1962.
The roof of the sim is made of five wooden sections. The gilded motifs on the walls relate the legend of Pha Vet (Vessantara), the penultimate reincarnation of the Buddha, amidst village scenes. The magnificent red interior nave with its gilded motifs on the columns and walls, the various gilded Buddha statues, including the imposing central statue, are to be appreciated. Wat Mai is of particular importance among the city's temples, for a time it was the temple of the royal family; it also housed the Phra Bang, the country's national mystical emblem, after the Chinese invasion in the second half of the 19th century. It was also the residence of the highest Lao Buddhist dignitary, Pra Sangkharat.

During Pi May, the Lao New Year, the Phra Bang, the national emblem, is displayed for 3 days in a temporary pavilion in front of the sim. People from all over the country then come to sprinkle the sacred statue with water and make wishes.

This temple is in a very quiet area. Here you can admire many decorative works, such as paintings, gilding, stencils and woodwork. The monastery of the "joyful sounds" was built in 1853 by Phagna Phimphisane. In the past, it had a copper-plate floor. Its frescoes tell the legend of its creator. Those inside, behind the altar, represent the miracle of Savatti during which Buddha, outraged by an incredulous prince, multiplied infinitely his image in the sky to convince him.

His real name is Wat Maha Visunarath. Built in 1512 by order of King Visunarat, Vat Visoun is only the brick version of the original wooden vat, burnt by the Black Chinese Pavilions in 1887. Moreover, several statues of Buddha that it housed can now be found in the National Museum. It was rebuilt during the reign of Sakkarin Kamsuk at the end of the 19th century. It has a rather sober style to which a high ceiling gives a noble appearance. In the entrance, white marble decorates the floor, while the interior is covered with black marble, polished by time. The windows are similar to those seen in the temples of Angkor in Cambodia. The vat is home to some very beautiful religious works of art. Pi May ceremonies end here, in front of That Phathoum, the great stupa of the vat. Its popular name is That Mak Mo, which means "watermelon stupa", in reference to the shape of its dome. The spectacle of the Phou Nieu Nia Nieu (mythological ancestors of the Laotian people) closes the festivities to the sound of drums. Observe attentively the serene face of the Great Buddha inside the vihan (worship room). According to the legend, no artist had been able to give the right expression to this Buddha's face. Many tried but in vain, none seemed able to reproduce what he thought was beautiful and right. One day, while the craftsmen were taking a nap, a divine act was performed, and when they returned, the Buddha's face bore the expression we now know.

Vat Aham means "monastery of the blossoming heart". It was built at the beginning of the 19th century (around 1822) by King Mang Tha Tourath, close to the main altar of the city's geniuses: Ho Seua Meuang. Located next to Wat Visounnarath and That Makmo, Wat Aham is today a relatively quiet place. Two tigers watch over the pagoda, and the statues of the guardians Ravana and Hanuman - central temple figures from the Ramayana, the Indian epic, and its Laotian counterpart, the Phalak Phalam - stand at the southern and eastern corners of the front porch. Unlike a number of other pagodas in Luang Prabang, there is no external decoration on the walls of the porch. Also noteworthy: the complex houses various stupas and two bodhi trees (banyan or Bo tree) that house the protector of the royal spirit, the Haw Phi Khon. It was under a similar tree that Buddha attained enlightenment in Bodhgaya (India). The interior of the sim is colourful, with red and gold pillars, and the walls are covered with paintings depicting Buddhist precepts and scenes from the city's history.

During the 19th century, and before the Vat Mai succeeded him, the Vat Aham served as the residence of the Sangkhalat, the Supreme Patriarch of Buddhism; and it was considered the centre of the cult of the guardians of Luang Prabang, the Devata Luang spirits: Phou Gneu and Gna gneu, whose masks and dances are always present in ceremonies, particularly on the occasion of the Lao New Year.

The Traditional Arts & Ethnology Centre is a center for the exchange and demonstration of handicrafts of the different ethnic minorities of Laos (Akha, H'mong, Khamou, Mien Yao, Lanten, Tai Dam and Tai Lue). The aim is to promote the handicraft by bringing financial aid to the populations to preserve the customs. The visit is not very long, but worth the detour (if only because you participate in the preservation of traditions). The store is located on Sakkarine Road. A guide can be booked on request by e-mail.

The building is built in the pure local style: single-covering roof, carved and gilded wooden pediment, round and white pillars and gilded frescoes on a black background. It was built in 1758 during the reign of Sotikakuman. It has not been renovated, its pagoda is in a rather faded state, but it is nonetheless devoid of charm. One will notice the ceiling with traditional stencils, as well as the representations of Buddha present in the vihan. This temple is particularly animated in the afternoon: the young people of the district come to play there in company of the monks.

The entrance to the vat is located on the northeast side of Mount Phousi, opposite the former Royal Palace. The "bamboo forest" monastery was founded in 1861 by Phagna Si Mahan Nam, during the reign of Chantharath. Its wall paintings of the XIXth illustrate the miracle of Jamboupati, a prince too full of his person in front of which Buddha appeared like a king in all his majesty in order to give him a lesson of humility. If this small temple seems neglected, even abandoned - it has not been renovated -, it comes back to life during the festival season.

The Vat Phra Bat Tai, or "Buddha's footprint monastery", was built in the 15th century. Its recent vihan (room of worship) is undoubtedly of Thai inspiration (Lanna style, the former royal capital, today Chiang Mai). In 1960, its restoration was entrusted to the Sino-Vietnamese community. The Chinese-style entrance portico dates from 1970. To the right of it, the prasat is in Khmer style. The southern footprint of Buddha's foot is worthy of special veneration.

Set up in Laos since 1996, Gilles Maurer and Sébastien Duffillot decided to set up a non-profit association in 2001 to safeguard the last elephants in Laos: Kindness. In 2002, they organised a 1300-km-long caravan with elephants across Laos to raise public awareness about the threat of extinction hanging over the pachyderms. Desiring to share this unique experience with elephants, the founders of kindness create, in partnership with Lao Travel Agency Green Discovery Laos, "Elephant Adventures": circuits for lovers of nature and adventure who want to discover the "mount of kings" in the heart of the most secret Asian. Elephant Adventures has been specialising in elephant solidaires since 2007 and offers 2 to 5 day tours in northern Laos. These treks lead you through the region of Hongsa (between Luang Prabang and the Thai border), the original land of the elephants and their end in the province of Sayaboury. These hikes ensure an authentic encounter with the elephant through the learning of "cornaquage": preparation, conduct, pansage and bath of the elephant. The natural surroundings crossed are varied, preserved and exclusively operated by Elephant Adventures. No chance of crossing other travellers on routes! Elephant Adventures releases its turnover to the veterinary programme conducted by kindness (www.elefantasia.org) and tries, through a responsible approach, to promote the development of local tourism by perpetuating the tradition of "cornaquage" in its original area.

Close to Wat That Luang, this temple is said to have been founded in 1375 by Samsenthai, the son of Fa Ngum, southwest of the city centre. All that remains of the original sanctuary is the one-armed Buddha, a large bronze statue that must have been about 6 m high and 12 tons in weight, without a base. This statue dates from about 1378. It is probably the oldest statue of Buddha in Laos. It was an important temple, and in fact it housed the Prabang, the emblem of the city, from 1502 to 1513, before it was transported to Wat Wasunalat.

Located a few kilometres north of the town, MandaLao Elephant Conservation is a sanctuary for elephants that have spent the majority of their lives working for logging throughout Laos. Concerned about the welfare of the pachyderms, the place offers them a dignified and comfortable life in harmony with nature. A truly intimate opportunity to share the life of elephants in their natural habitat while ensuring a pleasant life for them. You will spend time close to the elephants, accompanying them in their natural environment.

The Elephant Conservation Centre is a sanctuary dedicated to the protection of the animal emblem of Laos, located in Sayaboury, just 2 hours from Luang Prabang. The Centre hosts about thirty elephants on a forest territory of 530 hectares. The elephants live there in semi-liberty, in a natural paradise located on the banks of Lake Nam Tien. Visitors have the opportunity to discover some of the conservation projects carried out by the team of passionate specialists.