Luang Prabang, LAOS
Airing Date: Apr 17th, 2006
The term Shangri-la has been tossed around to describe many exotic parts of the world, but Luang Prabang really does fit the description perfectly.
This remote paradise, however, is no imaginary utopia; it's real! Laos is one of the world's least developed countries - but its people are amongst the most welcoming you'll find anywhere...as Di discovers when she lands in the amazing World Heritage-listed city of Luang Prabang. While the modern capital of Laos is Vientiane, the centre of Lao culture is certainly the former royal capital of Luang Prabang.
It has been called the 'city of the 65 Monasteries', and in more recent times, the 'Jewel of South East Asia'. One of the citys' main tourist attractions are its historic temples - 32 of the original 66 built before French colonisation still stand - and its lovely setting encircled by mountains at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers.
In December 1995, the entire town of Luang Prabang was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, ranking it alongside architectural treasures like Angkor Wat and the Taj Mahal. According to local annals, this capital has been in existence since the 5th century B.C. Built on a rocky spit of land at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, this tiny mountain kingdom for over 1000 years has had many names.
From saffron-robed monks gliding through the early morning mist to French patisseries to moonshine on the Mekong and long forgotten Buddha caves, this little piece of South East Asia serves up a cultural feast of sights and activities.
Further Information
11 day Laos Unplugged tour from $830 a person. $140 local payment. Conditions apply. Includes accommodation, transport & guide.
Intrepid Travel
1300 360 887
Prices correct at 17/4/06
