Luang Prabang is the cultural and religious capital of Laos, and was also the Royal capital until 1975 when the Pathet Lao forced King Sisavang Vatthana to abdicate. During the time of the Lan Xang kingdom, between 13-16th centuries, Luang Prabang was also the administrative capital of Laos instead of Vientiane.

Luang Prabang is now the only city in Laos where ethnic Lao people make up the majority rather than Chinese, Vietnamese or Thai.

In 1995, UNESCO made Luang Prabang a world heritage city to try and preserve the old French Indo-Chinese architecture. This move has also helped preserve the ancient traditions and trades which make Laos unique.
It is possible to watch people making sa (mulberry bark) paper, silver jewellery and plates, rattan baskets, wood carvings and textiles in many small shops all through the little alleyways and laneways of Luang Prabang.

Luang Prabang is famous for the morning alms procession of the monks at 6.00am, a sight not to be missed, with around 500 saffron clad monks walking barefoot collecting their daily food. Also worth seeing is the chanting in the temples at 6.00pm. Sit at the back, close your eyes and imagine you are in another century.

There are many things to see and do during your time in Luang Prabang, here are just a few to give you an idea:
- Royal Museum: Rebuilt in 1904 by the French, the former Royal Palace is open for visitors and it is possible to see the throne rooms, royal bedrooms and staterooms.
- Mount Phou Si: Named Holy Mountain, the views from the top over Luang Prabang are worth the climb.
- Wat Xieng Thong: The Royal temple, very beautiful and ornate
- Wat Mai: From here the Pha Bang (the Buddha image from which Luang Prabang got its name = Grand Buddha) is displayed at New Year
- Wat Visoun: See That Makmo or Watermelon Stupa, it is also attached to Wat Aham
- Wat Khili: The only temple left in Laos in Xieng Khuang style, all of the others were destroyed in the Vietnam war
- Ban Xieng Men: The sleepy town across the river, great views back over Luang Prabang
- Waterfalls Tad Kuang Si and Tad Se
- Henri Mohouts Grave and Ban Phanom: Pass through the textile village of Ban Phanom and visit the grave of Henri Mohout ( first European to rediscover Angkor ruins).
- Ban Had Hian: The blacksmiths village where they use old bomb casings as tools.
- Hmong Markets: During the day by the Post Office, at night down the main street.

______

Please click here for information about arrival and departure piers in Luang Prabang. This information will help for when you book a cruise either downstream or upstream.