1. Old Royal Palace

The road is Sisavangong double cross in the form of Royal Palace, which dates back to 1904 and displays of religious objects and gifts sent from abroad. In 1975, when the monarchy was overthrown and the royal family were taken to re-education camps, the palace was given the name of Maoist over the National Museum.

2. Wat Mai

Set beside the Royal Palace, Wat Mai was built between 1718 and 1788. One of Laos' most beautiful temples, which once housed one of the statues of key Asia: Luang Pabang statue of the same name, the 50-kg gold Buddha Pha Bang, now stored in a bank vault. Buddhist much blood has been spilled on the fight against this 2000-year-old religious relic of Ceylon - captured twice by the Thais, who was returned to the city in 1867 by the devout Buddhist and a pacifist Thai King Mongkut. One wonders what the Buddha, which forbade people to make images of him have made people fighting to the death over them. Stripped of its main treasures, Wat Mai retains a magical, almost hallucinatory feel surrealistically, architecture perfectly complemented with furnished such exquisite decorative detail that appears to be from a fairy tale oriental. A plaque commemorating the 14 children last king of Laos, Sisavang Vong, who may have drowned accidentally in the biggest loss and simultaneously in the history of the offspring. The King was devastated comforted by some of his 15 wives (including two that were his half-sisters) and their 35 other children recognized as his own.

3. Monte Phousi

For an experience of Southeast Asia's most spectacular sunsets, walk across the street from the Royal Palace and climb the 328 steps to the top of Mount Phousi, the most historic city. March rows of hills in the distance, recorded in a palette of shades of blues, pinks and oranges, while the temple still dazzle needles rising above the darkness.

4. Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

One of Laos' most spectacular temple complex, Wat Xieng Thong was built by the scourge of Burma, King Setthathirath in 1560. A classic example of the style of Luang Prabang, including a gracefully sloping roof, glass and mosaic murals legions of Buddha statues, large and small, whose wealth brings to mind the first emperor of China's Terracotta Army. Eight columns, stencilled rich in gold, guides the eye to the figures of Buddha serenest, andalusia andalusia visitors seem difficult to reach this happiness for himself. This was the last king of Laos' temple, where he preferred his last devotions before being taken to a reeducation camp in 1975. For those with time and inclination, this archetypal temple of oriental design may be a consolation for the soul and a feast for the eyes: just taking a little time to sit quietly for a while and soaking quiet serenity of the temple gardens of bougainvillea, hibiscus and frangipani, Banyan and the shade of palm trees. Wonder if the art can be such that they are not divinely inspired like watching the sunset and dazzling set of gold-leaf overlay Ramayana figures carved on the exterior of the building in flames.

5. Night Market

Open until 10pm, the night market takes place at 5pm. Do not forget to buy the improvement of the resistance-scorpion and cobra wine, for that occasion when you need something more than force - remember asking a similar in size to trade like that first, make sure it contains the proportion of poison. If you can not find a store of similar size to be his assistant guinea pig, you just have to try to find someone at home who is depressed or stupid enough to volunteer.

6. Fine Wine and Cakes

Close the day with a dinner at the city's world-class restaurants, where the full French flavors Laos was light on the origins of sensational effect. It is particularly notable L'Elephant, which serves French and Lao food in an elegant yet relaxed atmosphere. The chef at Apsara Lao fuses European cuisines in a single menu that will delight even the most demanding palate, while not requiring their owners to dig too deep to settle the bill.

7. Hill tribe people

For culturally curious visit to Luang Prabang not be complete without a trip to the hill tribe peoples. It is especially remarkable vivid finery on display at Ban Phanom, cotton and silk hand-weaving village.

8. Wat Pa Phonphao

Built in 1959 during the reign of the last king of Laos, Wat Pa Phonphao is a little strange "cabinet of curiosities" feel, with the contents of the murals from the supernatural to the incongruously pornographic.

9. Pak Ou River Walk

The first French explorers arrived in Luang Prabang by boat, hoping to open a new route for trade with China. Today travelers can shade their adventures for the day or overnight trips to the city. A popular daytrip is covered by a trip along the wooden boat on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves, 25 kilometers upstream from the city. The caves, sacred caves hidden in the cliffs of limestone and filled with hundreds of wood and gilded Buddha statues once were occupied by hermits, some of whom ended up spending his entire adult life in isolation, to contemplate the meaning of life, the universe and everything. Why would someone choose to spend an entire life in isolation is a mystery: perhaps these hermits spent so much time to get to the answer that they forgot the question, so he had to start again. Tham Ting cave, accessible directly from the river by a stone staircase, is full of hundreds of ancient Buddha images, all overlooking the river, its effect magnified by the remoteness of its peaceful setting.

After a picnic in the caves, travelers can be diverted to the Nam Ou river, with its limestone cliffs rising. Batches of commercial product by boat in that direction, so if the river is in spate which is treated to the sight of cargo vessels operating less rapid. An excellent point of destination or to the Nam Ou is the village of Muang Ngoy, whose charming amidst high karst peaks is a beautiful place to stop for refreshment. If you decide to spend the night here, we expect that only basic accommodations.

10. Tad Sae Waterfall

When cooking gets too hot, the relief is only a tuk-tuk ride away. Set 15 kilometers southeast of the city, Tad Sae waterfall is a series of vivid turquoise waterfalls step in a quiet environment, which are perfect for picnics and bathing. Water is bracingly cold, but perhaps the color and invites a rope swing a big tree in. If you attract too indolent to wallow in their own steam, to hire an inner tube for use as an advance, and then around Bob, with a drink in one hand and maybe a good book in the other.

Simon Ramsden is based in Ao Nang, Thailand and rising travel to Thailand Koh Lao Liang Koh Yao Noi, Koh Phi Phi and Railay / Tonsai.