Luang Prabang - Where Time Stands Still

Now back to blogging about Laos ...


When I told my friends and relatives I was going to Luang Prabang, the usual reactions would be: "Where the hell is that?" or "What's in Luang Prabang?"

In this entry, I'll tell you why I made the trip to Luang Prabang, which was a harrowing 12-hour journey by bus from Vientiane.

Luang Prabang is an idylic town located in the middle of Laos. It is truly a travel photographer's haven. The numerous tourists with their fierce cameras and powerful lenses made me and my little Canon A80 feel like anchovies amongst great whites.

So what's to see and do in Luang Prabang?

First of all there are numerous wats that you could visit like Wat Xieng Thong, which is Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple.


Apart from wat, wat and more wats, the mighty Mekong and Nam Khan river offers many activities. You could take a boat ride up the Mekong to visit the Pak Ou caves that houses more than 10,000 Buddha statues.

But I must warn you that it's a 2-hour boat ride to get there, and another 2-hours to get back. And the caves were not so impressive to me after all.

You can sit by the Nam Khan river and watch the local kids have a splashing time.


Or even have lunch by the Mekong.

That's my curry fried rice I had for lunch. It tastes like Maggi goreng but with rice instead. Yummy!

Another must-see in Luang Prabang is the Kuang Si falls which is 32km south of Luang Prabang.

The turquoise water will mesmerise you.

Many tourist also climb Phousi which is a hill in the middle of Luang Prabang town.

I'll tell you in my next entry what's to see at the top of Phousi and why tourist climb it everyday.

In the heart of Luang Prabang town there are many lovely quaint buildings, each with its own unique characteristic and charm.

You can walk into a lane to discover more hidden gems like lovely wooden guesthouses, mysterious temples and cosy restaurants with luscious gardens.

If you have totally nothing to do, just sit back and admire the magnificent landscape.

Luang Prabang is a place to go if you want to relax your mind and take a break from the hustle and bustle of the city. It's a place where time stands still.