Luang Prapang - Jewel of Indochina
Luang Prapang is a small city and an excellent reminder of French colonial rule in Indochina. The city has been well preserved and is listed by UNESCO as a world heritage site.
Luang Prapang has a population of around 20,000 but it has featured in travel polls as the best city in the world to live. Once you visit there, you will understand why.
Sitting at the junction of the Mekong and Khan river, Luang Prapang is surrounded by mountains. The city is small enough to walk just about everywhere on foot. In the town centre, Mount Phousi provides an outstanding viewpoint where visitors can take in the breathtaking view of the hills and temples in the foreground.
Small it may be, but Luang Prapang is definitely worthy of its title 'jewel of Indochina'. You will not find a more impressive, beautiful and relaxing city anywhere within the region.
Things to do in Luang Prapang
- Climb Mount Phousi. Take in the delights of the city and the surrounding countryside. With 300 steps, the climb is not easy but the rewards are well worth the effort.
- Visit the Royal Palace. Now a museum, the Palace contains some rare artefacts from days gone by.
- If you only visit one temple in town then make it Wat Xieng Thong, probably the most impressive building in the town with its attractive gold and coloured glass decoration.
- Chill out in a coffee shop and watch and wonder if time is standing still in this gem of a town.
- Take a day trip to Than Ting and Tham Phun, two caves that are home to countless images of Buddha that have been left there over hundred of years. You will need to take a boat from Luang Prapang to reach the caves and should think about taking a packed lunch to enjoy whilst sitting above the Mekong River.
- Take a day trip to the Kuang Sii Waterfalls. Laos is home to some of the most spectacular scenery in Indochina and the falls are an great day out where you can do some light trekking and swim in some of the pools before heading further up to the top. There are some vendors selling Lao food with seating areas.
- Treat your better half to an intimate evening at Auberge Le Calao an excellent restaurant within a renovated mansion that was built in the 1920s. As well as the good food, you can enjoy some of Luang Prapang's famous views.