Cập nhật: 01-01-1970 12:00:00 | Blogs about Laos | Lượt xem: 1749
Luang Prabang is the most outstanding destination of Laos travel and should be the top thing to do in your itinerary. The thing that makes Luang Prabang most impressive possibly is the pleasant living pace in this city. Luang Prabang features tranquil winding rivers; quiet and solemn Buddhist temples and pagoda; and uninterruptedly existing nature and fast-paced living styles of locals.
For these wonderful elements, Luang Prabang is worth a stay from 3 days onward to explore all the best relics, and attractions and enjoy relaxation. However, you sometimes can make it 48 hours to visit Luang Prabang only that you need to select the most highlighted places in Luang Prabang to learn about the place well. The below suggestions will help cover the best places in Luang Prabang.
Exploring Phousi Mount, Mandalao Elephant Camp, Pak Ou Cave, Laos Massage experience and night market
Morning: Explore Phousi Mount + Mandalao Elephant camp
Phousi Mount, which means sacred hill, is located right in the center of Luang Prabang. Down its gate are the Luang Prabang Market and streets with many restaurants. 100m (328ft) high Phousi is a lovely viewpoint for the panoramic view of Luang Prabang and the epic sunset over the Mekong River. There are shrines on the mount like Wat Tham, and Wat Thom Si for visitors to stop by while hiking up to the top of Phousi Mountain. Early morning and late afternoon are the busiest moments in the day attracting more tourists thriving for sunrise and sunset. As the view during those times is more epic, the mount is more crowded. Morning is less busy and might be a good choice to avoid the noise. It takes around 1 hour to hike and visit Mount Phousi.
Following, proceed to Mandalao Elephant Camp and follow the giants’ footsteps to learn more about the elephant life in this conservation center. You can join a group tour or have a private transfer with a more flexible schedule to reach Mandalao Elephant Camp. You shall hear from the team to learn more about the elephants’ habitation, and ecology; take a jungle walk with elephants and feed them as well. Depending on your interest, you can choose to go with a half-day tour (including a 2.5km or 1.55-mile trek) or a full-day tour (including a 5km or 3.1-mile trek). For the plan of exploring Luang Prabang in 48 hours, the half-day option is preferable.
The iconic cave of Pak Ou is a fantastic place to find peace of mind thanks to its location which is the meet-up of 2 big rivers in northern Laos – Mekong and Nam Ou River; and the display of thousands of Buddha statues. Pak Ou Cave in Luang Prabang is a pilgrimage destination in Luang Prabang where so many local Buddhists come and pay tribute. There was a history when Luang Prabang was rooted, local peoples secretly brought the Buddha temples to hide in this cave for protection.
It’s possible to reach Pak Ou Cave by both the waterway and the mainland. You also can combine both experiences of boat and transfer that shall cost a bit more to go with 2 types of transportation. Despite the cost, we highly suggest taking the land transfer to reach the cave which saves commuting hours; then cruising downstream the Mekong River to Luang Prabang Old Town. The downstream boat ride takes less time; additionally, it offers you chances to enjoy a peaceful sunset over the Mekong River.
A full day exploring Luang Prabang’s surroundings is so exciting but also make you are tired. Then, let’s have Laos traditional massage in Luang Prabang town to pumper your bodies for a good sleep. Some boutique and high-end hotels in town provide excellent massages and therapy, or else you can stroll to Luang Prabang night market for the services. You might try Luang Prabang local massage at L’Hibiscus Massage, Jasmine Massage, etc.
Experiencing the Baci Ceremony, Exploring the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Visnoun/ or Wat Mai, and Khuangsi Waterfall
Undeniably the most impressive image of Luang Prabang is the scenes of Buddhist monks walking around the old town. It’s the Tak Baht Ceremony or almsgiving in Theravada Buddhism. It requires an early wake and be ready on the street before 6 am in summer or 6.30 am in winter. From pagodas and temples, monks in saffron robes will go out and walk to streets where locals waiting on the roadside and kneel to give alms of steamed sticky rice, fruits, cakes. The observation of this Tak Baht Ceremony is highly suggested for your Laos Culture tours. You then can return to the hotel for breakfast and have some rest at the accommodation.
When you’re ready, carry on exploring the main things to see in Luang Prabang town. One of the highlighted places is the Royal Palace which now functions as a National Museum displaying the specious artifacts of the last kings of this country. As it’s a solemn place, you should pay attention to your costume restrictions of short, off-the-shoulder shirts, only barefoot inside. If you forget, they do provide covers for you at the ticket house. The Royal Palace was constructed under the rule of King Sisavang Vong in 1904 during the French protective period and its architecture reflects a blend of colonial and local styles. On the same premise, you also visit the impressive Haw Pha Bang temple situated right at the entrance to enter the Royal Palace.
The next temple to explore is Wat Xieng Thong or the temple of Golden City; which is the most beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. Being a Royal Temple, Wat Xieng Thong showcases an awe-inspiring Laos architecture of carvings, golden ornate, the mosaic tree of life, and golden Buddha statues.
After getting around pristine and sacred Wat Xieng Thong, and if you wish to see more temples in Luang Prabang, you should pay a visit to Wat Visnoun or another beautiful option Wat Mai. Constructed in the early years of the 16th century, Wat Visnoun is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. Representing typical Laos architecture, Wat Visnoun is home to precious artifacts and impressive arrays of wooden Buddha statues. Get a local tour guide to Wat Visnoun, you shall learn the interesting history of this temple as well as its architecture. Wat Visnoun is not as centrally located as others; then if time is tight, you’d be interested in Wat Mai which is within walking distance from the Royal Palace in Luang Prabang center.
Wat Mai or the New Monastery, despite being built late 18th century, is the largest temple in Luang Prabang; the temple also impresses visitors with its unique 4-storied roofs. Visiting Wat Mai, you shall find beautiful verandas, stunning gold gilded walls with meaningful pictures as well as black and red lacquer ornaments. Wat Mai is also a Royal temple that is the location for crucial ceremonies.
In the afternoon, traverse around 29km (18 miles) to the south of the old town for the Khuangsi Waterfall which is a must in your Luang Prabang trip. It’s a long array of crystal-layered cascades winding in a lush jungle. Besides walking up the paths to sightsee the waterfall, you also find the preservative center where rare bears are. There are join-in guided tours and private transfers taking you to the waterfall entrance and have pleasant strolls into the jungle. Swimming in Kuangsi Waterfall is possible; then bring your towels if you prefer to take some swim. For adventurers, you can consider doing extra hiking to go further into the jungle and visit hill tribe villages in Luang Prabang.
Go along with the above suggestion, you definitely can unlock the best places in charming Luang Prabang town in just 48 hours. For a longer stay, you will enjoy Luang Prabang at a more pleasant pace; and enjoy beautiful moments at unique corners in Luang Prabang.
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