Sit comfortably
And take something to eat, drink or both (you'll see it's important). Because we make you discover a place you're challenged to not fall in love with: Luang Prabang, the cultural capital of the Laos. Classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site and nestled on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and Nam Khan River, this city is a small pearl unique of its kind. You wonder why? Swipe your eyes on the few lines and photos that follow and you will see!
#1 – Its inhabitants
Because they just have the smile.
It's crazy how everyone seems to have the smile in this little town! Throughout the day, there is a sweet and joyful atmosphere here, which is reflected on the faces of both locals and foreigners. And you know what? We think we've pierced the secret: its inhabitants! They're you. Make jokes using hot dogs of madness, have the potato When they cut you mangoes and they are relaxed to the point of taking a nap when you come to rent a scooter in their living room (veccu).
Stay here for a few days and you'll see for yourself: The one who prepares exquisite juices will greet you by your first name and the tuk-tuk driver (with whom you have never raced) will ask you if you are going well today. In addition, we find All generations In this dynamic little town and it's not without participating in its charm: the younger ones make us crack in a look and the older ones have lived here for as long as their beautiful & traditional houses.
#2 – Food
Don't look at the next content if...
You may have felt it coming in the previous lines: do not go through the next images if you are likely to be hungry and have nothing to satisfy your voracious desires! Because we found him there. stomach paradise. From these years of French colonization, Luang Prabang kept a treasure: Love and the art of good food. Here we can find bakeries (with True croissants), sandwiches worthy of this name, exquisite burgers, pastries, restaurants that have nothing to envy ours and even... The charcuterie !
But Luang Prabang is also this city with confidential alleyways which, in the morning, hold stands of all kinds (vegetations, seeds, spices, meats, fish...) making the part beautiful to the Traditional food in the country. And at night? The alleyways turn into street food temple Hey! You got water in your mouth? We're not talking about vegetarian buffets at will for 1.5€ Hey!
#3 – Sunsets along the Mekong
At the pace of the sailing boats and emptying beers
The sunsets by the Mekong... Here, it's a little the Evening appointment. Along the west facing banks, one of the city's main small streets takes place. On one side, beautiful colonial buildings (some houses and nice cafes for others) decorated with balconies and decorative wooden elements. On the other hand, built almost above water, small open-air restaurants and shaded terraces. At the dawn of the day, the torches and lampions light up to finish the marriage harmoniously.
Imagine: while the hanging terraces all made of bamboo or wood call for relaxation, Myanmar, proud local beer, is never far away. It is served in large ice pint and enjoy even more at the end of the day, when the burning heat is more Sweet, sun blush and vessels slide slowly in the sparkling waters... In the distance, the mountainous landscape is emerging, as a protective setting for this little paradise.
#4 – The stuff we can do around
(You'll lose your mind)
Speaking of mountains: Luang Prabang is built on a peninsula in the heart of a mountainous region Counting mountains like PhouThao and PhouNang. Does that mean? That everywhere around, nature is to Handheld (or rather scooter and tuk-tuk). We advise you to take a look (no, rather to lose a morning or afternoon) at the amazing falls of Kuang Si.
This immense cascade on several levels shape according to its different terraces turquoise basins Surrealists. This colour is due to the high limestone content of the water, which flows in mass on this white rock. In the shade, the color is already very beautiful, but when the sunlight comes to pierce it... The result is grandiose.
#5 – Its responsible and ecological side
Luang Prabang : The green city in every sense of the word
In general, the development of South-East Asian cities has not always been done in a very harmonious manner or with a strong commitment to sustainable development and the environment. Luang Prabang is a exception, certainly motivated by its classification since 1995 at UNESCO World Heritage Site for its « exceptional universal value ».
Result? A city more clean and beautiful initiatives, such as his campaign for ban plastic. You're told: all the restaurants are now serving bamboo straws and they are sold to every corner of the street or stand at the traditional night market. But the coolest thing is probably all the points. « drinking water » (drinking water) that have been built in the city: discourage the use of plastic cylinders, many establishments (museums, restaurants...) offer these filling points free. They are marked with water drop signs and the RefillMyBottle even makes it possible to find them all thanks to geolocation! These devices are accompanied by posters awareness of the use of reusable bottles.
#6 – Its free and captivating museums
Which make the part of the history and culture of this country beautiful.
It is admitted that museums are not the main motivation of our travels. But that it is sometimes good, take time to become interested in the history, culture, or peculiarities of certain countries. And that's what you'll want to do in this pretty town: because as soon as we know it, we want to learn more.
Sound ethnological museum is a little treasure cherished by enthusiasts. The entrance is free but when you see the diversity and quality of the work provided to gather and present its collections of photographs, maps, films, reproductions, objects... We can only participate with gratitude in its funding*. And we're not talking about l的Uxo Visitor Center, which testifies with so much of meaning of the ever-present fight to demine Laos, the most bombed country in the world.
* The Traditional and Ethnological Arts Center was free when we visited, the entry price would be today 25,000 kips... 2€60.
The minute story The US Army dropped more than two million tons of bombs on Laos during the Vietnam War. 80 million did not explode. Today these time bombs still kill almost one person a day: 40% are children who think they are toys. Hundreds of people are still working full time to demine this country at the sad record.
#7 – Because it's only in Luang Prabang that you'll see the monks make their deal.
And that's no price.
Far from its history, Luang Prabang was the centre of Buddhism in the region. Today this cultural – spiritual – side is still very present and many monks live here. Result? You'll keep them together in their daily lives. Hey! You will see them wandering around, meditating, maintaining their monastery and even... Make their deal!
Then the city has an impressive number of monasteries and pagodas, among the most sumptuous in Southeast Asia. Richly decorated (sculptures, engravings, paintings, gilding, etc.) these are a real pleasure for the eyes and testify to the sacred character of this city where the living religious practices are always perpetuated Assiduously.
Anyway, walking around here feels a lot of serenity. And you're assured, You won't get tired. the spectacle of the orange robes of the monks who subtly punctuate the aisles.
#8 – 'Cause you're gonna drink stuff to fall
And besides, they'll all be served with bamboo straws, remember?
Coffees of all kinds, natural juices of space, drinks so greedy that they are more like snacks and... The fresh beer, every corner of the street for a given price. Luang Prabang, it's a little bit the city of pleasures (and snacks, coffee breaks...) where you'll like to take the time by mixing pleasure of the eyes (typical architecture, cosy terraces, neat products) and happiness of the taste buds.
#9 – Because she's beautiful, just
In case you didn't notice.
Speaking of eye pleasure: Luang Prabang is beautifulSimply. Both for its flowery alleys and small shady passageways, only for its Traditional buildings classified and its sublime golden temples. The most amazing thing is to see how harmoniously everything lives together.
#10 – Because it makes you a good reason to come on a trip to Laos
This country that deserves so much love!
BREF.
This was a declaration of love.
But beware of appearances: while destinations often tend to appear idyllic on travel sites, you need to know how to bring nuances. Tourism is beneficial for a place only to a certain extent. And even in a town like Luang Prabang (whom we fell in love with, you guessed) not all is so pink. UNESCO warns against certain threats as a result of its rapid development and the strong economic pressures associated with tourism (use of buildings, departures of residents, illegal constructions, etc.). It is only up to us to take care of the places we visit and not to encourage certain uses. The morning quest of monks became a tourist attraction is a sad example...
Come on, Luang Prabang. We drink to your country and to the feverish atmosphere of your night market, to the silence of your monasteries, to the smile of your inhabitants, to your pretty streets in which we loved to get lost. You definitely took our soul, you made us forget time and then... You made life sweetSimply.
Do you drink with us?
Merci d’avoir lu ce top, on espère que tu l’as apprécié. N’hésite pas à nous poser tes questions en commentaires, We always answer.
