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Luang Prabang, Laos (December 2010)

Luang Prabang was formerly the capital of a kingdom of Laos of the same name until the communist takeover in 1975, and it is Laos’ most interesting destination and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is renowned for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. It has more than 30 temples for a city with a population of just over 100,000 people. Luang Prabang is uniquely situated on the confluence of the Khan River with the larger Mekong River. The most famous tourist sites are located in the Old Town section and include: Luang Prabang’s oldest temple, Wat Xieng Thong (built in 1560), the Royal Palace Complex and Phou Si Hill with its numerous temples and shrines. From the top of Phou Si Hill, you can see the entire city. Every morning, monks in orange robes form a procession marching to the temple while receiving alms of sticky rice from the townspeople. Luang Prabang is also famous for its huge market that takes place every night. Between its history, temples, culture, beauty, interest and location on two rivers, Luang Prabang is one place you must see in Laos.
Luang Prabang, Laos cover page.
Luang Prabang, Laos cover page.		 Map of Laos with the star indicating Luang Prabang.
Map of Laos with the star indicating Luang Prabang.		 Map of Luang Prabang.
Map of Luang Prabang.		 The Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa where I stayed in Luang Prabang.
The Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa where I stayed in Luang Prabang.
Naga (snake) statue at the hotel.
Naga (snake) statue at the hotel.		 The dining area at the Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa.
The dining area at the Ramayana Boutique Hotel & Spa.		 Entrance to the very old Wat Visoun temple located on the south side of Phou Si hill, outside of the main area of the old city.
Entrance to the very old Wat Visoun temple located on the south side of Phou Si hill, outside of the main area of the old city.		 Sign for Wat Visoun temple.
Sign for Wat Visoun temple.
Rear view of the Wat Visoun temple with naga (snake) gargoyles.
Rear view of the Wat Visoun temple with naga (snake) gargoyles.		 Close-up of one of the naga gargoyles.
Close-up of one of the naga gargoyles.		 A Buddhist shrine under a Bodhi Tree (sacred fig tree) under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.
A Buddhist shrine under a Bodhi Tree (sacred fig tree) under which Buddha is said to have achieved enlightenment.		 Statue of a woman at Wat Visoun temple holding a naga (snake), which is sacred in Buddhism.
Statue of a woman at Wat Visoun temple holding a naga (snake), which is sacred in Buddhism.
Intricate gold carvings on this rear door at the Wat Visoun temple.
Intricate gold carvings on this rear door at the Wat Visoun temple.		 The stupa is known as That Pathum (Lotus Stupa). It was built in the 16th century but sacked by the Chinese in the 19th century.
The stupa is known as That Pathum (Lotus Stupa). It was built in the 16th century but sacked by the Chinese in the 19th century.		 It is more commonly known as That Makmo because its shape resembles a watermelon (makmo being Lao for watermelon).
It is more commonly known as That Makmo because its shape resembles a watermelon ("makmo" being Lao for watermelon).		 A gong at the temple was probably used to summon monks to prayer or to meals.
A gong at the temple was probably used to summon monks to prayer or to meals.
A typical alter with a large seated Buddha inside the Wat Visoun temple.
A typical alter with a large seated Buddha inside the Wat Visoun temple.		 Close-up of the Buddha. Many smaller Buddhas surround it.
Close-up of the Buddha. Many smaller Buddhas surround it.		 Note the bejeweled ivory-colored Buddhist image.
Note the bejeweled ivory-colored Buddhist image.		 An intricate wooden carving depicting scenes from Buddhist beliefs.
An intricate wooden carving depicting scenes from Buddhist beliefs.
Along the outer wall behind the alter are many more standing Buddha images (a pose referred to as Calling for Rain style).
Along the outer wall behind the alter are many more standing Buddha images (a pose referred to as "Calling for Rain" style).		 These standing images were moved here from other destroyed temples after the Haw invasion by the Chinese in the 19th century.
These standing images were moved here from other destroyed temples after the Haw invasion by the Chinese in the 19th century.		 More wooden carvings including this bird sculpture.
More wooden carvings including this bird sculpture.		 Next to Wat Visoun and the That Makmo is the smaller temple of Wat Aham.
Next to Wat Visoun and the That Makmo is the smaller temple of Wat Aham.
A colorful Buddhist statue outside of Wat Aham.
A colorful Buddhist statue outside of Wat Aham.		 Another colorful Buddhist statue outside the temple. They appear to be guarding it.
Another colorful Buddhist statue outside the temple. They appear to be guarding it.		 The ornate, golden entrance door of Wat Aham temple.
The ornate, golden entrance door of Wat Aham temple.		 Inside of Wat Aham, there is another large seated Buddha.
Inside of Wat Aham, there is another large seated Buddha.
Me posing in front of the seated Buddha.
Me posing in front of the seated Buddha.		 The walls are covered with instructional scenes from Buddhist theology.
The walls are covered with "instructional" scenes from Buddhist theology.		 These depict the karmic hell that awaits those who inflict cruelty on others during their life.
These depict the karmic "hell" that awaits those who inflict cruelty on others during their life.		 In Buddhism, karmic means the effect of a person's actions and conduct during the phases of the person's existence.
In Buddhism, "karmic" means the effect of a person's actions and conduct during the phases of the person's existence.
It is obvious from these paintings that the golden rule does not just apply to Christianity.
It is obvious from these paintings that the "golden rule" does not just apply to Christianity.		 More horrific depictions of hell for Buddhists who are unworthy of rewards when reincarnated.
More horrific depictions of hell for Buddhists who are unworthy of rewards when reincarnated.		 More depictions of a Buddhist hell.
More depictions of a Buddhist hell.		 One of Luang Prabang's many tuk tuks driving down the street.
One of Luang Prabang's many tuk tuks driving down the street.
Stairs leading up the Phou Si Hill in Luang Prabang. The sides of the hill and top are studded with small temples and shrines.
Stairs leading up the Phou Si Hill in Luang Prabang. The sides of the hill and top are studded with small temples and shrines.		 View of Mae Kok River, a tributary of the Mekong River as seen from Phou Si Hill.
View of Mae Kok River, a tributary of the Mekong River as seen from Phou Si Hill.		 Bamboo bridge that crosses the Mae Kok River.
Bamboo bridge that crosses the Mae Kok River.		 A monk in orange robes was crossing the bridge.
A monk in orange robes was crossing the bridge.
I saw this unusual sculpture which is used for water drainage when climbing up Phou Si Hill.
I saw this unusual sculpture which is used for water drainage when climbing up Phou Si Hill.		 One of the small temples that I saw on Phou Si Hill.
One of the small temples that I saw on Phou Si Hill.		 Close-up of the temple. Note the star ornaments which are supposed to bring good luck.
Close-up of the temple. Note the star ornaments which are supposed to bring good luck.		 More steps leading up Phou Si Hill.
More steps leading up Phou Si Hill.
There is a bell inside this small structure.
There is a bell inside this small structure.		 Another small structure that appears to house a drum or a gong.
Another small structure that appears to house a drum or a gong.		 The Lao man was taking a break. We were about half-way up Phou Si Hill.
The Lao man was taking a break. We were about half-way up Phou Si Hill.		 A view of Mae Kok River from about half-way up the hill.
A view of Mae Kok River from about half-way up the hill.
Wooden boats along the river.
Wooden boats along the river.		 At this point on Phou Si Hill, the steps were looking pretty formidable!
At this point on Phou Si Hill, the steps were looking pretty formidable!		 I took a break, not because I was tired, but to take a picture.
I took a break, not because I was tired, but to take a picture.		 Not too much farther to reach the next shrines on Phou Si Hill.
Not too much farther to reach the next shrines on Phou Si Hill.
This shrine stands in front of the Buddha's footprint on Phu Si Hill.
This shrine stands in front of the Buddha's footprint on Phu Si Hill.		 The pathway on the hill had these amazing nagas (snakes) serving as banisters.
The pathway on the hill had these amazing nagas (snakes) serving as banisters.		 The naga pathway lead to this structure.
The naga pathway lead to this structure.		 More Buddhist shrines on the hill.
More Buddhist shrines on the hill.
Close-up of a golden Buddha.
Close-up of a golden Buddha.		 This painting depicts the pathway and some of the many stairs going up Phu Si Hill.
This painting depicts the pathway and some of the many stairs going up Phu Si Hill.		 Another shrine with Buddha and his disciples.
Another shrine with Buddha and his disciples.		 Statue of Buddha preaching reason near the top of Phu Si Hill.
Statue of Buddha preaching reason near the top of Phu Si Hill.
Buddha's hands are in the double abhaya mudra position.
Buddha's hands are in the double abhaya mudra position.		 This shrine is at the top of Phu Si Hill.
This shrine is at the top of Phu Si Hill.		 View of Mae Kok River from the top of Phu Si Hill.
View of Mae Kok River from the top of Phu Si Hill.		 View of the Mekong River from another direction on top Phu Si Hill.
View of the Mekong River from another direction on top Phu Si Hill.
Climbing down the hill, I passed by this gnarly old tree.
Climbing down the hill, I passed by this gnarly old tree.		 The bottom of the stairs was across from the entrance to the Royal Palace Museum.
The bottom of the stairs was across from the entrance to the Royal Palace Museum.		 Sign for the Royal Palace (Luang Prabang National) Museum with buganvilias behind.
Sign for the Royal Palace (Luang Prabang National) Museum with buganvilias behind.		 The Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex. It is a new temple on the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum.
The Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex. It is a new temple on the grounds of the Royal Palace Museum.
Front façade of the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex.
Front façade of the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex.		 Side view of the temple.
Side view of the temple.		 Note the magnificent naga banisters going up the temple's stairs.
Note the magnificent naga banisters going up the temple's stairs.		 Buddhists believe the naga, which once tried to harm Buddha, was later subdued to become one of his disciples and guardians.
Buddhists believe the naga, which once tried to harm Buddha, was later subdued to become one of his disciples and guardians.
Interesting view through the trees of the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex.
Interesting view through the trees of the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex.		 The Royal Palace Theater at the (Royal Palace) complex.
The Royal Palace Theater at the (Royal Palace) complex.		 View from the the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex of a statue of Savang Vatthana, the last king of Laos.
View from the the Buddhist Temple at Haw Kham (Royal Palace) complex of a statue of Savang Vatthana, the last king of Laos.		 Close-up of the Savang Vatthana statue. He ruled from 1959, after his father's death, until his forced abdication in 1975.
Close-up of the Savang Vatthana statue. He ruled from 1959, after his father's death, until his forced abdication in 1975.
View of the old royal palace which is now a museum. It was built in 1904 on the foundations of a much older palace.
View of the old royal palace which is now a museum. It was built in 1904 on the foundations of a much older palace.		 Interior of the ornate Royal Palace, which is a blend of Lao and French styles.
Interior of the ornate Royal Palace, which is a blend of Lao and French styles.		 Connecting the reception wing with the residential wing is the throne hall. This appears to be the throne.
Connecting the reception wing with the residential wing is the throne hall. This appears to be the throne.		 During my tour, I passed these cute Lao school children doing exercises.
During my tour, I passed these cute Lao school children doing exercises.
Ornate entry gate to the Wat Nong Sikhunmeuang temple.
Ornate entry gate to the Wat Nong Sikhunmeuang temple.		 The temple is richly decorated, with fish and naga brackets supporting the roof from red and gold filigree pilasters.
The temple is richly decorated, with fish and naga brackets supporting the roof from red and gold filigree pilasters.		 Front façade of Wat Nong Sikhunmeuang
Front façade of Wat Nong Sikhunmeuang		 The temple was first built early in the the 18th century, but burned down and was rebuilt in the early 19th century.
The temple was first built early in the the 18th century, but burned down and was rebuilt in the early 19th century.
Later on the tour, I passed by these incredibly long wooden boats.
Later on the tour, I passed by these incredibly long wooden boats.		 Wat Saen temple. Saen means 100,000 in Lao (it is believed that 100,000 Kip was donated to build the temple in 1718).
Wat Saen temple. "Saen" means 100,000 in Lao (it is believed that 100,000 Kip was donated to build the temple in 1718).		 This very tall standing Buddha is inside the temple.
This very tall standing Buddha is inside the temple.		 Frontal view of the standing Buddha.
Frontal view of the standing Buddha.
A small stupa that I passed by while on the tour.
A small stupa that I passed by while on the tour.		 Another temple that I saw. There are a little more than 30 temples in the relatively small town of Luang Prabang.
Another temple that I saw. There are a little more than 30 temples in the relatively small town of Luang Prabang.		 A beautiful Buddhist shrine that I passed.
A beautiful Buddhist shrine that I passed.		 Close-up of the golden Buddha.
Close-up of the golden Buddha.
I walked down this street where they were drying wafers that they make.
I walked down this street where they were drying wafers that they make.		 Close-up of the wafers.
Close-up of the wafers.		 I was approaching the Wat Xieng Thong (Golden Tree) temple, where the Khan flows into the Mekong, the city's oldest temple.
I was approaching the Wat Xieng Thong ("Golden Tree") temple, where the Khan flows into the Mekong, the city's oldest temple.		 Interesting box at Wat Xieng Thong temple. It would make a nice mailbox!
Interesting box at Wat Xieng Thong temple. It would make a nice mailbox!
Very old stupa at the temple.
Very old stupa at the temple.		 Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. It was built in 1560.
Wat Xieng Thong is the oldest temple in Luang Prabang. It was built in 1560.		 View of the temple's exterior. It survived the 19th century Black Flag Haw Chinese invasion since they used it as a garrison.
View of the temple's exterior. It survived the 19th century Black Flag Haw Chinese invasion since they used it as a garrison.		 Close-up of the front gable ends which are richly decorated with intricate gold mosaic designs on red ochre background.
Close-up of the front gable ends which are richly decorated with intricate gold mosaic designs on red ochre background.
The ancient roof of Wat Xieng Thong temple.
The ancient roof of Wat Xieng Thong temple.		 The entrance to the temple.
The entrance to the temple.		 Ornate interior with a large Buddha smiling benevolently down on all visitors.
Ornate interior with a large Buddha smiling benevolently down on all visitors.		 Amazing gold carved doors of another temple that I visited.
Amazing gold carved doors of another temple that I visited.
Interior of the temple adorned in gold, red and black and a Buddha shrine.
Interior of the temple adorned in gold, red and black and a Buddha shrine.		 Another one of the many temples I passed by in Luang Prabang.
Another one of the many temples I passed by in Luang Prabang.		 Plaque in Luang Prabang stating that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Plaque in Luang Prabang stating that it is a UNESCO World Heritage site.		 At the end of the tour, I posed with this happy dog sculpture.
At the end of the tour, I posed with this happy dog sculpture.
Balloon vender on a main Luang Prabang street.
Balloon vender on a main Luang Prabang street.		 I walked down Th Chao Fa Ngum (street) and admired this stairway with a naga banister.
I walked down Th Chao Fa Ngum (street) and admired this stairway with a naga banister.		 Close-up of the naga banister.
Close-up of the naga banister.		 The night market was just starting on Th Sisavangvong (street). It is huge and goes on late and for many blocks.
The night market was just starting on Th Sisavangvong (street). It is huge and goes on late and for many blocks.

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