1. The heart of Laotian culture, Luang Prabang
brims with history, scenic sights and sacred terrains.
By Pravena Baskaran
HERITAGE
TRAIL
R
ich in architectural and
artistic heritage, Luang
Prabang flourishes
vibrantly against a backdrop
of lush greenery and majestic
mountains in the northern
region of Laos. Well-preserved
wats (temples) gleam in
shades of gold and crimson,
with the tangerine robes worn
by the many monks adding
a further splash of colour to
the ancient city’s weathered
French colonial villas and
traditional wooden houses.
Declared a UNESCO World
Heritage Site in 1995, the old
town area is an exceptional
fusion of traditional Lao
architecture and European
colonial buildings. If you’re
looking to enjoy some good
Lao cuisine and feed your visual
appetite all at once, take a boat
ride to the Pak Ou Caves. It is
home to thousands of Buddha
statues and faces the village of
Ban Pak Ou, where you’ll find
restaurants with splendid views
PHOTOGRAPHYingimage
of the Mekong River.
For an even more traditional
and scenic experience, head to
the Chomphet District.Whether
it’s visiting ancient post-war
wats, cycling around the Pak
Ou Loop or heading down to
the Ban Chan Pottery Village
for a day trip, this part of the
world holds on to its raw and
unconcealed heritage.
Also, don’t miss the Kuang Si
cascading, multi-tiered waterfall
that is just an hour’s drive
away.Take a dip in its refreshing
turquoise waters, but read the
signs first as some pools are
considered sacred.
Adventurous souls can opt
for a 12-day trekking escapade
to Hanoi. These packages vary
among companies, with each
offering different add-ons
such as kayaking, biking and
elephant rides. The journey
will bring you into some of the
most remote areas of Laos and
Vietnam, where you’ll gain a
fresh new perspective.
Checklist
Getting There
AirAsia flies three times
a week to Laos’ Vientiane
International Airport. From there,
take a bus or domestic flight to
Luang Prabang. You could also
fly to Bangkok and hop on a
connecting flight to Luang Prabang
via Bangkok Airways.
Stay
Splurge and experience
the splendour of a French
colonial lifestyle at Amantaka,
right in the heart of the old town.
Or go off the beaten path and spend
a few nights at Zen Namkhan
Resort in the countryside,
surrounded by a tranquil jungle.
Eat
Try Tamnak Lao, a
locally-owned restaurant
specialising in Lao cuisine,
which is similar to Thai cuisine.
L’Elephant Restaurant offers
French specialties and local
delicacies.
Shop
For various souvenirs,
head to the night market
on Sisavangvong Road. Textiles
like duvet covers, cushion covers
and pillow sets are popular.
Decorative souvenirs
from the night market
Buddha statues in
Pak Ou Caves
Sunset over the
Mekong River
The Kuang
Si cascading
waterfall
herLiving
Travel news
www.herworld.com.my • september 2015 152
Elaborate
temple
decorations