Luang Prabang is renowned for its abundance of Buddhist temples and monasteries. Today, you will enjoy alms-giving ceremony before Temple Hop Tour (Citywalk) at Luang Prabang Old Town (World Heritage Site), visiting Royal Palace Museum, Wat Mai, Wat Aham, Wat Xiengthong, and more.
This morning, you will rise early for an alms-giving ceremony. The daily alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang provides a fascinating insight into Laotian Buddhism. This serene and peaceful ceremony takes place at dawn, usually around 5 am to 6:15 am, coinciding with sunrise. By offering food to the monks, believers aim to accumulate merit, which is believed to bring them good karma and improve their future lives. Observing the procession of saffron-clad monks silently collecting alms offers a glimpse into the spiritual life of Laos, showcasing a centuries-old tradition that remains an integral part of Laotian culture. During the ceremony, you may encounter locals dressed in traditional clothing, and you'll witness the town coming alive as the sun rises.
Warm Tips:
1.Before the ceremony, you can purchase offerings, usually sticky rice, from vendors and participate by offering food to the monks.
2.It is important to dress modestly and follow the lead of the locals when offering alms. Show respect throughout the ceremony.
Then, venture to the nearby Morning Market in Luang Prabang (open from 6:00 AM to 9:00 AM) to experience breakfast like the locals do. The market is a haven for trying delicious and unique Lao dishes. Indulge in pre-cooked snacks such as sticky rice, grilled meats, and noodle soups, allowing yourself to savor the flavors of the region.
Then, you will visit the Royal Palace Museum (8-11:30am,1:30-4pm) first. The Royal Palace Museum (National Museum) was once the residence of Laotian kings, offering you a unique opportunity to witness how the Laotian royalty lived. The palace showcases a captivating blend of French colonial and traditional Laotian architecture, reflecting the cultural influences of that era. The museum's exhibits include a wide array of religious objects, royal possessions, weapons, and everyday items, providing a fascinating glimpse into Laotian culture and history. Make sure not to miss the mirrored Throne Hall, where you can marvel at the former royal thrones and catch a glimpse of the crown jewels. Additionally, you can visit Haw Pha Bang, a nearby temple that houses the Prabang Buddha, which is a highly revered national treasure of Laos. Luang Prabang's name derives from the Prabang Buddha statue, meaning "Royal Buddha Image" in Laos.
After that, pay a visit to Wat Mai near the National Museum and across from Mount Phousi. Built in the late 18th century, Wat Mai is a survivor. It's one of the few temples to escape destruction throughout Lao history. This makes it a sacred place for Laotians and a significant landmark in Luang Prabang. The most striking feature is the sim, or ordination hall. This wooden structure boasts a five-tiered roof with sweeping curves that extend almost to the ground. The roof is adorned with golden naga serpents, mythical creatures significant in Lao culture. Inside the sim, you can find a large Phra Bang Buddha statue, believed to date back to the 11th century. This statue is highly revered in Laos.
In the afternoon, hop to Wat Aham. While a smaller temple compared to others in Luang Prabang, Wat Aham holds significance for both animists and Buddhists. The two large banyan trees on the grounds are believed to be residences of the guardian spirits once worshipped at the original shrine. You can step inside the sim (chapel) of Wat Aham to discover vibrant murals adorning the walls. These murals depict Buddhist teachings and Jataka tales, offering a visual representation of Buddhist beliefs. Wat Aham also showcases beautiful Laotian architecture. You can look for details like the stylized stucco tigers guarding the entrance, the statues of temple guardians at the corners, and the two ancient stupas (dome-shaped structures) on the grounds. Don't forget to explore Wat Makmo (That Makmo, Watermelon Stupa) and Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun) located around Wat Aham.
At last, head to Wat Xieng Thong. Wat Xieng Thong is a must-visit Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang. It is known for its Laotian design, featuring a sweeping two-tiered roof, intricate carvings, and colorful mosaics. One of the most captivating sights within Wat Xieng Thong is the "Tree of Life" mural displayed on the rear wall of the main chapel. This intricate artwork depicts Buddhist cosmology and the cycle of rebirth. Formerly the royal temple, Wat Xieng Thong was built in the 16th century by King Setthathirath and served as the coronation site for Lao kings. The temple houses several national treasures, including a beautiful Phrabang (a sacred Buddha statue) and the iconic "Sim" (chapel), renowned for its ornately decorated doors. Don't forget to explore the Red Chapel, a smaller structure within the temple complex, which houses a rare reclining black Buddha statue.
Free time Idea:
Take a boat cruise on the Mekong River for sunset and enjoy a scenic perspective from the water. Following the cruise, savor a delightful dinner near the river before returning to your hotel.