Luang Prabang, Laos's former royal capital, sits at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, and daily life here still moves to the rhythm of its more than 30 Buddhist temples, most visibly each dawn, when hundreds of monks process silently through the streets collecting alms.
The Alms Giving Ceremony and Temples
The alms-giving ceremony, held at dawn (around 6am), is a genuine daily religious practice, not a staged show, participate respectfully if you choose to (kneeling, offering rice quietly, no photography with flash) or simply observe from a respectful distance.
Wat Xieng Thong, the town's most important temple, has an elaborate mosaic "tree of life" on its rear wall and represents the finest example of Luang Prabang's distinctive temple architecture, with roofs that sweep almost to the ground.
Kuang Si Falls and Mount Phousi
Kuang Si Falls, about 45 minutes outside town, cascades through a series of turquoise pools ideal for swimming, arrive early to have the lower pools to yourself before tour buses arrive around 10am.
Climb Mount Phousi, in the centre of town, for a sunset view over the rooftops to the rivers and surrounding mountains, it's a short, busy climb but the golden stupa at the top and the panorama are worth sharing the space for.
Recommended Stay · Luang Prabang · Former Hospital Grounds
Amantaka
A former French colonial hospital converted into a serene resort of single-storey suites around a central pool, walking distance from the old town's temples and night market.
