The Historic Town Of Louang Phabang

By Author: Bonny Kominek
Total Articles: 6
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Its remarkable history as a minute mountain kingdom for over a thousand years and then as a French-Indochinese city, to which heritage it owes much of its impressive architecture, are what contributes to the remarkable atmosphere of this stunning location. Of course, the ambience in Louang Phabang is also due to its religious significance, providing a home to the most sacred Buddha image in the country as well as swarms of Buddhist monks in their vibrant orange robes sashaying through the mountainous countryside. The Lao religion had most of its traditions and rituals instigated in this tiny mountain dwelling and a long line of Lao rulers runs back to Louang Phabang.

The Phou Si (sacred hill) which is situated at the peninsula of the old city is crowned by a Buddhist stupa, visible for miles around. The old city is also home to the Dala market, a great place to get a feel for the whole town through the eclectic sights, sounds and smells of its most popular wares on offer here. There is much fine silver jewellery to be found thanks to the old silversmithing district of Ban Wat That, also in the old city.

The Royal ...
... Palace Museum, between Phou Si and the Mekong river, pays homage to the only recently dissolved monarchy of Laos. The architecture of the building is an intriguing melange of European and Lao designs, built in 1904 by the French. It is here that the Pha Bang is housed ? the aforementioned most sacred image of the Buddha. It is also worth going in to catch a look at the Throne Hall, adorned with mosaics of multicoloured mirrored tiles displaying royal wares such as gold and silver swords and the king''s howda (elephant saddle).

A good way to get an overview of Louang Phabang is to go on a mountain trek up the sides of the valley, though due to the oppressive climate and difficult altitudes you will want to make sure that your travel insurance covers you to do so. However, assuming you make it back safely to the central town you might want to try some of the famous cuisine of the region, such as the hearty soup aw lam, or the special chilli side dish, jaew bong, or even the phak nam ? a regional variety of extra spicy watercress often found in salads. Bonny Kominek goes the extra mile to find cheap annual travel insurance. He is safe in the knowledge that his cheap annual worldwide travel insurance from 1Stop Travel Insurance will cover him if needed.