Luang Prabang is located in north central Laos and is the capital of Luang Prabang Province. The former capital of Kingdom of Laos is a city of golden temple spires, faded French colonial architecture and diverse hill tribes. Situated on the Mekong river, 425km north of Vientiane, the city is nestled in a stunning river valley surrounded by dramatic mountains. Luang Prabang was recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 because of its well-preserved remnants of the ancient Lane Xang Kingdom, many of which date from the 13th-15th centuries. However, it is the peaceful charm and relaxed atmosphere of the town which never fails to enchant and attracts so many visitors from all over the world.
Getting There and Away There are few airlines like Bangkok Airways, Vietnam Airlines and Lao Airlines offering non-stop flights to Luang Prabang International Airport. Moreover the city is linked by Route 13 with Vang Vieng and Vientiane, and by Route 1 with Muang Xay. Route 13 also connects the city to Cambodia. The Mekong River itself is also an important transportation link. Slow boats and speedboats go upstream along the Mekong to Pakbeng and Houy Xay.
Sights & Attractions One of Luang Prabang’s attractions that you can’t miss is the National Museum (former Royal Palace). It was built between 1904 and 1909 as a residence of King Sisavangvong. The famed Pha Bang Buddha image is enshrined here besides the collection of personal artifacts of the royal family, including the royal throne of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
Wat Xieng Thong is the crowning jewel in Luang Prabang’s collection of temples. Built in the 16th century by King Saysethathirath, it is the last temple to be constructed before the capital moved to Vientiane. It is considered as masterpiece of 16th century Buddhist architecture. The temple is located close to the meeting point of Mekong River and Nam Khan River. It was used to organize the highest royal ceremony and houses the funeral vehicle of the former King.
Another must-sight in Luang Prabang is Wat Mai. This temple was built in typical Luang Prabang style and purely Lao design in year 1796. During Lao New Year, the Prabang (the golden Buddha statue from which the town derives its name) is put on display for a ceremonial cleansing ceremony in which inhabitants bathe the statue in perfume and flowers.
A good possibility for shopping it to visit the Night Market in Luang Prabang. Ounheuan Rd. and Sisavangvatthana Rd. are shopping streets in the city center selling Laos handmade products, bags, silks, quilted fabrics, t-shirts, antiques, handicrafts, etc.
Travelling around If you want to explore the surrondings we recommend to do a boat excursion to Pak Ou Cave. It consists of 2 caves: "Tham Ting" and "Tham Phoum". Inside these caves are thousands of Buddha statues in varying styles, materials and ages. Pak Ou is located in a steep cliff at the confluence of the Nam Ou and Mekong River. You can reach it by boat from Luang Prabang and also by car. If you prefer going by vehicle then we recommed to do so only during the dry season as it is a 7 km unpaved road crossing the river from Ban Pak Ou. On your way to Pak Ou you can visit Ban Muang Keo - a traditional Lye, weaving and traditional rice whisky making village.
For more information, further options and prices regarding any other attractions in and around Luang Prabang, contact Guidepost Discovery Tours.
------MAISON SOUVANNAPHOUM HOTEL *****
Once home to Laotian royalty, Maison Souvannaphoum Hotel houses the celebrated Angsana Spa, as well as intimate rooms and luxurious suites with a touch of the contemporary. The former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma in the 1960s and 70s is the perfect place to unwind after a day of exploring the ancient temples and enchanting scenery of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Hotel Facts:
· Rooms and Amenities: The hotel features 24 beautifully furnished rooms (Garden Wing Room, Maison Room, Laos Room, Champa Room, La Residence Twin). · Dining and Entertainment: The “Elephant Blanc” Restaurant serves delicious French, Laotian and Indochinese cuisine in a serene setting by the pool; Bar. · Sport and Leisure: The Angsana Spa offers a wide array of luxurious massages, beauty and body treatments; Swimming pool; Bycicle rental. · Others: Angsana gallery - a lifestyle gallery showcasing indigenous arts and crafts. ------ALILA LUANG PRABANG **** Alila Luang Prabang is nestled in a quiet residential area of Luang Prabang. Its private and peaceful location is just five minutes from the town centre and 10 minutes from the airport. Alila Luang Prabang fuses colonial charm with contemporary elegance in one of the finest luxury all-suite resorts in the region.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: 23 luxury suites with unique design features; suites with own private garden and either a private pool or outdoor pavilion; larger suites with generous living space, separate bathrooms and extensive gardens; two corner suites providing exclusive tower access. · Dining and Entertainment: Enjoy an intimate dinner at the restaurant and try the exciting variety of taste sensations, prepared using the freshest, local ingredients. Afterwards visit the classic colonial-style bar and enjoy a drink in good atmosphere. · Sport and Leisure: Central courtyard pools, bordered by terraces, daybeds and private cabanas, Spa Alila, Yoga, Massage, Cooking Class. · Others: Leisure Concierges tailoring activities according to guets personal interests, well-stocked library with good reading selection.
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3 NAGAS BY ALILA **** Located in the heart of Luang Prabang this elegant boutique hotel comprises three UNESCO World Heritage buildings more than a century old, steeped in Lao tradition yet embracing you in the best of modern comforts. Restored in 2003, the hotel blends contemporary style with the buildings’ original architecture.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: Features 12 rooms and 3 suites, each uniquely styled with modern comforts and facilities. All rooms and suites feature a stylish bathroom, king-size bed and sofa and open onto a spacious private terrace or verandah overlooking the street or garden. · Dining and Entertainment: Les 3 Nagas Restaurant serves from humble dishes to chef’s specialties, finest Lao cuisine with a touch of French flair. The open-air Mango Tree Restaurant serves a fusion of Asian and Western cuisine with a Laotian twist. · Others: La Boutique includes a good selection of handicrafts, hand-embroidered items, wood crafts and silk textiles made by local hill tribes, as well as a variety of teas, infusions and spices from Luang Prabang. Library including a selection of magazines, novels and reference books. Leisure Concierges tailoring activities according to guets personal interests.
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CHANTHAVINH RESORT & SPA **** Chanthavinh Resort & Spa is a deluxe resort situated directly on the banks of the Mekong River with magnifcent and romantic views located at Ban Chan Village, the historic village of pottery in Luang Prabang Province. The resort's design is an elegant mix of the 19th century nobs' house of Lao traditional Luang Prabang style and modern western facilities. Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: The Resort offers a quiet peaceful environment comprising 13 single wooden houses or 33 well-appointed guest rooms with a full rang of modern amenities. Each room with private balcony or terrace looking fantastic view. · Dining and Entertainment: The restaurant and terrace bar offers an extensive menu of typical Luang Prabang food as well as Asian and Western style specialties. The riverside restaurant offers delicious array of food and drinks together with spectacular views of river and mountainous scenery. · Sport and Leisure: At Chanthavinh Resort & Spa you can enjoy different kind of massages such as Aroma-Oil massage, Nuad Bouhaan (Traditional massage) or Foot massage. Conferences and banquets: Classic style multi-purpose meeting rooms of two 50m² reach and one 80 m² ballroom. Equipped with deluxe furniture and modern technologies suitable for meetings, VIP business functions, social events or weddings. ------
VILLA MALY ***** Villa Maly is situated in the heart of Luang Prabang, only 15 min. drive from the international airport. Set in tropical gardens, the historic boutique property was a former residence of the royal family mebmebrs. The “Residence of Charm” is just within walking distance of the main historical attractions and places of interest.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: In addition to the original building, there are seven low rise buildings housing the 33 rooms (28 Superior, 5 Deluxe), each with its own special view of the garden and pool. The Laotian architecture is mixed with colonial past, luxurious details and modern amenities. · Dining and Entertainment: “Le Vetiver” is a perfect alfresco dining experience. Serving various delectable flavors, local traditional cuisine, energizing cocktails and beverages. · Sport and Leisure: Swimming pool, bycicle rental, various beauty treatments and services at “Jouvence” locale, as well as good selection of massage treatments. · Others: “Le Meli Melo” Features an array of traditional handicrafts and souvenirs, including hand picked accessories,collectibles and gifts, perfect for family and friends.
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THE LUANG SAY RESIDENCE ***** This five-star luxury boutique resort is located only 10 minutes from an International airport, close to Phou Vao road and just 5 minutes to the world heritage town of Luang Prabang. The hotel opening is planned for November 2010.
Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: 24 luxuriously appointed residence suites (20 Pioneer Suites and 4 Explorateur Suites). The architectural style reflects an atmosphere of late 19th century, the colonialists’ way of life and their adventurous, lavish lifestyles. · Dining and Entertainment: Dining Room and Bar. · Sport and Leisure: Outdoor Swimming Pool. · Others: The Luang Say Residence is the pinnacle of luxury, providing 5 colonial style residencies, a timeless courtyard and an exquisite main pavilion with reception area, library and fumoir.
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VILLA TREASURE *** Hotel Facts: · Rooms and Amenities: Features two different room types (Superior and Studio Courtyard), which are designed in traditional Laos style. All rooms are very spacious (40m²) and moredn equipped with air conditioning, mini-bar, telephone, cable TV, unlimited wireless internet connection and a large bathroom complete with a bathtub and shower. · Dining and Entertainment: The large dining room, furnished in traditional Lao style, offers Lao and Western food in quiet and good atmospere. Others: 24 hrs security, bar, laundry service, safe at the reception and tour desk.
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