The Legends and Sights of Luang Prabang
One of the most popular destinations on any Laos Luxury Travels, Luang Prabang, the former capital is an enchanting town. Featuring the quintessential laidback ambience of Laos, Luang Prabang is a remarkable blend of urban structures and colonial influences. Perched 700 meters above sea level, at the confluence of the Mekong River and its tributaries, surrounded by rugged mountains and lush scenery, featuring gold-roofed wats and murals depicting Buddha's life, Luang Prabang is a complete visual treat.
While the history of Luang Prabang can be found in any textbook, its legends remain evasive. According to one of its legends, Buddha smiled and rested in this charming city for a day during his travels. This legend made way for the prophecy that Luang Prabang would one day rise to the stature of a powerful and rich capital city, which it did a few decades down the line. Another legend mentions two hermits being attracted to this city due to its immense natural beauty. The hermits named the site Xieng Thong. Known by this name till the end of the 13th century, in the early 1500s Xieng Thong was christened as Luang Prabang after the Buddha image that was brought to the city from Cambodia. The Buddha image still remains on display in the Royal Palace Museum, which is a must-see on most Laos Adventure Tour itineraries.
Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang now greets travelers with its heady scent of frangipanis mixed with fresh coffee served along the mighty Mekong. One of the most revered sights in Luang Prabang is the alms ceremony that takes place at dawn around 6 a.m., a highlight on most Laos tour packages. Tourists and locals alike kneel down to offer rice, cooked meals and fruits to the peaceful monks as they pass them by along Sakkaline Road. Even though the alms-giving ceremony is open for all, do make sure to ask your guide or locals regarding the appropriate clothing and food preparations for the ritual. Also, though photography is not prohibited, it is recommended to take a mental picture of the ritual in order to maintain its sanctity.
Home to the French from 1887 to 1975, Luang Prabang features a heavy French influence from its architecture to cuisine. Since Luang Prabang does not house any fast food joints, it is not only the perfect place to immerse yourself in the flavors of this exotic land. Local delicacies that should be tried during your Laos tour include French baguettes, peppery watercress, fried seaweed with sesame seeds and chili sauce as well as the Luang Prabang Kaho Soi, which is a clear spicy mince noodle soup. To make the most of your Laos tour, do explore the city on foot or bicycle.
While the history of Luang Prabang can be found in any textbook, its legends remain evasive. According to one of its legends, Buddha smiled and rested in this charming city for a day during his travels. This legend made way for the prophecy that Luang Prabang would one day rise to the stature of a powerful and rich capital city, which it did a few decades down the line. Another legend mentions two hermits being attracted to this city due to its immense natural beauty. The hermits named the site Xieng Thong. Known by this name till the end of the 13th century, in the early 1500s Xieng Thong was christened as Luang Prabang after the Buddha image that was brought to the city from Cambodia. The Buddha image still remains on display in the Royal Palace Museum, which is a must-see on most Laos Adventure Tour itineraries.
Placed on the UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, Luang Prabang now greets travelers with its heady scent of frangipanis mixed with fresh coffee served along the mighty Mekong. One of the most revered sights in Luang Prabang is the alms ceremony that takes place at dawn around 6 a.m., a highlight on most Laos tour packages. Tourists and locals alike kneel down to offer rice, cooked meals and fruits to the peaceful monks as they pass them by along Sakkaline Road. Even though the alms-giving ceremony is open for all, do make sure to ask your guide or locals regarding the appropriate clothing and food preparations for the ritual. Also, though photography is not prohibited, it is recommended to take a mental picture of the ritual in order to maintain its sanctity.
Home to the French from 1887 to 1975, Luang Prabang features a heavy French influence from its architecture to cuisine. Since Luang Prabang does not house any fast food joints, it is not only the perfect place to immerse yourself in the flavors of this exotic land. Local delicacies that should be tried during your Laos tour include French baguettes, peppery watercress, fried seaweed with sesame seeds and chili sauce as well as the Luang Prabang Kaho Soi, which is a clear spicy mince noodle soup. To make the most of your Laos tour, do explore the city on foot or bicycle.
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