Photo Gallery: Luang Prabang, Laos

Shot on Ilford Delta 100 with my 1970 Fujica

In 2018, my fiancée (my girlfriend at the time) and I spent a month traveling in Laos. We spent most of that time in the old royal capital of Luang Prabang. I suppose I had carried my favorite camera with me, but things got quite busy after we got back to Bangkok, and I never got around to getting the photos developed. This year, I've been trying to get caught up on developing the rolls of film that I've had lying around the house. I took two more rolls of film in to the shop this week, and I was pleasantly surprised to see these great photos of Luang Prabang when I picked up the pictures today!

To be honest, these are some of my favorite black and white photos I've taken. I don't know if they're that good technically, but maybe Luang Prabang - a charming old city faded by time - lends itself to be photographed in grainy black and white. It's a timeless city, and I think it fits my photo style (especially when shot on a 51 year-old camera).

A street scene from Luang Prabang, Laos.

Haw Phra Bang is a temple located on the former Royal Palace compound. It is home to the Phra Bang, regarded as the most sacred and culturally significant Buddha image in Laos.

An early morning view from the top of the sacred Mount Phu Si. From the top, we could see the distant mountains shrouded in fog.

The shrine at the top of Mount Phou Si.

Pinky resting at the top of the sacred mountain.

Despite its small size, Luang Prabang has more than 30 Buddhist temples - possibly more per capita than any other city in the world. The small town is the holy city of Lao Buddhism, and there are ancient temples and saffron-robed monks wherever you look.

A monk walks in a temple courtyard, using an umbrella to shade himself from the bright tropical sun.

Monks in a temple courtyard.

Vat Mai is the oldest temple in the city, and one of the most important sites in town for religious activities and ceremonies.

A standing Buddha at one of the many temples in Luang Prabang.

Temple eaves at Vat Xieng Tong, a royal Lao monastery.

Vat Xieng Tong is famous for its mosaic wall art and large collection of ancient standing Buddha statues.

An intricate temple hall is decorated in a classic Laotian architectural style.

The river flows lazily through the city. Slow-moving river boats are one of the best ways to tour the surrounding areas.

Dozens of river boats wait along the banks of the river.

There is very little traffic in Luang Prabang. It's a quiet, sleepy town.

This old car was sitting by the road outside one of the famous hotels. It can be hired to pick you up at the airport. I think that would be fun.

I was fascinated by this cool old car!

We enjoyed many excellent cafes in Luang Prabang - the city is known for its amazing iced coffee.

Relaxing at a cafe in Luang Prabang.

Pinky enjoying an iced lemon tea.

Laos is one of five remaining Communist states, and it's common to see the hammer and sickle flag flying alongside the national flag of Laos.