Travelling with a camera to Luang Prabang I can see why it is officially described as the best-preserved city in Southeast Asia. Unusually, the whole city was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.  Check out my VLOG.

Luang Prabang sits in northern Laos, in a valley at the joining of the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers. Mount Phou Si is 100m high and provides great views of both rivers in the centre of the Old Town.  The hill is a local religious site, and houses several Buddhist shrines. Be warned, it is quite a climb, but well worth it.  The city is an exceptional example of traditional Lao architecture also mixed with European influences. It’s well known for its many Buddhist temples and monasteries called ‘wats’. Some are the most important in Laos for varying reasons.  You can’t miss them when you are out and about.

The buildings are best viewed early in the morning for two reasons. A, it is much cooler and B, more importantly, you can fully appreciate the beautiful and intricate architecture before the locals and tourists alike fill the streets.  Bicycle travel wouldn’t normally be on my list for any city visit in Asia! However, the Old Town here is more tranquil and buses aren’t allowed in the centre. Also, many roads are one way once you have circumnavigated the outskirts. Just take care at roundabouts and junctions, as here the rules are – there are no rules!

 

The 3 Nagas Hotel is notable for several reasons:

• The beautiful architecture and history.
• A great place to sit & people watch while enjoying a cocktail, dinner or homemade ice cream in the former Royal family’s official ice cream parlour.
• One of the only 2 original Citroen’s (model 11 / 1952) in Laos sits outside. It was custom ordered at the same time as one made for the King, which is currently exhibited in the Royal Museum in Luang Prabang.