Laos Luang Prabang

laos luang prabang_6="laos luang prabang"

Laos, Luang Prabang


laos luang prabang
laos luang prabang
laos luang prabang

Laos Luang Prabang

laos luang prabang_2="laos luang prabang"

Glittering in Gold & Beaming with Luang Prabang Character, Wat Xieng Thong Demands your Attention

Quietly situated on the northern end of the temple filled town, Wat Xieng Thong stands out from the rest. Surrounded by beautiful gardens and green trees with the Mekong and Nam Khan River junction flowing along nearby, it is certainly one of the UNESCO town's most beautiful and scenic.

A visit to Luang Prabnag is certainly incomplete if you manage to miss out on this gem of a temple. The glittering and graceful architecture certainly merits your eyes' and your imagination's attention. And what you're seeing here is the classic Luang Prabang temple design style. Characteristics include the gold designs that are embedded onto a dark and burnished background as well as columns featuring a rich lacquer-like black with gold stenciling.

Why was the temple built at its current spot? Perhaps three legends can bring some light to this question. One legend told of two hermits who set boundary stones near a notable flaming tree (which is depicted in the rear façade of the ordination hall). Another legend depicted a betel merchant who built a palace on this site, eventually becoming the first king of Luang Prabang. Finally, a third legend indicated that the juncture where the two rivers meet is home to two notable snake like deities (otherwise known as a naga), protectors and guardians of the rivers.

Legends aside, the monastery was built in 1560 to accommodate those mentioned myths. About 300 years after it was constructed, Luang Prabang came under attack by the Black Flags during the Haw Wars. By chance, the temple was spared any damage because their leader, Deo Van Tri had emotional ties to the temple. He studied there when he was younger and decided to use it as a headquarters instead.

The scenes inside the temple are just as marvelous. Dark yet impressive, the ordination hall contains more of the designs and architecture you saw earlier from the exterior. To add to the dark atmosphere, a smiling Buddha seems to be watching your every move, along with smaller ones that seem to do the same thing. A rare and black reclining statue comfortably lies within the monastery. This is believed to be as old as the temple itself and is quite revered by the locals.

The temple sure is eye-opening! The royal family sure thought so as well, using its structures and location as an official crowning ceremony until 1975, when the monarchy was dissolved. You too can be a part of this magnificent temple as you tour Luang Prabang in Style.

www.exotissimo.com/

About the Author

Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator in Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect inspirational tours as well as customized programs in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan at the best possible price. Your experience guarantees stops to the main sites as well as the hidden spots, giving you a true sense of the culture and rewarding you with unforgettable memories.

Royal Lao Ballet, Luang Prabang


laos luang prabang
laos luang prabang
laos luang prabang

Laos Luang Prabang

laos luang prabang="laos luang prabang"
What's the address of the University of Laos--the Luang Prabang campus, NOT Vientiane?

A well-qualified friend of mine wants to teach in Laos. I heard that teachers were sometimes needed in the Luang Prabang branch of NUOL, but I can't find any contact information. Thanks for your help and patience.

Call or write to these people, and they should be able to give you your information.

Address Information Desk
Dongdok Campus, National University of Laos
P.O.Box:7322, Dongdok, Vientiane, Lao PDR.
Tel +856-21-770068 / +856-21-770070
Fax +856-21-770381
E-mail nuol@nuol.edu.la

Morning in Luang Prabang, Laos


laos luang prabang

Laos Luang

laos luang="laos luang"

Walk, Pedal and Cruise Luang Prabang and be Swept Away by the Charm of this UNESCO Town

What comes to mind when you think of Luang Prabang? Temples perhaps? Maybe beautiful boulevards and streets filled with trees, scattered colonial buildings and monasteries? Or even a laid back atmosphere and attitude? How about an image of charming Buddhist history and heritage? You'll get all that and more once you step into this fascinating city, err town.

Just so you know, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO Heritage Town. And it isn't surprising. All those elements mentioned earlier contribute to it. First, let's absorb the local flavor by strolling around in the evening market. Then, wake up to the soothing morning. The earlier the better. Because then you can witness something cool. Have you ever seen lines of orange clad monks on an alms walk? It is quite an amazing site.

It is now time to prepare for an exploration of Luang Prabang the best way we know how – by an electric bike. These hybrid machines function like a morotbike with an accelerator and as a bike with pedals. The thing is, they are battery powered. This is definitely great for the environment.

So, what are some of the site you will be seeing? Wat Xieng Tong should certainly not be missed. Built in 1560, it is one of the city's and country's oldest temples. Not only that, it is filled with glittering charm and beauty. The interior is certainly atmospheric. Go in and experience it for yourself.

Next, we recommend heading over to the Royal Palace, also known as Haw Kham. The architecture of the buildings has a mixed of traditional Lao motifs and French colonial styles, certainly pleasing on the eye. Within the complex is a temple, some statues and a beautiful lotus pond. A sunset climb up Mount Phousi is highly recommended. Bring out the camera!

Don't forget, Luang Prabng is full of temples. This electric bike tour of the town allows you to go at your own pace. Or perhaps you'd like to step off the bike for a little bit and enjoy a nice and peaceful cruise on the Mekong River with a sunset boat trip?

And what about Lao food? It is certainly delicious; a celebration of flavors if you will. Dine at some of the town's best names and truly embrace the taste of Laos.

Luang Prabang. It always leaves a lasting impression on visitors. But so does the entire country. So here they are our Laos tours that are aimed to give you a fair assessment of this beautiful and laid back country.

www.exotissimo.com/

About the Author

Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator in Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect inspirational tours as well as customized programs in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar, Indonesia and Japan at the best possible price. Your experience guarantees stops to the main sites as well as the hidden spots, giving you a true sense of the culture and rewarding you with unforgettable memories.

Lao Pii Mai 2554 - Luang Prabang


laos luang
laos luang
laos luang

Laos Luang Prabang

laos luang prabang_4="laos luang prabang"
Where is the nearest border crossing into Thailand from Luang Prabang, Laos?

We want to travel to Chiang Mai, however there appear to be no direct buses into Thailand without us going back down to Vientiene.. Can anyone advise us? We would fly, but it is a bit too expensive for us, really.. I've heard of the Nam Hueng/Thai Li border though, is that near LP?
Thank you.

I think you girls should consider flying, it's a lot less dangerous and it's doesn't really cost that much more than going by boat along the river to the Huay Xai Laos/Chiang Khong Thailand border crossing . Then taking a bus to Chaing Rai/Chaing Mai. Also don't understand why anyone would insult you by saying your not smart enough to figure out Chaing Rai and Chaing Mai are two different cities.

Laos - Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Champasak


laos luang prabang
laos luang prabang