Luang Prabang's alms-giving ceremony is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture. It takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to all the side streets. Around 200 Buddhist monks depart from temples in this UNESCO-listed town to gather their daily meal. The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century – locals wake early to prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts. While the main purpose is for locals to give alms, you might also notice small children kneeling with baskets. Monks often share some of their alms with them so that they can take food back to their family.
Luang Prabang's alms-giving ceremony is a longstanding tradition in Laos Buddhist culture. It takes place daily as the sun rises, beginning on the main street of Luang Prabang before spreading out to all the side streets. Around 200 Buddhist monks depart from temples in this UNESCO-listed town to gather their daily meal.
The tradition of alms gathering dates back to the 14th century – locals wake early to prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to give their gifts. While the main purpose is for locals to give alms, you might also notice small children kneeling with baskets. Monks often share some of their alms with them so that they can take food back to their family.
What the alms-giving involves
This daily ceremony is both peaceful and spiritual and gives you a wonderful opportunity to experience an ancient Lao tradition. You should buy your offerings (mostly food) in advance and arrive with plenty of time to spare as it’s considered very offensive to disrupt the ceremony once it has commenced.
Follow the guidance of the locals by kneeling down to present your offering to the monks. Some of the common gifts you can offer include rice, fresh fruit, and traditional snacks.
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