Panoramas from LUANG PRABANG, LAOS

A pretty row of shophouses
in the main street of Luang Prabang.

No doubt about it, Luang Prabang in Laos has to be the most beautiful and serene of towns in all of Southeast Asia. Now a UNESCO heritage site, all of its historical temples, monasteries, residences and shop-houses have been preserved, and there is no skyscraper or hideous construction in sight within its historical city centre. 

Tourists are coming, but the numbers are not as plentiful as to suggest an alien invasion. Alright, there may be some noisy Chinese visitors who spoil the atmosphere of the traditional alms giving at dawn, or a Singaporean senior citizens golfing group dominating a Lao restaurant, but other than that, there is still a general air of reverence about this town that is almost spiritual.

The Royal Palace Museum is set among picturesque grounds,
on the right is the Ho Prabang, which houses
the Prabang, Laos' most revered Buddha figure.

A climb up holy Mount Phousi is a must,
with a green view of the Nam Khan River.

One of the best vistas on Mount Phousi,
a view of two rivers: the Mekong (L) and Nam Khan (R).

Down along the Nam Kham is a small island joined to the banks
by a bamboo bridge. Mount Phousi commands the background.

A bend along the Nam Khan.

Where two rivers meet, the perfect place
to have a leisurely afternoon tea.

Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang's most important
Buddhist temple and monastery. 

Another view of the sim of Wat Xiang Thong.

Wat Saen is very accessible from the main street.

Wat Visoun, just outside of the town centre is famous
for the That Makmo or "Water Melon" Stupa (right).