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Luang Prabang is without a doubt my favourite place in Laos and one of my favourite cities in Asia. The spiritual heart of Laos captured me nearly straight away with its laid-back atmosphere, world heritage listed buildings and friendly people. It is a place where I could simply spend every day walking its streets, watching monks walking to ancient temples, locals riding their bikes to the market and boats going up and down the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers.
If I could choose one place in Asia to just stay and take photos every day, it would be Luang Prabang. Here are a few of my favourites.
Buddha statues on Mount Phousi
Wat Xieng Thong
Tuk tuks line the street along the Mekong River
A flower and incense offering at a chedi near Mount Phousi
A typical Luang Prabang street
Boats on the bank of the Mekong River
View of the Nam Khan River from Mount Phousi
Tiled artwork at Wat Xieng Thong
A Naga head on a staircase at Wat Tham Phou Si
A basic shelter on the banks of the Nam Khan River
These tiny bird cages are used to release birds as offerings at Mount Phousi
Monks admire the interior of Haw Pha Bang
A farm on the other side of the Nam Khan River
A painted pattern on a wooden door at Wat Xieng Thong
A Buddhist bell on Mount Phousi
A lady rides her bike past a beautiful old building
A statue with flowers at Wat Tham Phousi
A little girl poses for a photo as she wipes the raindrops off of a motorbike
A broken boat on the bank of the Nam Khan River
Buddha statues at Wat Xieng Thong
A boat at a makeshift dock on the bank of the Nam Khan River
Naga heads at Wat Tham Phousi
Balls of sticky rice are laid out to be given to the monks early in the morning
Slow boats on the bank of the Mekong River
Monks walk past the steps to Mount Phousi
View of the Mekong River from Mount Phousi
Haw Pha Bang
Sunset on the Mekong River
Luang Prabang is one of the most photogenic places I have been. This rather large photo essay is only a handful of the photos that I took while I was there.
Have you been to Luang Prabang? What was your experience like?
Beautiful photo essay. We were there back in 1998. Glad to see it’s still beautiful and hasn’t changed much since then
Hey Eric, I have no idea how much Luang Prabang would have changed since then, but it certainly seems to be holding onto it’s way of life. Cheers
I really like this collection of photos! It’s a good mix of big, gorgeous sites, and small, pretty details. I feel like I was just whisked away for a few moments looking at them. I love the offering that looks like a birthday party hat–so cute! Thanks for sharing!
Thanks Maggie! I’m glad you enjoyed the photos
I was in Luang Prabang in January and agree with you on how wonderful it is. Your photos are lovely.
Offering alms to the monks before dawn one morning was the highlight for me.
I spent almost 3 weeks in Myanmar before going to Laos. It, too, is amazing.
Thanks Mona. Myanmar is somewhere I really want to get to soon. Everyone seems to say that if you like Laos you will absolutely love Myanmar. Cheers!
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Great photo essay! I’m a big fan of LP
Thanks Sam!
The monks’ robes are truly stunning! Wonderful pictures.
I agree. I could never get sick of seeing monks walking by. Cheers
We absolutely loved LP. Great photos!
Thanks Christy! I haven’t met many people who haven’t loved Luang Prabang
Cheers
Gorgeous photos! I want to go!
Thanks Emme. You should go!
I’m going to Luang Prabang this May. Really can’t wait, especially after looking at your pictures.
I’m jealous Bama. I hope you enjoy your time in Luang Prabang…I know you will
I couldn’t agree more. Luang Prabang is my favourite place in Laos and probably my favourite so far in South East Asia. I think I also took all of thee same pics!
I don’t think that we are alone Simon, Luang Prabang seems to capture a lot of people. It’s just that kind of place
Cheers!
Great collection of photos
Luang Prabang was one of my favorite places to visit and I couldn’t get over how peaceful the place was. Even walking through the market at night, I felt compelled to whisper, rather than talk loudly, because everyone was so hushed and calm!
I agree, Luang Prabang is certainly a peaceful place. Cheers
[…] Pha That Luang began construction in 1566 after King Saysetthathirath moved the capital from Luang Prabang to Vientiane. This stupa stayed mostly intact until 1828 when it was destroyed by the Thai army […]
Had no idea how much beauty was to be had in Laos. Really great photos that certainly inspire the wanderlust in me.
I’m glad you liked the photos, Cheryl. Laos is definitely a beautiful place.
[…] photo is of a collection of Buddha statues located in a museum building of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang, Laos. There were statues of all shapes and sizes located around this building. Some looked really […]
Very beautiful temples and artwork. I can see why Luang Prabang is your favorite place in Laos. Thanks for sharing this post and these photos!
Glad you liked them Josh. Luang Prabang is a fascinating place.
[…] week’s travel photo is of a boat at Pak Ou Caves, near Luang Prabang on the Mekong River, Laos. I took this photo while heading upstream on the two day slow boat […]
Hi dean I was just looking at the websight cause on my email it had your name so I clicked and took me here. Pretty pictures I like the really gold one can’t wait to see you in October
Hi Bianca. Thanks for commenting on my website! You can read all about our adventures on here. Can’t wait to see you as well. I think you will love Bangkok!
Great way to present !!! Most Amazing Photo Essay!