LaosTravel Tips

The National Museum, formerly the Royal Palace
Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, the Royal Palace was constructed to French designs for King Sisavangvong between 1904 and 1909. Now somewhat lacking in royalty, the country has found a new role for the former palace - as a National Museum. Not only does it house the Royal throne of the Kingdom of Lane Xang and other religious treasures, but also a vast assortment of gifts and other paraphernalia collected by the former kings and queens of Laos, and a replica of the country's palladium, the golden Pra Bang.

Wat Xieng Thong With its golden facades and mural paintings, Wat Xieng Thong is a masterpiece of 16th century Buddhist architecture. The temple was used for the highest royal ceremonies and to temporarily house the bodies of the deceased kings. Kuangsi Waterfall About 35km from Luang Prabang, the beautiful, multi-level Kuangsi falls are popular with tourists and locals alike as picnic grounds and photo opportunities. The falls tumble down over 60 metres, through a series of limpid pools, and the spray keeps the surrounding picnic grounds cool throughout even the hottest times of the year.

Pak Ou Caves
A repository for old or damaged Buddha images that once graced household shrines, the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum have become highly venerated sanctuaries. During Lao New Year boatloads of Luang Prabang residents make the 25km pilgrimage up the Mekong River to the caves to wash the Buddha images and make merit.

On the opposite bank of the Mekong from the caves sits the village of Ban Xang Hai. Though for centuries the village made its living by crafting stoneware jars, more recently it has become famous for brewing a particularly fiendish liquor, made from fermented sticky rice, called 'lao-lao.' Most boatmen running tours to the Pak Ou Caves include a stop at the 'Whisky Village' seeming to appreciate that a quick drink is required after viewing all those damaged Buddha images.

Second City
When Fa Ngum founded the Lan Xang kingdom in 1353, he named his capital Muang Sawa. Later, when he received a Sri Lankan Buddha image (Phra Bang) from the Khmers, he renamed the capital Luang Phrabang. Vientiane became the new capital in 1545. Now, as Laos' second biggest city, Luang Phrabang remains a sleepy town still awaiting modernity. The ethnic mix is Laos, Mien, Hmong and various other Thai tribes. The architecture is assorted, with northern Laos temples and French colonial buildings standing among humbler private dwellings: mountains surround the area, giving an isolated feel.

Palace Museum
For the city's history, try the French colonial-era Royal Palace Museum by the Mekong River. Built in 1904, it was a residence of King Sisavong Vang. He died in 1959, leaving it to Crown Prince Sisavang Vatthana. Following his exile during the 1975 revolution, the palace became a museum. It contains a 38-cm solid gold Buddha image from the 1st century, carved elephant tusks and other unusual Buddha statues.

Temple Finery
Interesting temples: The classic Wat Xieng Thong (1560) is the city's finest temple. It features some unique Buddha effigies and a beautiful tree of life mosaic. Stunning gold relief adorns the doors of Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (1797). Wat Wisunalat (1513) is Luang Phrabang's oldest, continually used temple. Burned by Chinese Ho bandits in 1887, it was rebuilt in 1898.The main stupa of Wat That Luang (1818) holds the ashes of King Sisavang Vong. Local lore dates the site to the 3rd century BC.

River Attractions
Outside Luang Phrabang: Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong River are a 25-km boat ride away and contain hundreds of Buddha statues. 29 km south of the city are Kuang Si Falls, where water cascades from several tiers into the green pools below. This is a public recreation area.