For most Malaysians, the mention of a UNESCO World Heritage Site normally brings up Kinabalu Park, Melaka, or Penang. Although less well-known than its associates, the Mulu National Park is also part of the 4 venues in Malaysia awarded this designation.
Laos has 2 such sites: Champasak Cultural Landscape in the south and Luang Prabang in the center.
Although armed with numerous boutique hotels, fine French restaurants and bakeries, and wi-fi broadband services, Luang Prabang exudes a sense of charm of an ancient land.
One of the main reasons for this unique feel is the various restrictions put in place by UNESCO to prevent over or inappropriate development relating to new or existing structural changes.
I especially like the fact that medium to large vehicles are prohibited to enter the town vicinity. For this reason, you don’t see any vehicles larger than a passenger van or a pickup truck in the town center.
This is the perfect location to enjoy:
- Getting out of bed at 5am to offer alms to the monks
- Waking up to a cup of aromatic Lao coffee and an excellent baguette or a bowl of Khao Soi
- Cycling around town to visit the museum and temples
- Visiting waterfalls and caves outside of town
- Watching the sun set on Phu Si Hill
- Feasting on the many unique and tasty local dishes along the Mekong River
- Picking up local handicrafts and souvenirs in the night market
- Having a late night snack of grilled fresh water fish
- Winding down with a chilled bottle of Beer Lao
Sure, city folks who are looking to experience life in a village without cellular or media services may find Luang Prabang a little commercialized. However, those who are looking for a reasonable amount of modern comfort in a relatively vintage town will learn to appreciate this heritage site.
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