There are lots of things to do in Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, which is also the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Observe saffron-robed monks going about their daily business, take a temple tour of the city's numerous wats with sloping roofs, and then enjoy a leisurely sunset river cruise down the Mekong as you explore this laid-back historic town at your own pace.

 

 

Take a temple tour

You can't shake a pot of fortune sticks around Luang Prabang without hitting a temple. Even the name Luang Prabang translates as "Royal Buddha Image," and there are over 20 temples of note within walking distance around the city centre, plus many more smaller shrines. Two of the most significant temples to visit are:

- Wat Xieng Thong

- Wat Wisunalat

Each morning at the crack of dawn, monks dressed in bright orange robes descend into the city centre to receive alms (offerings) of food and other necessities. However, this traditional Buddhist ritual has in recent years succumbed to crowds of tourists hungry for a photo opportunity.

If you do choose to attend, educate yourself on the correct etiquette. Keep a respectful distance, offer something other than sticky rice (though they would never complain, the monks receive more sticky rice than they can eat in a day, which is wasteful and doesn't exactly make for a balanced diet), dress conservatively, keep quiet and don't take photos.

For a more authentic alms giving experience, join a local guide and visit a smaller village on the outskirts of the city. Here, you're likely to be the only foreigner and your presence will not be contributing to the issue of overcrowding at alms giving in the Luang Prabang city centre.

 

Climb Mount Phousi