Browse: Home / Community, Religion and Spirituality / A guide for tourists in Luang Prabang
A guide for tourists in Luang Prabang

By Darly • September 18, 2008



This is a must read message for all those that are planning to visit Laos, particularly the World Heritage Town of Luang Prabang. It is is a useful guide for tourists regarding the observation and participation in the Morning Alms Giving.



Department of Information and Culture, Luang Prabang
Department of Tourism, Luang Prabang
Lao Buddhist Organization of Luang Prabang District

IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR TOURISTS CONCERNING THE MONKS’ MORNING ALMSROUND (TAK BAT)

The monks’ almsround is a living Buddhist tradition for the people of Luang Prabang which, because of its beauty, has become a major tourist attraction. However, when tourists are unaware of its customs, their inappropriate behaviour can be disruptive. We would like to draw your attention to this religious practice, which has great meaning for the population of Luang Prabang.

The meaning of the Tak Bat

The Tak Bat is a profound expression of generosity, a cardinal virtue for the Lao people, and is a significant source of religious merit for the Buddhist community. It is probably the closest religious interaction between lay people and monks. Whenever it is performed, it is done with a profound sense of beauty and affection, with piety, care, thoughtfulness, and with deep commitment. Most of the Buddhist believers of Luang Prabang practice this ritual every morning. At sunrise, they prepare the offerings by cooking the rice and kneeling on a mat, in silence, waiting for the monks to approach, their heads and feet bare in humility. They quickly and silently place a small amount of rice in the monks’ alms bowl without making eye contact. Sometimes cakes and fruits are offered. They practice this generous act with joy knowing that it will benefit them, their living or departed relatives, and all beings.

For their part, the monks meditate on impermanence and on the meaning of the offerings they receive, which symbolise their intentional poverty, humility, and dependency on the lay community for their material needs. When they return to the monastery, they share the rice, accompanied by other dishes prepared by the community. They eat this first meal of the day in silence.

How to respect the Tak Bat

Although the monks’ morning almsround has become a tourist attraction, it is primarily a religious act for local lay people. It must be performed in serenity, silence, and concentration. Please show this ritual as much respect as you would your own religious ceremonies.

Observe the ritual in silence, and contribute an offering only if it is meaningful for you and you can do so in a respectful manner. Please purchase the rice at the local market earlier the same morning. The cakes or rice from street vendors along the monks’ route are not free and their activities can be disruptive.
If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and behave in a respectful manner. Do not get in the way of the monks’ procession or the believers’ offerings.
Do not photograph the monks too closely; please understand that camera flashes are very disturbing for both monks and lay people.
Dress appropriately: shoulders, chest, and legs should be mostly covered. Do not make any physical contact with monks.
Large buses are explicitly forbidden within the perimeter in the Luang Prabang World Heritage Site* and are extremely disturbing. Do not follow the procession on a bus - you will stand above the monks, which in Laos is disrespectful.
*The area protected by the PSMV (Plan de Sauvegarde et de Mise en Valeur) approved by the Prime Minister.