Tak Bat

Every morning around 5.30 to 6 a.m. is the Tak Bat, where the monks and novices of the 30-plus temples accept alms (sticky rice) from the locals. It’s still cold, dark and quiet and then suddenly, all one hears is the sound of walking and they appear out of the fog in single file. It’s a beautiful and humbling sight.

Indagare Tip: While a lot of vendors will offer you baskets of sticky rice to buy and present to the monks, it’s best to just stand back and observe Tak Bat as a tourist. First of all, the quality of the sticky rice varies (some monks have gotten sick from badly made rice brought by tourists) and this daily tradition is really one specific to Luang Prabang locals. Also, while photography is not forbidden, be respectful of the procession. Do not use your flash and don’t walk up too close to the monks. Their daily ritual is already one of the most observed and documented in Luang Prabang.

A good spot to witness the procession is close to the 3 Nagas hotel, as the main stretch of Sisavangvung is crammed with camera-toting tourists. After seeing the saffron-colored procession, have a coffee at Le Benetton. Afterwards, it’s a great time to visit the local fresh market, which is in full gear by that time.