Joanna James
The city of Luang Prabang in Laos is one of the most visit-worthy destinations in the country. Visitors can look forward to exploring temples, an active nightlife, breathtaking nature and much more. It is also the country's first UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Temples or Wats as referred to in Luang Prabang are a common sight in the city. There are between 30-35 temples located here and it is impossible not to spot one while walking through the city. It doesn't matter what your beliefs are but wandering through the red and gold grounds can be quite soothing to the soul. Out of the many, Wat Xieng Thong is the best-known temple in Luang Prabang. Wat Visoun is also a visit-worthy monastery in the city. If you want to travel with ease around Luang Prabang, it's best to find accommodation at a place such as Avani+ Luang Prabang.
A hike up to Mount Phousi is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang. Once you reach the summit, you can get a magnificent view of the sunset. There are two entrances to the hike and both involve climbing hundreds of steps. But once you reach the top the 360-degree view of the city and Mekong River is mind-blowing. Mount Phousi is considered a sacred religious site for followers of Buddhism. Halfway up the mountain, you get the Wat Tham Phou Si and at the top is Wat Chom Si, which is a Buddhist stupa.
It's not wrong to say that Luang Prabang has one of the best night markets in the region. The vibrant and flamboyant night markets open at 7 pm and close shop by 11 pm. Located at the centre of the city, the market sells locally produced clothing, accessories, handicrafts, and accessories. You can bargain with the vendors but remember that most of them make a living out the income at the market. The streets lit up and become colourful so the atmosphere is ideal for photographs.
A short trip to the Kuang Si Waterfall is one of the best excursions in Luang Prabang. The water at the fall is strikingly blue and you feel like you are swimming in the sky. The 50-meter high waterfall cascades onto a pool where you can swim or splash around. Before entering the waterfall you come across a tiny market that sells food and souvenirs. The Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center is also located close to the entrance. Here you find rescued endangered Asiatic Black bears roaming freely in the park. From the viewing deck, you can see the bears playing, eating and lazing around.
The sacred Pak Ou caves occupy more than four thousand Buddha statues. They are shrines dedicated to Lord Buddha and the spirit of the river, there are two caves here the bottom one is Tham Thing and the Upper one is called Tham Theung. Both contain Buddha statues in various positions from reclining and meditating.
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.
