Another Day of Temple Tour in Luang Prabang

I spent my second day in Luang Prabang mainly visiting temples as well as the Royal Palace and National Museum, allowing myself to be influenced by the leisureliness of my surroundings and taking it easy overall. After a late long breakfast, chatting over coffee with another hotel guest and other morning time-consuming activities, I set out again. On the agenda was especially the Royal Palace with National Museum and the steps up to Mount Phousi with the golden stupa of Wat Chom Si, where one could enjoy a splendid view over the city. This is actually a spot that is preferred for sunset visits, but since I had read that the tourist masses crowd there, I decided against that option. But first, 'Wat Pahuak' and 'Wat May Souvannapoumram' were on my way to the Royal Palace/National Museum. Both temple complexes are somewhat smaller, which made it easier to be more private among the monks and to view everything at a relaxed pace without being in the way of other tourists while taking photos...

After that, I headed to the Royal Palace, located within the area of the National Museum. This was built in 1904 during the French colonial period and was inhabited by the royal family until the fall of the monarchy in 1975. The main building dates back to the early twentieth century and was once the main residence of King Sisavang, whose statue still stands in the courtyard. The exhibition features works that go back to the time of the Lane Xang Kingdom, as well as religious objects, statues, royal weapons, clothing, gifts from other countries to the royal family, and even the private chambers of the monarchs. Many wall paintings also depict the daily life of the royal family and the everyday life in Laos during that era. The former fleet of the monarch is also on display. Overall, it is a very large exhibition with many exhibits and details. Photography is strictly prohibited and is monitored closely everywhere. As an American was taking photos of the monarch's vehicles from outside, I witnessed a small Laotian guard scolding him loudly and even after he deleted the photos, she wouldn’t let up on him... The whole area also has a beautiful and well-maintained garden, and I spent several hours in the museum and the entire area...

After that, I went up the stairs directly across to Mount Phousi with the golden stupa in Wat Chom Si. The path over the many steps is somewhat strenuous, but the views over the city and the ascent and descent with numerous lined statues and figures are worth it.

Afterwards, I strolled a bit back through the city and after a break at the hotel, headed for dinner by the Mekong with sunset and slow boat watching, occasionally accompanied by folkloric musical performances...