Luang Prabang, in northern Laos, is the country's historic capital and a really different proposition to the Plain of Jars. Its UNESCO World heritage listing describes it as Southeast Asia's ‘best preserved ancient metropolises - it is definitely certainly one of Indochina's ‘must-see’ destinations. 

The population is tiny - it has yet to prime 20,000, and the affect of the trendy world has been minimal. It’s positioned on a 250-hectare peninsula protruding into the confluence of the Khan and Mekong Rivers surrounded by attractive scenery. 

It became the capital of the LAN Xang Kingdom in the middle of the 12th century and remained so for practically 300 years. Its attraction is an exceptional focus of WATS and other temples in such a small space, making it a simple place to stroll around.  

Probably the most effective place to begin is the Royal Palace Museum, built as a royal residence facing the Mekong River to receive dignitaries and other official visitors. It’s an elegantly designed combination of conventional Lao and French architecture. 

The museum has a superb artwork object collection, together with the Prabang, an ancient standing Buddha forged in bronze, silver and gold that gave its title to the town. Aside from housing different collections of, for example, artifacts, votive objects and musical instruments, most of the palace rooms have been preserved as they have been when the King departed. 

Wat Xieng Thong

Essentially the most magnificent and vital watt in Luang Prabang was in-built 1560. It consists of a tranquil compound stuffed with intricate carvings and mosaics, detailed work, and low, broad, tiled roofs. The sim is a wonderful instance of traditional Luang Prabang temple architecture, with a series of elegant roofs sweeping downwards almost to the ground. Its rear wall has a formidable mosaic, and the inside walls and ceiling are decorated with lovely frescoes and dharma wheels.  

Wat Mai

Like Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai can be an exemplar of the Luang Prabang type of religious structure after 70 years of construction. The five-tiered roof protects walls of golden bas-aid relating the story of the Buddha's incarnation and depicting scenes of village life.

Inside, the central beam is carved with the Hindu epic of Ravenna and Hanuman. This watt as soon as housed the golden Prabang: each year, the statue is returned right here for its ritual cleansing.  

Other WATS

There are too many WATS in Luang Prabang to describe here. Though they are all built on related strains, every one has enough distinctive features to stave off ‘temple fatigue’, and there are many good Laotian and international eating places, espresso shops and bars to visit en-route.  

Different issues to do in Luang Prabang

After a day among the many WATS and the museum, a gentle climb up Mount Phuosi to benefit from the sundown and the spectacular view of the town and river, is a delight. A ship cruise on the Mekong, or mountain climbing to the abandoned WATS and caves on the other bank, are other attractions. For the more lively, biking and rafting are possibilities.