An Ancient City in Laos: More Historic Than the Capital, Attracting Numerous Europeans and Americans
Stepping outside one's comfort zone reveals the wonders and beauty of the world, and it was astonishing to find such a 'Shangri-La' paradise in Laos, with some even going to the extent of settling here across half the planet. That place is Luang Prabang, a town even older than the capital Vientiane.
It preserves a well-protected natural ecosystem, without excessive commercialization, and is one of the most well-preserved cities in Southeast Asia combining traditional and colonial styles. Even with a thousand-year history, Luang Prabang, as a key town in Laos, remains wonderfully quaint and charming. Both the scenery and the people are delightful, maintaining a sense of peace and simplicity amid the currents of time.
Europeans seeking comfort, seeking the raw beauty, and seeking purity, all find it fulfilled in Luang Prabang. Anyone who has been there will understand its beauty, which explains why so many people leave their own countries to build here. Within Luang Prabang's numerous attractions are two representative works:
One of them is the Luang Prabang's only botanical garden, and the only botanical garden in all of Laos. The founder of this garden is a Dutchman who stayed after visiting Luang Prabang in 2007, establishing Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden without any government funding.
Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, although a botanical garden, is no less impressive within the dense jungles of Luang Prabang. Freshness and comfort are the biggest feelings experienced here. Natural green, meticulous design, artists working in the arts, forestry college graduates working as staff, and famous plant scientists, all worked together to create Luang Prabang's 'Shangri-La'.
Moreover, this garden is not just about scenery; the entire garden is a center for Lao plant education and research, protecting and researching Lao plant species and ethnic botany. There's a dedicated orchid nursery used for research and to promote orchid knowledge to visitors.
The founder not only promoted biodiversity and ecological protection but also drove the development of green tourism projects, promoting Lao cuisine and traditional handicrafts. It is one of Luang Prabang's most important attractions.
Apparently, Europeans all have a 'farmer's dream,' even when abroad, they long to live a relaxed, self-sufficient farmer's life. At the return road from Kuang Si Falls, there is a buffalo ranch established by an Australian who was doing charity work in Laos. It initially just wanted to satisfy his craving for cheese, which later developed into an attraction and stimulated the ranch's economic ecosystem in Luang Prabang, gaining support from tourists, locals, and the government. Coincidentally, this is Laos's first water buffalo farm.
Inside the ranch, you can live a farmer's life, feeding cows, pigs, chickens, and cats, giving animals a bath, milking, and eating. For people who have lived in cities, such a life is rare. Occasionally experiencing it is interesting.
The ranch's environment is excellent, with a beautiful natural landscape. Although there are animals, there is no unpleasant smell, supposedly because of organic flooring, which is very magical. Luang Prabang enjoys a warm, fresh climate, working at sunrise and sunset, without anxiety or pressure, which is truly enviable.
When visiting the Kuang Si Falls Ranch, be sure to try dairy products made with fresh water milk, known as 'milk of the gods,' rich in nutrients and with a superb taste. And without this ranch, tourists in Luang Prabang would probably never have tried it, as Lao people rarely drink water milk and rarely eat water milk products.
Kuang Si Falls, although not built by Europeans, is a favorite destination for Europeans. Kuang Si Falls is a wild waterfall, with only a simple changing room by the pond. There is no man-made building. The waterfall is small but layered and rushes down, creating white spray, and it is a beautiful sight. The biggest characteristic of Kuang Si Falls is its wildness, where you can swim, with natural background props for taking pictures and playing, in this slightly hot Southeast Asian climate, swimming here is a very refreshing thing. It is said that there are small, edible 'dead skin' fish in the pond, which is a free fish therapy pool. It's no wonder there are always crowds of Europeans wearing swimming costumes here.
This beauty and culture belong to Luang Prabang and the world. It attracts people from all over the world to visit and settle here, and it is believed that this town will continue to develop beautifully.
