Attractions - Luang Prabang

It's quite easy to move around Luang Prabang. So far LPB has not been overly manifested with pubs and bars catered for foreigners (like Vang Vieng). Hopefully it will still retain some of it's local culture in this city when I next visit this place again...















Cycling is one of the easiest and cheapest way to get around (other than by foot of coz)












Tat Kuang Si (Kuang Si Waterfall)
Approx 20km from city

Our Lunch @ Kuang Si










Pak Ou Cave
I think Pak Ou is overrated in guide books. There's nothing much to this place but 2 caves with lots of little Buddha statues, but the serenity of the place can be felt. The ride up took us about 45 mins of uneven and windy road from the city.

Pak Ou Cave










Slow boat that brings you across the Mekong to Pak Ou












Mekong River at Pak Ou












Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham (Wat Mai for short)
The walls of the temple have gold reliefs which recount the tale of Vessantara (Pha Wet in Lao), the Buddha's penultimate birth and scenes from the Ramayan & village life.

Some friends we made at Wat Mai. The monk at the back is learning Japanese at the temple and the monk in front is practising his English with us. Most of the Lao males get their education during their monkhood (the guys have to choose to either serve the army or become a novice for 4 years).


Wat Xieng Thong
One of Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple. It showcases the classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with the roofs sweep low to the ground.


























The rear of the sin features an impressive "Tree of Life" mosaic set in a red background.











The Royal Funeral Carriage













Phousi Hill
Stairway up to Phousi Hill













The temple at Phousi













Sunset at Phousi (due to bad weather, weren't able to catch a shot of the sunset...)







View of LPB city from Phousi











Phra That Khong Santi Chedi

This is a monastry and also a favourite Lao tourist attraction. It's a yellow stupa with 3 levels and the view from the stupa is pretty impressive. I doubt many tourists go to this place, it sure is a popular picnic place among the Lao people. If you are into meditation, this is one place I would recommend.