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Luang Prabang is a former royal city with a religious aura.
The picturesque town is known for its mix of gilded Buddhist temples, elegant colonial villas, and natural beauty.
It appears suspended in time, with two distinct cultural traditions blended.
1.
Vat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's finest and oldest temple.
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The temple is a dazzling sight adorned with gold. Its ordination hall is particularly striking, with walls in black covered by shimmering gold stencils.
Next to the ordination hall are several stupas and an ornate peach-colored chapel.
2.
If Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's finest temple, Vat Mai is considered the grandest.
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This royal temple was built in the early 18th century and used as the residence of the Sangharaja, the patriarch of Lao Buddhism.
Many architectural elements remain intact, including the five-tiered roof and the gilded bas-relief depicting Ramayana.
3.
The National Museum is a superb example of Luang Prabang's architectural fusion.
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Constructed in 1904 as the residence of King Sisavang Vong, this palatial building, made of brick and stucco, draws on French Beaux-Arts design.
Yet it preserves many traditional elements, evident in its gilded central spire, steeply pitched roofs, and the ornate temple.
4.
Phou Si is a hillock rising directly across from the National Museum.
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At 100 meters high, it dominates Luang Prabang's historic core and offers panoramic views of the town and the countryside.
5.
Tat Kuang Si is a series of waterfalls and jungle turquoise-colored pools.
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They were created as water cascades over white limestone formations. The tallest waterfall reaches a height of 60 meters.
The area serves as a sanctuary for more than 100 sun bears and moon bears that have been rescued from poachers.
The path of water in Tat Kuang Si
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