South-East Asia’s Best-Preserved City
Luang Prabang is a city in Laos that is one of the most soulful destinations in South-East Asia.
The beauty
The lush mountains that surround the city of Luang Prabang and the richness of the two rivers Mekong and Nam Khan lend it an air of storybook charm. Cascading waterfalls and mystery filled forests are not too far away from many Luang Prabang hotels.
Buddhist heritage
The numerous gilded wats of Luang Prabang tell stories rich in substance and wonder. It is worthwhile to visit some of these wats in time to catch a sunset. Resorts such as AVANI+ Luang Prabang are ever willing to organize minivans to take travellers to such sites. Moreover, early birds in Luang Prabang will be able to witness the sight of numerous saffron-clad Buddhist monks going on alms rounds at dawn. This is a practice that had been going on for centuries.
Colonial heritage
Once a French protectorate, the city has kept its French connection through its cuisine, café culture and above all colonial architecture. The fact that it is a UNESCO heritage means, all the buildings, even the new ones have to keep the integrity of the original cultural heritage.
Cuisine
The various Laotian and French restaurants in Luang Prabang offer a delectable mix of Asian and European fare. Visitors can start the day with a French breakfast and finish the day with a flavourful Laotian feast of various dishes.
Roland Lefevre is a travel writer who specializes in creating features on leisure as well as business travel destinations across the globe. Google+
