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Luang Prabang, a small city surrounded by mountains and lying at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, is an enchanting place, with a strongly religious Buddhist atmosphere as evidenced by the many temples including the golden Wat Chom Si which dominates the city from its perch atop the holy Phu Si Hill.
Laos' second-city - if you can describe it as a city - lives life at a much slower pace than most other cities in Asia. Life revolves around the temples and marketplaces which are dotted all over town. In the afternoons, Luang Prabang effectively goes to sleep and a somnolent atmosphere prevails.
The landscape around Luang Prabang is strikingly different to the gentle lowlands around Vientiane. Mountains dominate the city and its environs, and the rivers in the area often give way to enchanting waterfalls, rapids and cascades including the beautiful Kuang Si falls. Accommodation ranges from simple guesthouses to luxury converted colonial villas and newer, more modern operations. Dining out in the city is a pleasure with a wide range of cuisines on offer from local delicacies to excellent French and other international menus. Nightlife is low-key, though enjoyable none the less, and new bars and other venues are opening all the time. Combine all this with a rewarding shopping experience and great excursions available close to base, life in Luang Prabang might be slower than usual, but it's certainly never dull. To explore Luang Prabang further, and for details of special deals currently on offer for ElephantGuide.com users, simply select your channel of choice at left and let The Elephant guide you.
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