The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning Alms
Ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang
Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in
their life. As such the city is teeming with men and boys dressed
in their saffron-coloured robes. Every morning before sunrise the
monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting
alms for their consumption for the day ahead. This ancient and
ritualised ceremony is a sight to behold and a great photo
opportunity for those willing to wake up before dawn to go out and
see it. Tourists are able to buy rice and foods to give to the
monks. Be sure to buy fresh food as there have been scams in the
past where market vendors sell old or stale leftovers to naïve
tourists. Remember the ceremony is a serious and holy event so be
respectful at all times, particularly if you are taking pictures.
Women should dress conservatively and know that it is considered
extremely rude for a woman to come into physical contact with a
monk.
Along the main street in Luang Prabang.
Lao is the official language, but some English and French
are spoken.
The Lao Kip (LAK) is the legal currency unit, currently
available in denominations of 1, 000, 5, 000, 10, 000, 20, 000 and
50, 000 kip. US Dollars, Euros and Thai Baht are also accepted in
many places and are more convenient to carry than large stacks of
the local currency. Banks, hotels, and jewellery shops all offer
currency exchange services. For everyday expenses, carry a mix of
US dollars and kip. For larger items, or when the exchange rate
works in your favour, use US dollars. For local transport, street
food stalls and minor purchases, it is best to use kip. When in
rural areas, ensure you carry a supply of small notes as change can
be hard to come by. Major credit cards such as Visa and MasterCard
are accepted at most international hotels, many shops and
restaurants, and a few tourist-orientated establishments in Luang
Prabang and Vientiane - but in other parts of the country assume
that only cash is accepted. Travellers cheques can be cashed at
most banks in Vientiane and other major towns. Banks are open
Monday to Friday from 8am to 12pm, and then again from 2pm to 3pm.
In Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Pakse and other major towns, ATMs are
available from which money can be withdrawn. Note that ATMs
distribute only Lao kip, with a maximum of around 1, 000, 000 kip per
transaction.
The ceremony starts before sunrise every
morning.