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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 it’s laid back atmosphere, world heritage listed buildings and friendly people. It is a place where I could simply spend everyday walking it’s 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 everyday, 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 rain drops 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
Eric @ Trans-Americas Journey recently posted..New Copán – Copán Ruinas, Honduras
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
Dean Wickham recently posted..In Luang Prabang, Laos, Photo Opportunities Are Everywhere
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 🙂
Dean Wickham recently posted..In Luang Prabang, Laos, Photo Opportunities Are Everywhere
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!
Dean Wickham recently posted..In Luang Prabang, Laos, Photo Opportunities Are Everywhere
[…] How to Travel Round the World & Backpacking Tips – y Travel BlogThe Road to Anywhere […]
Great photo essay! I’m a big fan of LP 🙂
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Incredible India | Part 32 | Travel Video Slideshow Series
Thanks Sam!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Ferry at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
The monks’ robes are truly stunning! Wonderful pictures.
I agree. I could never get sick of seeing monks walking by. Cheers
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Ferry at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
We absolutely loved LP. Great photos!
Christy recently posted..Five Ways to Enjoy a Different Side of Paris
Thanks Christy! I haven’t met many people who haven’t loved Luang Prabang 🙂 Cheers
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Ferry at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
Gorgeous photos! I want to go!
Emme Rogers @ Roamancing recently posted..Spring Fever on Canada’s West Coast
Thanks Emme. You should go! 😉
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Ferry at the Sydney Opera House, Australia
I’m going to Luang Prabang this May. Really can’t wait, especially after looking at your pictures.
Bama recently posted..Jakarta on A Sunday
I’m jealous Bama. I hope you enjoy your time in Luang Prabang…I know you will 😉
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Thailand: Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Rai
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!
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Thailand: Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Rai
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!
Wanderplex recently posted..In Pictures: Montserrat, Spain
I agree, Luang Prabang is certainly a peaceful place. Cheers
Dean Wickham recently posted..Temples of Thailand: Wat Phra Singh, Chiang Rai
[…] 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. 🙂
cheryl recently posted..Roman Architecture At The Girona Cathedral.
I’m glad you liked the photos, Cheryl. Laos is definitely a beautiful place.
Dean Wickham recently posted..Photo of the week: Lake Moogerah Panorama, Australia
[…] 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!
Josh @ Green Global Travel recently posted..ENDANGERED SPECIES SPOTLIGHT- Saola (a.k.a. Asian Unicorn)
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!