Joanna James
Beautiful and ancient, the rivers Mekong and Nam Khan enclose the city of Luang Prabang which is a UNESCO World Heritage site. There is much to see and remember in this warm and vibrant township.
Nestled cosily at the meeting point of the Mekong River and the Nam Khan River, Luang Prabang is infused with the lull of the waterways, the loveliness of the circlet of mountains and the mystery of the deep woods. Whenever mist descends over the mountains and across the township, Luang Prabang puts on magical attire. You can even find this beauty in the environs of a boutique hotel. Luang Prabang truly is blessed with nature's bounty.
From 1893 to 1953, Laos was a French protectorate. The influence of France still lingers in cities like Luang Prabang. Hotels such as the AVANI+ Luang Prabang serve French cuisine and the colonial buildings and French-style cafés dot the city. You could visit a café to get a croissant and café au lait for breakfast.
Luang Prabang's night market is one of the best in the entire region. The goods for sale are pretty decent and the food is to die for. Once you browse for purchases and satiate your hunger pangs with street food, you could head towards a nearby pub to drink and contemplate life.
Farmers come to food markets to sell their homegrown produce including poultry and meat. A walk through a food market in Luang Prabang contains a bit of storybook charm. Wild mushrooms, chillies of vibrant hues, sweet-smelling herbs, mouthwatering fruit, piglets in baskets and gleaming silver of freshwater fish all combine to create a unique charm.
Approximately 29 kilometres south of Luang Prabang, turquoise pools await the majestic cascade of the Kuang Si waterfalls. The waterfall and the pools beneath are worth the trouble of passing through hawkers and the neglected parking area on the way. You can take a cooling dip in the pools but be careful as the rocks beneath are rather sharp.
The Pak Ou caves are located on the other side of the Mekong River. Take a boat ride to cross the river and explore caves that date back thousands of years. There are astounding 4000 Buddha statues in the caves ranging from miniature to massive in size.
Buddhism played a strong role in shaping Laos as it is today. There are numerous gilded wats across Luang Prabang. You could pick a few and visit to discover the stories these temples narrate. Wat Phon Phao, Wat Mahathat and Wat Aham are some of the temples that stand out from the rest. The influence of Buddhism in Luang Prabang can be felt in the customary morning alms round of saffron-clad Buddhist monks. This practice dates back centuries. However, take care not to get dragged into the frenzy of tourists taking photographs with little respect to the monks.
A true believer that the pen is a mighty weapon, ventures into reaching the minds of every reader with the earnest hope of leaving an indelible stream of thought.
A travel writer who has a passion for fashion and a deep interest in admiring new and exotic attractions around the world.
