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June 27th '06 Whilst heading down the Mekong en-route to Luang Prabang we made a stop off at the Pak Ou caves. Amazing! Perched high above the mekong river one peers into different cracks and caves to the thousands of Buddas images.
Muan Phu KhoumSurrounded by jagged mist-shrounded mountain peaks, Muan Phu Khoum lies near the heart of the Hmong country.During the second Indochina War both parties fought for control of the town, because of its strategic location on the route to the Plan of Jars.There is a nice market, a few shops and a single guesthouse.
Plain of JarsThe Plain of Jars is a large area extending around Phonsavan, where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered about in over a dozen groupings.Quite a few theories have been advanced as to the function of the jars - that they were used as sarcophagi, or as wine fermenters, or for rice storage -but there is no evidence confirming one theory over the other. Laying around are the stone lids for a few of the jars.The jars are commonly said to be 2000 years old, but in the absence of any organic material associated with the jars; there is no reliable way to data them.
Unexploded OrdanceUXO (Unexploded munitions, mortal shells, white phosphorous canisters (used to mark bomb targets)land mines and cluster bombs of French, Chines American, Russian and Vietnamese manufacture left behind from nearly 100 years of warfare have effected up to half of the population in terms of land deprivation and accidental injury or death.A distressing profusion of UXO are still imbedded in rice fields, beneath schools, houses and playgrounds, and even in the branches of bamboo trees , where they lodged themselves when the trees were seedlings. Today about 40% of the estimated 30-60 casualties per year are children, who continu to p;ay with found UXO - especially the harmless-looking, ball-shaped 'Bomb Light Unit's' (BLO's or Bombies) left behind by cluster bombs.In spite off that War-junk have become an important part of the local architecture and economy.Aluminium spoons,...
Xieng Khuang ProvenceXieng Khuang Province is marked by contrasts, cultural and geographical. In the centre, broad ochre hills, laid bare from logging and slash and burn agriculture, coat the semi flat terrain. Ordely farms intersperse the brown hues, and eucalypts and pine plantations invoke antipodeans impressions.As the province streches north it finds the bas of mountainous ascent, and one is struck by the beauty of high green mountains, rugged karst formations and verdant valleys.But when looking more closely, you notice how much of the province is pockmarked with bomb craters in which little or no vegetation grows.By the end of the 1960s this major battlefield was undergoing almost daily bombing by American planes, as well as ground combat between the US trained and supplied Hmong army and the forces of the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao.Due to this secret war - lead by US Air...
Luang PrabangColour is the first of Luang Prabang's virtues to greet travellers. Perhaps frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats.The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows.And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold.Encircled by mountains, and set 700m bove sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River; Luang Prabang is now Laos' foremost tourist showpiece.The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multiethnic inhabitants capitivates even most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city's residents lulls them into a somnambulant bliss.
Tat Kuang SiThis beautiful spot (32 km south of town) has a wide, many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into series of cool, turquoise pools. with thick banks of green and florid vegetation on either side, the setting is impossibly picturesque and photogenic.The lower level of the falls has been turned into a well-maintained public park, with shelters and picnic tables.A trail ascends through the forest along the left side of the falls to a second tier that is more private and has a pool large enough for swimming and splashing around.For a view of the stream that feeds into the falls you can continue along a more slippery extension of the trail to the top of the falls.
Wat VisunaratOriginally built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunarat (King Visioun) Wat Visunarat is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. Coursed off a fire it was rebuilt between 1896 and 1898.The original was wooden and in the brick and stucco restoration the builders tried to make the balustraded window of the sim appear to be fashioned of lathed wood; (an old Khmer contrivance that is uncommon in Laos architecture)Insight the high-ceilinged sim is a collection of gilded wooden 'Calling for Rain' BuddhasStanding well in front of the simm - instead of in the usual spot for a large stupa, immediately behind the sim - stands the 34.5 m That Pathum (=Lotus Stupa)
Wat Xieng ThongWat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple. King Setthathirat ordered the construction of the sim (=ordination hall) in 1560 and the compound remained under royal patronage until 1975.The sim represents what is considered classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Inside, the elaboratly decorated wooden columns support a ceiling stencilled in gold withdhammachakka (=dharma wheels)The rear wall of the sim features an impressive tree of Life mosaic set in a red back-ground.Near the compound's eastern gate stands the Hóhng Kép Mien (=royal funerary carriage house) Inside is an impressive funeral carriage, standing 12m high and various funaral urns for the members of the royal family.The Haw tai pha sai-nydat (=reclining Buddha sanctuary) contains an especially rare reclining Buddha that dates from the construction...
Morning Alms GivingThe morning monk's round (In Lao Tak Bat) is a living Buddhist tradition for the people in Laos which, because of its beauty, has become a major tourist attraction, especially in Luang Prabang.Be sure to behave appropriate and respectfully; and be aware of the customs associate with Tak Bat.
La Residence Phou Vao Luang Prabang
4 Reviews and 280 Opinions TOUGH MANAGEMENT While this facility may be nice, I know the management is tough and does not have...
Settha Palace Hotel Vientiane
5 Reviews and 129 Opinions Settha Palace is a small luxury family owned hotel.It has its importance as a historical example of...
Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow Vang Vieng
98 Opinions
Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.
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Q: My girlfriend and I are going to Laos in January or February. I am looking suggestions on places to go during that time. Beach,...
A: " weeks is not long but Vientiane, the capital is worth two days, then perhaps move on to Vang Vieng if you are into partying, lots of bars along the river where people...
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