A week before we were to fly to Thailand, we saw an episode of "Lonely Planet" on PBS that featured the Laotian town of Luang Prabang. There was something about this town that cried out, "It's now or never." We knew we had to get there.
We somehow squeezed in a three-day visit to this - then - sleepy town. Yes, the heat was oppressive. Yes, clouds - not sun - prevailed. Nevertheless, the charms of this town clearly shone through: French colonial buildings (in various states of renovation and disrepair), Buddhist temples trimmed to the hilt in dazzling gold gilt and the gloriously muddy Mekong River slipping by - almost unnoticed - along the western fringe of town.
Date(s): August 2000. Album by David Kohl. Photos by David Kohl & Ross Rosenberg. 1 - 19 of 19 Total. 2943 Visits.
View of the Mekong River from Mount Phousi View of the Mekong River from the highest point in Luang Prabang - Mount Phousi.
Main Street - Luang Prabang The main street of Luang Prabang (population: 16,000) was added to the UNESCO World Heritage list in 1995. At the time it was cited as "the best preserved city in South-East Asia".
Wat Xieng Thong Constructed in 1559, this temple is one of the few temples to survive the numerous invasions of the Chinese and the Thai.
Wat Xieng Thong Entry
Gilt panels The gilt panels on the exterior of the temple depict semi-erotic episodes from the Ramayana.
Mosaic The mosaic on the back exterior wall of the temple was done in the 1950s- commemorating the 2500th(!!!) anniversary of Buddha's attainment of parinibbana (post-death nirvana).
Talaat Dala Market The small handicraft market. We ended up buying the hand-embroidered light blue piece at the rear of their stall.
Talaat Dala We also bought several hand-embroidered pillow case covers from these vendors.
Luang Prabang building UNESCO's architects have identified 679 historic structures in the town and classified them according to their materials and style.
Monks Having Fun Every Lao Buddhist male is expected to becaome a monk for a short period of time in his life. Traditionally, young spent at least three months in the monastery. A sign of the times - now men may spend as little as a week or a 15 days to accrue merit as monks or novices.
Monk The only possessions a monk is permitted is a set of three orange-yellow robes,a razor, cup, filter (for keeping insects away), umbrella and alms bowl.
Monk and non-monk Many monks are ordained for life. Most become scholars or teachers.
Monks by a fountain Monastic discipline has declined to the point where monks can be seen drinking liquor at religious festivals. Horror!!!
Mekong River Luang Prabang is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers.
Ban Xang Hai Village north of Luang Prabang.
Lao Girls
Pak Ou Caves These caves - north of Luang Prabang along the Mekong - are stuffed with Buddha images of varying styles and sizes.
Auberge Calao A restored 1930-vintyage colonial house facing the Mekong River served as our hotel for our stay in Luang Prabang. All rooms were air conditioned and had verandas overlooking the Mekong. The cost in 2000 - $55 a night including breakfast. It was one of the most expensive places to stay in town.
