Luang Prabang is an important city in Laos, located in the north central part of the country, and deserves to be included in your travel itinerary due to its great attractions.
Overlooking the Mekong, Luang Prabang has become a tourist destination in the mid Eighties thanks to its natural and artistic beauty.
Weather
The best period to visit Laos is between November and February, the dry season, to avoid tropical storms.
The climate in Luang Prabang is typically tropical, quite rainy all year round with average temperatures around 25 degrees. The hottest month of the year is May with average temperatures up to 28-30 degrees, while the coldest is January, with temperatures around 20 degrees.
What to see
Here is some advice on what to see in this city where we recommend to saty three or four days.
Royal Palace
The Royal Palace, whose official name is Haw Kham, was built in 1904 during the colonial period for king Sisavang Kong. After the fall of the monarchy in 1975, the royal palace has become a national museum.
The structure of the building features typical Lao patterns and some elements of French taste. The staircase leading to entrace is made of Italian marble. The entrance is dominated by a three-headed elephants protected by the holy white parasol, the symbol of Laos monarchy.
Mount Phousi
Another important attraction in Luang Prabang is Mount Phousi, a "holy mountain" (actually a hill), right in the city center, located on a peninsula sorrounded by rivers Mekong and Nam Khan.
Phousi is a religious place, with several Buddhist shrines. From its summit you can admire a beautiful panoramic view of the city.
Wat Chom Si
Wat Chom Si temple is located on the top of Mount Phousi. It is recognizable thanks to the 20 meters golden stupa.
Elephants
You are in Luang Prabang and want to see the elephants? You're in the right place because the city has been hosting an Elephant Village since 2001, guaranteeing protection to the elephants of Laos thanks to professional veterinaries. Furthermore, the village gives job opportunities to local populations from isolated and underdeveloped villages.
Excursions from Luang Prabang
The area in which Luang Prabang is situated is full of natural beauty. Here are some tips for excursions in the sorrounding region.
Kuang Si Falls
Kuang Si Falls are charming waterfalls on multiple levels about 30 km from Luang Prabang. They can be reached from the city by minibus. They are included in Kuang Si Park and sorrounded by lush tropical forests. Behind Kuang Si Falls there are other smaller waterfalls and pools wher you can swim.
Pak Ou Caves
Pak Ou Caves are located along the Mekong at the confluence with Nam Ou river, in the rock wall of a cliff. These caves are famous because they were filled with Buddha statutes by the Laotians in time.
They can be reached only by boat and are made up of two grottoes, Tham Ting and Tham Phum. The boats to visit the caves generally depart from Luang Prabang's pier and are about 25 km away.
Does Luang Prabang fascinate you?
