Luang Prabang, Ancient royal capital in northern Laos
Luang Prabang is a former royal capital in northern Laos, located at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The old town includes more than thirty Buddhist temples, colonial villas and traditional wooden houses spread across several streets and lanes.
In the 16th century the town became the capital of the Lao kingdom and kept this position until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975. French colonial rulers built new administrative buildings and villas from the late 19th century onward, which now stand alongside the older temples.
The morning alms ceremony begins at dawn, when hundreds of believers kneel along the streets and place rice or fruit into the monks' bowls. The name of this town means royal Buddha image and refers to the most important statue in Wat Xieng Thong, which plays a central role in religious ceremonies.
The international airport connects travelers to larger cities across Southeast Asia, while the night market offers local textiles and food. Many temples open early in the morning and close at sunset, so it helps to start the day early.
The Phou Si hill rises in the middle of the center and offers a panoramic view of both rivers and the surrounding mountains after climbing more than three hundred steps. Each year in November the light festival takes place, when thousands of small candles on bamboo boats drift down the Mekong.
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