Laos Cities: Luangphabang

Approximately 500 kilometers north of Vientiane, in the Big Mekong Issuer, between the Merge Place of the Great River and to us Khan, and Mount Phusi, lies the oldest city of Laos and his ancient capital – Luangphabang (in our sources it is called LuangPrabang or Luang Prabang).

The city of more than 800 years was the capital first of the largest principality in the region – Lan-Sang, and then and the whole of the Kingdom of Liao, until in 1563, the King of Setheathirate did not suffer a residence in Vientiane. The city received its modern name in the middle of the XIV century, in honor of the Golden Statue of the Buddha – Phabang ("Saint") and words "Luang" – "royal". Luangphabang is now known as the largest cultural and historical center of the country, introduced in 1995 on the UNESCO World Heritage List, as the most beautiful city of Laos and the center of one of the most picturesque areas of the country. But only 20 thousand people live here.

There are many monasteries and temples of the period between the XVI and XX centuries (66 pagodas, 32 of them are perfectly preserved to our time), unique assembly of art samples and the most valuable collection of cultural heritage of the country. The most valuable monuments of history and culture include decorated with frescoes and mosaics Royal Monastery Wat Cieng Thong or "City of gold chramms" (1559-1560.) – The most beautiful of all the religious buildings of Luangphabang and the most extensive monastery of the country. Also interesting is the National Museum in the building of the former Royal Palace (1904-1909.) With a unique collection of items of the Kingdom of Lang San, a masterpiece of Lao architecture – located on the phusi hill ("Saint Hill") Pagoda Tat Chomcy (1804 g., Restored in 1994.) To the foot of which leads a narrow stone staircase out of 328 steps, the statue of the Buddha, sitting in the shadow of the sacred tree of the Campa at the walls of Tat Chomcy, "Buddha trail" Wat Ra Bath, Monastery Wat Vuene (1500-1520., Now there is a museum of religious art) South Phusi Hill, nearby Giant Stupa Tat McMo or Wat Visunalat ("Watermelon Stupa", 1503.), wat pha monasteries Mazathat and Wat Aham, Wat Tat Luang (1818 g., Here are urns with the ashes of kings and members of the royal family), dedicated to the last Lao king "Golden Stupa" Within Wat Tat Luang, Wat Tat Monastery in the old district of Jewelirov Ban Wat Tat, as well as the residence of the Buddhist clergy – Monastery WAT MAI or SUVVNABHUMAHAM (1821.).

On the shore of Mekong is located "Red Chapel" – Beautiful Quaker Service mansion, and on the other shore – Monastery Wat Long Khun. Not far from Tat McOo lies the village of Ban La or Ban Phan (2.5 km from the center of Luangphabang) – recognized center of traditional local fishery. Good place to start excursions in the city – the market gave, where you can see the entire range of local products and food, as well as the nearby market of traditional clothing Hmong.

Reviews and studies of trips

Laos. Luang Prabang. Asia in the quest genre

Asia is akin to gaming – both turn on the computer, anticipating the continuation of the quest, and from Asia, wait for wonders and dissolve in the fairy tale read more →

Haydamak | Autumn 2016

Luangphabang. An example of a small European town in Asia

Luangphabang – a rare example of a small European town in Asia. In the center there is no hubar, slums, garbage and broken sidewalks, almost no transport, but there is a tiled. Read more →

Juan | Autumn 2016

Laos: Cruise in Mekong

To get from Luangphabang to Northern Thailand, you need either hours of 20 ride on a broken mountain winding road by bus, or swim up the flow of Mekong. Read more →