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Woman & Home
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01 February 2009
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Laos
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Visit the capital Vientiane, then head for Luang Prabang, further north on the banks of the mighty Mekong River. It’s a small town full of monasteries and temples. The highlight of the day is at dawn when the monks leave their monasteries to collect alms from the locals. The main street becomes a moving beam of saffron, and residents line the streets with fruit, rice and vegetables, which they donate.
Stroll the city streets, walk along the riverbank, visit a temple or monastery and enjoy some of the finest food you’ll ever eat. It’s the French influence – Laos was part of the old Indochine and sports some of the best boulangeries in the East. Laotian silk is another great buy. Some places will run up a dress or skirt overnight for you. This ancient royal capital is a mix of golden stupas, old French colonial houses and an occasional dollop of art nouveau.
Little wonder it’s regarded as the best preserved traditional city in southeast Asia and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. While you’re here, take a cruise on the Mekong down to the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with images of Buddha, and also try to fit in an excursion to Champasak, the historic seat of power some 1,400 years ago, and an outpost of the Khmer Angkor empire. Its magnificent Angkorian temple complex is another UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cleveland Collection offers five nights at La Residence Phou Vao in Luang Prabang, including flights from Bangkok and transfers from £600 per person.
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