|
Luang Prabang, added
to the United Nations Scientific and Cultural
Organization's (UNESCO) World Heritage Site list
in 1995, is surrounded by mountains and situated at the confluence of the
Nam Khan and Mekong rivers.
Photo: Great limestone cliffs at the
point where
the Nam Ou River meets the Mekong
opposite the sacred Pak Ou Caves.
This ancient royal
city reflects the exceptional fusion of
traditional architecture and urban structures
built by 19th and 20th century European colonial
rulers. Its unique township is remarkably well
preserved, illustrating a key stage in the
blending of these two distinct cultural
traditions. Traditional Lao and French colonial
architecture has been steadily restored.
Visitors sitting under the wide veranda can
enjoy the cool breeze of high ceiling fans
inside a refurbished restaurant, once a French
colonial administrative building.
Luang Prabang
is one of the most beautiful places in Laos as
shown by the collection of Buddhist and French
colonial architecture clustered together on a
small riverine peninsula surrounded by
mountains, therefore, walking or traveling by
bicycle is definitely the best way to see these
sites. The centre of Luang
Prabang town is dominated by Mount Phousi. The
strenuous climb up the slopes of Mount Phousi is
worthwhile because of the superb views of the
city and the surrounding countryside.
The most magnificent
temple in Luang Prabang is Wat Xieng Thong,
situated 300 meters south of the confluence of the
Mekong river and Nam Khan river. Another interesting
place to visit is the old royal palace, now
known as the Royal Palace Museum. Among the
items on displayed for viewing are the various
royal religious objects as well as rare
Buddhist sculptures from neighboring countries.
Other places of
interest are the Pak Ou Caves, situated 25 kilometers
upriver from Luang Prabang, that house countless
numbers of Buddha images and the beautiful Kuang
Si Waterfalls, located 30 kilometers south of Luang
Prabang.
_____________________________________________________________________________________
|