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Luang Prabang Travel Guide

Luang Prabang (pronounced LOH proh-BAHNG, also spelt "Luang Phabang", "Luang Phrabang", "Louang Phrabang", etc) is the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage city.

The main road, Xiang Thong, of Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture - reminders of when Laos was part of the French colony of Indochine. Golden-roofed wats, decorated with mosaics and murals of the life of Buddha sit under the gaze of wrap-around balconies and 19th century shuttered windows.

A tourist trail is forming between the capital city of Vientiane, the small riverside village of Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang, and Huay Xai at the Thai border to the west. This loop can easily be covered by combination of road and river in a week, but 10-15 days is best to fully appreciate the lush countryside, magnificent temples, and friendly people. The boat ride between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai is considered by some the high point of their tour of South-East Asia.

More information on Luang Prabang Travel at Wikitravel.org

Things To Do and See in Luang Prabang

Golden City Temple (Wat Xieng Thong), Luang Prabang
Laos' most enchanting temple was built in 1560.
Attraction type: Religious site; Architectural building

Wat Mai Suwannapumaram, Luang Prabang
This early 19th-century temple was deemed to beautiful to destroy

by the Chinese Haw.
Attraction type: Religious site

Wat Long Khoun, Luang Prabang
This seldom-visited temple was very important in royal days.
Attraction type: Religious site

Royal Palace Museum, Luang Prabang
Displays of the opulence of pre-Communist Laos.
Attraction type: Museum; History museum; Landmark/point of interest; Castle

Phu Si Hill, Luang Prabang
The sides and top of this small hill are studded with temples and shrines.
Attraction type: Religious site

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