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Luang Prabang is no ordinary tourist hotspot in Laos. Occupying pride of place at the meeting point between the Mekong River and Nam Khan River, the town is a religious epicentre surrounded by misty mountains. Almsgiving ceremonies are also a common occurrence in this part of the country, where Buddhist priests descend from their secluded mountain temples to receive alms from residents. Here's how travellers can take part in this daily ritual, which is renowned for bringing its own blessings.

Image via Avani+ Luang Prabang

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Those who are interested in attending or taking part in an almsgiving ceremony in Luang Prabang must first and foremost understand the rich cultural heritage and meaning behind the practice. While the almsgiving ceremony holds significant importance as a Buddhist ritual, it has unfortunately become a tourist attraction for visitors seeking to explore the local culture. However, it is crucial to recognise that the ceremony is not merely a spectacle or an activity that all travellers should consider a rite of passage. This deeply spiritual rite is usually performed by devout Buddhist residents of Luang Prabang who wish to offer food and meals as a way to support the monasteries and monks living in their area. Almsgiving ceremonies date back to the era of the Buddha, as monks of the faith must rely on the generosity of devotees to sustain themselves. There are a wide variety of online and offline resources on the history and customs associated with almsgiving in the Buddhist tradition that tourists can use to educate themselves.

When and Where

Although there is no set hour or time for almsgiving ceremonies in Luang Prabang, most take place in the wee hours of the morning. During the summer months, this tends to be from 5:30 am onwards as monks can walk the streets of Luang Prabang for their daily bread as the sun rises earlier during this season. Almsgiving rituals take place an hour later during the winter months when the sun rises much later. Tourists who wish to witness the ceremony first-hand should keep in mind that there is no one set venue where alms givings take place, as it is a practice that's performed in all parts of Luang Prabang. The area around Sakkaline Road and Old Town Luang Prabang are two spots where it is most observed. The monks usually begin their journey from Wat Sene temple and make their way along the street while being joined by monks from other temples.

Whether to Take Part or Just Witness the Event

The decision to participate in almsgiving is a personal choice, and it is important to note that it is not exclusively reserved for Buddhists. Individuals of other faiths are welcome to take part in this meaningful practice as well. It is important to consider participation only if it means something to you in a spiritual sense, as it is not a tourist activity similar to riding elephants in Asia or scuba diving in a beach capital. The ceremony can be compared to receiving Holy Communion as a Catholic, although the meaning behind it is quite different, so the question remains whether it is in line with your beliefs or something you wish to do for its novelty.

How to Take Part

Whether you wish to witness the ceremony or take part, it is crucial to arrive early so that your presence does not disrupt the course of events. Those who intend to offer alms must buy a fresh basket of rice in the morning, and travellers based at Avani+ Luang Prabang or any other resort can find Luang Prabang restaurants that prepare alms with the help of their accommodation provider. Apart from dressing modestly and covering the legs, shoulders and chest area, participants must be mindful of bowing to the monks and kneeling when making the offering. Silence is also imperative during the ceremony while making physical contact with the priests is forbidden.

Faux Pas

When documenting your participation or attendance, it is best to have someone snap a photo from a distance and avoid using flash features.

If you’re considering a long stay holiday within the alluring charms of Laos, then you should prepare a 2-week itinerary that will have you covered every inch of this Southeast Asian nation. Sandwiched between Vietnam in the north, Thailand in the west and Cambodia in the south, Laos is a destination that will thrill you to bits with every step and turn you take.

Gerd Eichmann, Nam Ou-Bootsfahrt-22-gje, CC BY-SA 4.0

Venture out towards the Northwest

Considered an outstanding way to launch your travels in Laos, the Northwestern sections of the country deserve as much attention as the remainder for one will be greeted by picturesque backdrops and glorious vistas made up of emerald mountains, lush green paddy fields and an abundance of trekking routes that will escort you to the very heart of its habitats. The region of Sayaboury which is a 4-hour journey Southwest of Luang Prabang will have you immersing your complete self at the Elephant Conservation Centre where you will be taken through the ‘ins and outs’ of one of Laos’ most cherished species. From here, you can hop on a slow boat on the mighty Mekong River and make for Houay Xai which hugs the Thai border. Once settled, you can look forward to ziplining well above the Bokeo forest canopy and be treated to scenes of mischievous gibbons. For the keen trekker, perhaps, beelining for Luang Nam Tha which is the country’s hub for trekking will make better sense. However, en route, you will find more than one reason to make a pitstop at Vieng Phou Ka and specifically, the lantern village of Nam Chang which is famed for its local handicrafts that range from brightly-coloured masks and a whole host of indigo-dyed ware that will make your mantelpiece back home look it's very best.

Stay in Luang Prabang

Arguably, the gateway to Laos is through Luang Prabang which affords mesmeric glimpses into the day-to-day livelihoods of the locals while projecting the traces and values of a rich heritage, be it within its temples, markets or French colonial edifices. A thin stretch of land contains the appeals that have made Luang Prabang a ‘must’ whenever thoughts of visiting this part of Southeast Asia begin trickling through. Call by the tranquil Wat Papai which is bathed in stunning architecture and bounded by patches of greenery that will have you at ease no sooner you set foot on its hallowed ground. Moreover, the well-equipped National Museum houses a wide spectrum of artefacts that brings to light the brilliance of ancient kingdoms and for those wanting a convenient base to retire to after a day’s exploring, consider Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel which is a good boutique hotel. Luang Prabang is also renowned for Lai Heua Fai Fireboat Festival which witnesses communities and families come together in one amazing boat-building extravaganza that showcases dancing, chanting and street parades in October.

Remain in awe of the Northeast

Go by boat or bus from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw where you will soon discover the free-flowing Nam Ou River which is ideal for kayaking at one’s leisure. From here you can visit Muang Ngoi for quiet meanders within rice paddy fields. Given that Nong Khiaw is your starting point for exploring the rural Northeast, one must never forget to schedule a safari to Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park which is reputed for its sightings of rare tiger species and other forms of wildlife that have sought refuge within the reserve for many a year. Farther off is Long Tieng which was once dubbed ‘the most secret place on earth’ owing to its functioning as a base for the CIA during years gone by. Traces of communism, war, turmoil and strife that once engulfed this part of Laos are evident in the event you decide to spend a few hours here.

Conclude at Vientiane

Before you pack your bags for home, make time to move through Vientiane which is the capital of the country. Explore the city’s historic French-Lao buildings and temples before unearthing the foodie in you as part of an unforgettable street food tour come nightfall where you can ready yourself to munch on an array of fascinating cuisine and spreads that include crunchy, fried insects. Seem appetising enough?