I have to admit that I really do not want to write this review as I do not want Luang Prabang to be changed by influx of tourists that may decide to visit this one of the most stunning places in Southeast Asia after reading this review. Luang Prabang as I mentioned one of the best places to visit in this region was the former capital of ancient kingdom of Lan Xang or the land of million elephants, Luang Prabang was one of the cultural centers of this region; many temples in such small town are the greatest testimony of local wealth and civilization. Sadly that Luang Prabang as present is just the shadow of its former glory as the town had been destroyed by Chinese invasion, most of the temples and town were rebuilt in 19th and 20th centuries, so this town is quite unique as the town had been rebuilt in the time that French had started its influence in Indochina, so this town has unique blend of local and colonial architectures as well as urban layout.

For amazing local architecture and art, temples are the places to see, Luang Prabang has many temples, although the town cannot compete on the number of temples like Bangkok or Chiang Mai in Thailand which has more than 300 temples in each city, the art of Luang Prabang temple is in the same league of beauty and maybe more appreciated to admire. The top three of the must-see temples are Wat Xiang Thong, the former royal temple and the sole survivor from the town destruction is famous for its graceful main chapel called “sim” and colorful mosaic decoration, the tree of life mosaic behind sim is one of the best arts in Asia. Wat Sene, this stunning temple has beautiful golden decoration and is one of my favorites. Wat Mai with its 3-cm thick golden coated wooden wall is maybe one the most stunning art in this small town.

Not only temple the town offered, its Old Palace and colonial quarter are also interesting. The palace’s main hall and its chapel that build to keep Prabang Buddha, the holy Buddha statue that the town named after, are the must see. However, for the colonial quarter is not a top sight, the buildings are pretty, but most of them have been turned to be restaurants or shops for backpackers. Actually, the colonial area is easily divided into two areas to serve two groups of tourists, backpackers and well spend tourists – a real tragic of tourist business for this town. In the palace area, many small tour agencies and restaurants making this area to be liked the infamous Khaosan of Bangkok, while in Wat Sene area is full of beautiful, restored colonial houses that turned to be boutique hotels, spas and really nice art galleries!

Tourism has already changed this town; everywhere seem to be for tourists, the old colonial buildings become hotel complexes, daily well-organized night market for tourist to shop with no product for locals, double price for foreigners, Buddhist ceremonies have been treated like cultural shows and etc. Luang Prabang is suffering since its soul is gradually destroyed by tourism; UNESCO only can keep the buildings but cannot protect the town characteristic. In my opinion, Luang Prabang is not so such special or unique in terms of architecture; there are many similar beautiful temples or towns in nearby northern Thailand, the former Lanna Kingdom, the sister kingdom of Lan Xang, but Luang Prabang is maybe the last bastion of this region that still can perfectly keep its bygone age atmosphere of Indochina, and that is the uniqueness of this town that should be kept and the only thing that we can help this town is being a responsible tourist with lots and lots respect to its glory heritage. Luang Prabang is truly depended on our decision while we are in this fragile jewel.