Saturday, October 8, 2011

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is one of the most beautiful cities in Southeast Asia.  Filled with wats (temples), an interesting mix of Lao and European architecture, numerous coffee shops and fun street markets, you could spend several days exploring Luang Prabang and it's surrounding countryside.

A "must-see" includes the early-morning almsgiving, when the monks walk throughout the city, collecting rice from locals (and now, also tourists).  Hint: travel outside of the city core to view this daily almsgiving ceremony.  Due to the recent influx of visitors, the almsgiving that happens in the city center is mostly for the benefit of tourists.

You could spend several days visiting all the wats, but make sure you see Wat Xieng Thong (at the northern end of the peninsula) and climb to the top of Phou Si hill.

And, make sure to dedicate lots of time to relaxing in coffeeshops, walking (or biking) along the rivers, getting massages, eating delicious Lao food, and shopping at the Night Market.

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