LAO: Luang Prabang Downtown

Luang Prabang, Laos

As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is certainly not to be missed when visiting Laos. In its recommendation in 1995, UNESCO cited that the town "reflects the exceptional fusion of Lao traditional architecture and 19th and 20th century European colonial style buildings".

Apart from that, UNESCO quoted that Luang Prabang "is an outstanding example of an architectural ensemble built over the centuries combining sophisticated architecture of religious buildings, vernacular constructions and colonial buildings" and "[its] unique townscape is remarkably well preserved, illustrating a key stage in the blending of two distinct cultural traditions."

Ahhhh, so rustic... :)

A blend of old and new~

Ock Pop Tok is a social enterprise working primarily in the field of textiles, handicrafts and design.

Thirst-quenchers everywhere!

There are many restaurants and boutiques around.

That's an apothecary, I think.

I'd love to live in that house. <3

The town is built on a peninsula formed by the Mekong and the Nam Khan River.

The meeting point of the mighty Mekong and the smaller Nam Khan River!

A fun day out with Pikachu and Melon! :D

Such amazing colours of the sunset! <3

It was fun to explore the city by foot.

Someone left that toy behind...

Would you like to have that antique car?

That's a settlement across the river.

During my stay, I saw two schools, but not during curriculum time.

A sign in Lao and French!

I also chanced upon two temples of a smaller scale than the iconic Wat Xieng Thong.

That's the entrance to Wat Nong Sikhounmuang.

I passed by Wat Sensoukharam while riding on a bicycle.

Here are the eateries that I tried in the area:

- Bamboo Tree Lao Cooking School and Restaurant (Laotian)

- Coconut Garden (Laotian)

- Manda De Laos (Laotian)

- Le Tangor (Laotian and French)