Laos | Luang Prabang

Downtown Luang Prabang – Morning Market

Southeast Asia Tour 2015

Luang Prabang | Laos

08 Dec 2015 | Tue

Day 20 of 46

  • Downtown Luang Prabang | Morning Market
  • Mount Phou Si Luang Prabang
  • Walkabout Around Luang Prabang
  • Lunch at Tamarind Restaurant

Downtown Luang Prabang | Morning Market

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Laos. It is an ancient city, believed to have been founded in the 8th century by King Fa Ngum. Luang Prabang has been a major center for Buddhism and many of its Buddhist temples still exist today. The city boasts some of the most spectacular architecture in Laos and serves as a great example of traditional Lao culture.

Downtown Luang Prabang – Sakkaline Road

The city is known for its peaceful atmosphere and stunning natural beauty, making it a popular destination for tourists from around the world. The Mekong River runs through the middle of town, giving visitors plenty of opportunities to explore on boat trips or kayak adventures. The night market offers something for everyone, with an array of delicious street food and handmade goods from local artisans.

Back in 1995 when it was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town was described as:

“an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.”

Here is a list of the things that we enjoyed about this town:

  • The “Vibe” – the town has a unique atmosphere, unlike any place we have visited.  This place is full of trendy restaurants, cafés, markets (day & night), and stores & shops that add to this “cool vibe”!
  • Climate – it’s much cooler here and with no humidity
  • Everything is within walking distance – you do not need a car or transportation to enjoy everything it has to offer
  • Safe – we felt safe walking around town, no more the time of day
  • Mekong River – it was nice having views overlooking the Mekong River from our hotel
  • Pace – very cool and laid-back pace here

As you can tell, we really enjoyed it here. It’s a cool destination where you can just kick back and enjoy your vacation!

Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. Its unique, remarkably well-preserved townscape illustrates a key stage in the blending of these two distinct cultural traditions.

Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos at the heart of a mountainous region. The town is built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. Mountain ranges (in particular the PhouThao and PhouNang mountains) encircle the city in lush greenery.

Many legends are associated with the creation of the city, including one that recounts that Buddha would have smiled when he rested there during his travels, prophesying that it would one day be the site of a rich and powerful city. Known as Muang Sua, then Xieng Thong, from the 14th to the 16th century the town became the capital of the powerful kingdom of Lane Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants), whose wealth and influence were related to its strategic location on the Silk Route. The city was also the centre of Buddhism in the region. Luang Prabang takes its name from a statue of Buddha, the Prabang, offered by Cambodia.

– UNESCO World Heritage Centre Luang Prabang

Morning Market Luang Prabang

The morning market in Luang Prabang, Laos is an experience like no other. Located in the heart of the ancient city, the market is a bustling hive of activity and a great way to soak up the local culture.

Morning Market Luang Prabang

Every morning, locals come together to sell their homemade goods, fresh produce, flowers, street food, and handicrafts to eager shoppers. The smells of delicious food, fragrant flowers and spices fill the air while merchants call out their wares.

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