Visiting Luang Prabang is like going back in time. The city, located along the Mekong River is a World Heritage Site because "it is a well preserved and outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the Euopean colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries." (source:http://www.worldheritagesite.org/sites/luangprabang.html) Fortunately, this will leave most of the city preserved for the future. There are a few loop holes to this but at least there will not be drastic development to alter the city. The picture above shows two young monks-in-training, known as novices crossing a bridge that leads into the city.
Main Street in Luang Prabang at night. As you can see, the most active street is still very low-key.
The waterfront in most cities would be overrun with hotels and other attractions, but not here. In terms of landscape architecture, Luang Prabang is mainly natural and vernacular. There are small landscape designs here and there but overall, it is left to nature.
One of the many temples (also known as a vat) in Luang Prabang.
The Kouangsi waterfall just outside of Luang Prabang.
Smaller falls after the main one.
Irrigation detail for a garden along the shores of the Mekong River.
Main Street in Luang Prabang at night. As you can see, the most active street is still very low-key.
The waterfront in most cities would be overrun with hotels and other attractions, but not here. In terms of landscape architecture, Luang Prabang is mainly natural and vernacular. There are small landscape designs here and there but overall, it is left to nature.
One of the many temples (also known as a vat) in Luang Prabang.
The Kouangsi waterfall just outside of Luang Prabang.
Smaller falls after the main one.
Irrigation detail for a garden along the shores of the Mekong River.
The ancient tradition of giving alms to the Buddhist monks in the town is still kept up. Giving alms in Buddhism is the act of giving food to the monks early each morning. The food collected is all they are allowed to eat for the day. Their bright orange robes add a design element wherever they go in Luang Prabang; a striking contrast to their surroundings.
Sunset on the Mekong River.
