Luang Prabang, an ancient capital on the banks of the Mekong River

🌈Highlights:
Some say Luang Prabang is like Chiang Mai ten years ago, but I think this is only 50% true.

Luang Prabang has a slow pace of life, similar to Chiang Mai. Except for the bustling morning and night markets, shops generally open after 10:00 and close at 22:00. Most of the time, tourists are only willing to sleep until they wake up naturally, stroll around the city, and then find a cafe on the roadside or by the river to spend a lazy day.

Unlike Chiang Mai, Luang Prabang has many French-style buildings, which were left by the colonists. These buildings and the local traditional houses and temples form a wonderful mix, and gradually form a unique style, often giving people a sense of time travel, from the Southeast Asian temple style to the French retro style.

Luang Prabang is a thousand-year-old ancient city listed as a "natural and cultural" dual heritage site. It is ancient, mysterious, and full of Buddhist spirit. Even the city's name, Luang Prabang, comes from the name of a Buddha. In the city area of less than ten square kilometers, there are more than 100 protected ancient buildings, most of which are monasteries and pagodas. They are located on the paths on both sides of the main street, hidden in the lush vegetation, waiting for tourists to discover and praise. They do not have a grand temple body and Buddha statue, but they have exquisite and beautiful gilding and paintings.

The ancient city of Luang Prabang is very small and the attractions are relatively close together, making it a place to enjoy a lazy time and city walk. You don't have to be like a special forces soldier, checking in at various attractions in one day. Just wander around the streets and alleys aimlessly, and you will find yourself attracted by the surrounding beautiful tropical flowers and plants, and the exotic romantic buildings. You can also slowly feel the unexpected surprises and the collision of Eastern and Western cultures.

✅Must-visit attractions:
Phousi Mountain sunset, Grand Palace, Xiangtong Temple

Post by WanderBeyondBorders$22 | Feb 19, 2025