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Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos, 80% of which is mountainous and forested, is known as the "Roof of Indochina." With bodhi trees and blooming Champa flowers, the beautiful natural scenery and the simple life of poverty make Laos seem like a lost paradise. Today, we'll take a look at some of the attractions and things to do in Laos.
Luang Prabang, also known as "Luang Phrabang," is the capital of Luang Prabang Province and a major city in Upper Laos. It is also a renowned ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos. Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, it occupies an L-shaped peninsula, covering less than 10 square kilometers. The urban area stretches along the left bank of the Mekong River, nestled between mountains and water, enjoying a cool climate and gently sloping terrain, with an average elevation of 290 meters. Luang Prabang is a true "Buddhist state," boasting numerous temples and monks within its modest city. Strolling through the city reveals rows of ancient temples and colonial French villas. At night, the sunset glow over Mount Phousi blends beautifully with the emerald waters of the Mekong River. Wandering the night markets, you'll be overwhelmed by the myriad handicrafts and friendly vendors. In this very city, monks in orange robes, white-walled, red-tiled Western-style buildings, red and blue night market tents, and vibrant sunsets create a breathtaking scene. Perhaps for this reason, Luang Prabang was inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List as early as 1995.
Besides enjoying the stunning scenery, the most fun activity at Guangxi Waterfall is rope diving. Tree trunks jutting out of the water at the edge of the pool create natural diving platforms, allowing you to leap from the trees into the crystal-clear waters. Even if you're not a fan of diving, playing and swimming in the pristine, pale blue waters is incredibly relaxing and refreshing. Furthermore, the water is rich in minerals and contains small fish that feed on dead skin, making it incredibly beneficial for the skin. Soaking in the pools feels like a natural spa treatment, a truly enjoyable experience. The stunning scenery and engaging activities make this a perfect summer escape.
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While Luang Prabang boasts four major waterfalls, Kuang Si Falls consistently ranks first on various recommendations. If you have the time, don't miss it. Kuang Si Falls boasts a magnificent display of cascading waterfalls from a distance, but its most famous attraction is undoubtedly the rope diving. Entering from the waterfall park on the lower level, follow a small path up through the woods to the left of the falls to reach the second tier. The pool in front of the falls is large enough for a refreshing swim. A word of caution: don't rush out of the water if you fall in, as there are many small fish that will nibble on your skin, making it a natural, free fish therapy experience!
Located opposite the Royal Palace Museum, Phu Si Hill is the highest point in Luang Prabang and offers the best panoramic views of the city. Although not large, Phu Si Hill is dotted with numerous temples, including the golden-domed Dzong Si Pagoda at its summit and the Royal Palace at its base. The temples on the hillside are relatively new, with That Chomsi, the highest point on the hill, serving as the starting point for the annual Lao New Year parade.
The most appealing aspect of Phu Si Mountain is watching the sunrise and sunset over Luang Prabang from its summit. Before sunrise, the town appears tranquil and peaceful, while at sunset, it bustles with activity. As the sun sets, sit at the foot of the pagoda and watch the Mekong River tinged with crimson as the setting sun takes in a 360-degree panorama of the city. From the summit, gazing around, dark green coconut trees eclipse the brick-red rooftops of Western-style buildings, creating a unique tropical atmosphere. It's like stepping into a fairyland of tranquility and peace. It's as if you've arrived in Duras's French colonial Vietnam, a sweet yet somewhat melancholic experience.
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At the base of the mountain are two abandoned temples: Wat Phra That ...
Luang Prabang has a sacred tradition: every morning, monks line up, carrying their alms bowls and walking through the streets. As the first rays of sunlight illuminate the golden temple dome, yellow robes appear from afar. The monks, barefoot, slowly approach, while locals prepare food and fruits and vegetables, kneel, hands clasped in reverent prayer, and wait quietly by the roadside. When the monks approach, the donor reverently places rice into the alms bowl. The monks then bow, chant, and depart. This daily ritual, known locally as the "Morning Alms Giving," is a must-see experience in Luang Prabang's Old Town. Alms giving is a tradition preserved for thousands of years in Theravada Buddhist countries. Visitors typically gather near the temples on Sisavangvong Road. At 5 or 6 a.m., you can see the monks, barefoot and carrying tin plaster, accepting food from believers and tourists.
Tips:
1. When making alms, your head should not be higher than the monk’s alms bowl.
2. Taking photos is allowed during the donation period, but please do not disturb others.
Wat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's most magnificent and beautiful temple, located near the Mekong River. Built by King Setthathirat in 1560, it remained the royal family's private property until 1975. Its main hall embodies classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with ornately decorated wooden pillars supporting a roof covered in a Dharma wheel. The Tree of Life, inlaid with various colored glass panels on the back wall, is particularly spectacular and a highlight of Wat Xieng Thong.
To describe Wat Xieng Thong as "golden and magnificent" is no exaggeration. Inside, the temple's door lintels, large and small, are intricately carved with intricate patterns, creating a striking contrast against the black temple walls. The exterior is also covered in golden designs. The pillars and door lintels often feature enchanting tropical branches, while the doors feature graceful, intricately carved reliefs of fairies or Buddha statues. The temple's 20 exquisitely decorated buildings embody a comprehensive reflection of Laotian religion, royalty, and traditional art.
This is the location of the Laotian coronation ceremony, as well as important annual celebrations and gatherings. It should be noted that shorts are not allowed here, and both male and female tourists must dress appropriately when entering the temple.
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To show respect to the Buddha, visitors must take off their shoes and enter barefoot. 2. No bare chests, no off-shoulder suspenders or miniskirts are allowed. Female visitors are not allowed to enter the temple during their menstrual period.
This is Luang Prabang's greatest tourist attraction. The night market is dimly lit, peaceful, and free of pushy sales, making it perhaps the quietest market in Asia. Over a hundred vendors offer silk scarves, T-shirts, clothes, shoes, Hmong patchwork rugs, paper goods, silverware, bags, pottery, paper lanterns, bamboo lamps, and more. The dazzling array of colorful goods is truly eye-catching, and the prices are among the most reasonable in Laos.
Located between the two major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng boasts picturesque scenery and a simple folk culture. It's a popular tourist destination in Laos, often referred to by Chinese visitors as "Little Guilin." Vang Vieng is renowned for its numerous caves, the tranquil Nam Song River flowing through it, the fascinating karst terrain, and the myriad of unique caves. Besides offering breathtaking scenery, Vang Vieng is also a paradise for outdoor activities, including caving, rafting, and ziplining.
The massive Tham Phu Kham Cave is a sacred site for Laotians, largely due to its stunning blue lagoon. After a challenging climb, a refreshing dip in this stunning turquoise lagoon is truly a delight. The main chamber houses a Thai-style bronze reclining Buddha. The route to Tham Phu Kham Cave offers unspoiled countryside scenery, with several deep tunnels branching off from the main cave into the mountainside. At the foot of the mountain, a small river offers a relaxing spot. Beside a large tree, many people climb the tree and then jump into the river, enjoying the refreshing water flow.
You can drive an ATV from Vangrong to the Blue Lagoon, which usually costs 100 yuan per hour. You can just mortgage your passport when renting the car.
The Nam Song River is a famous rafting destination in Vang Vieng. The river is wide, with both rapids and calm waters, and the entire rafting journey is approximately 13 kilometers. There are two options for rafting: you can choose to sit in a car inner tube and drift slowly along the current, or you can choose to kayak for a faster and more exciting experience.
Rong Panorama
Make a reservation at your travel agency or hotel front desk, and the hot air balloon company will take you to your balloon destination. The balloon ride offers panoramic views of Vang Vieng's mountains, rivers, and cityscape from above. The entire balloon ride takes about 40 minutes and costs around US$90.
As early as the 17th century, Vientiane was a thriving commercial center. Modern Vientiane's streets are not particularly wide, yet bustling with activity. Shops line both sides of the streets, with department stores, restaurants, photography shops, and clothing stores predominating. The suburbs are dominated by Laotian-style wooden and bamboo houses, often surrounded by trees or fences to create courtyards of varying sizes. Living in these structures offers a sense of coolness and comfort in the sweltering climate of Laos. Vientiane faces Thailand across the Mekong River. During the dry season, much of the Mekong River's shallows are exposed, leaving only a small stream in the middle, allowing people to wade through to Thailand.
Located in the heart of the city, the Vientiane Arch of Triumph, built to commemorate the liberation and independence of the Laotian people, is a landmark of Vientiane. While its exterior resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris and connects to the city's busiest streets, its interior is steeped in Buddhist tradition. Carvings of Buddha statues and mythological figures imbue the gate with religious overtones.
The Arc de Triomphe's four sides are identical in design, boasting typical Laotian carvings and decorations. The ceiling is a highlight, featuring intricately carved Buddhist mythological figures. The Arc de Triomphe boasts seven floors: floors one through four are indoors, floors three and four offer souvenir shops, and floors five and six are outdoor, offering panoramic views. Climbing over 150 spiral steps to the seventh floor, the exquisitely designed windows offer panoramic views of Vientiane.
There are many famous attractions around the Arc de Triomphe. In front of it is the Music Fountain Square built with Chinese aid. At the end of the square is the World Peace Gong donated by Indonesia. Next to the Arc de Triomphe is the Prime Minister's Office of Laos. At the other end of Lane Xang Avenue is the Presidential Palace. Neither the Prime Minister's Office nor the Presidential Palace is open to tourists.
The beautiful golden Phra That Luang is Laos' most important national monument, a symbol shared by both Buddhism and the Laotian state. The main pagoda even appears on the national emblem. Built in 1556, Phra That Luang has survived numerous renovations to its present state. Covered entirely in solid gold, it can be seen from afar even on cloudy days. Legend has it that hair and bones of Gautama Buddha were once buried beneath the pagoda. The three-story pagoda stands 45 meters high and 54 meters wide. The main pagoda's base is also square, with a worship pavilion located in each direction. The second level houses 30 auxiliary pagodas, and the third level is covered in gold foil. The pagoda's base is designed to allow for climbers to ascend, with access and stairways to each level. The corridors are 85 meters long on each side and house various Buddha statues. Throughout history, That Luang Temple has experienced both glory and decline. Rebuilt in 1566, it was designated a sacred symbol of the Laotian nation in the 17th century. During wartime, the temple was destroyed and its treasures looted. Rebuilt again in the 1930s, it has become the most important pagoda in the Laotian people's hearts. The temple is the site of the That Luang Festival, held annually in early November. This grand temple fair lasts for half a month. During the festival, monks and believers from across the country flock to the square, where cultural and sports performances are held.
Tips:
That Luang Pagoda is considered sacred by locals, and entry requires a dress code that covers shoulders, navel, and knees. If your attire doesn't meet these requirements, free clothing rentals are available at the entrance.
Buddha Park, also known as Wat Xiangkun, is located on the banks of the Mekong River, approximately 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane. It is a sculpture park featuring nearly 100 Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, blending Buddhist and Hindu influences. The pumpkin-shaped "Heaven and Hell Tower," symbolizing the cycle of life, and the over 40-meter-long reclining Buddha statue are two of the park's main attractions.
The park was founded in 1958 by Master Bunleua Sulilat, who integrated Hinduism and Buddhism. His ideas were woven into the park's statues, which include Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna, Guanyin, Buddha, and every imaginable deity from both Hinduism and Buddhism. As a result, Wat Xiangkun is known as a "concrete miracle."
The park's entrance is home to the famous "Heaven and Hell Pagoda." This round, multi-story structure resembles a giant pumpkin, with three interior floors representing Hell, Earth, and Heaven, respectively. Next to it is the Great Reclining Buddha, said to be the third largest in the world, after those in Myanmar and Thailand. The statue's graceful sleeping posture demonstrates the artistry of its craft.
The Laos 45 Shooting Range is the largest commercial shooting range in Southeast Asia, located near downtown Vientiane. It boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor ranges, and is home to numerous shooters. So, a visit to Vientiane is a must-do. Try touching a real gun, squeeze the trigger a few times, don your earmuffs, and fire away! Before your practice session, a professional instructor will provide instruction in shooting techniques and safety precautions in fluent Chinese, ensuring seamless communication. Then, enjoy the thrill of shooting a variety of firearms at the range. Using real guns and ammunition, you'll experience a true PUBG experience.
In Laos, you can admire the well-preserved ancient city that is a world heritage site, you can also experience the extremely romantic French-style capital, and you can also appreciate the thousand-year-old Buddhist center that is full of happiness. Here, you can truly experience what the "Land of Vientiane" is.
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