How to give alms in Luang Prabang

Tipped to be one of the most spiritual and unforgettable experiences one can have in Laos, let alone Luang Prabang, offering alms to Buddhist monks is an ancient practice with a rich legacy. Although the local monk populace does not expect tourists to offer alms in the wee hours of the morning, it is an activity than many spiritually inclined visitors have found extremely rewarding. Here's a step by step guide to giving alms to monks in Luang Prabang.

1. Learn about the Ritual

Tourists who wish to take part in an alms giving ceremony in Luang Prabang should first and foremost learn all they can about the rich history of this ancient practice. This is the first step in not only ensuring that this ritual takes place for generations to come but also to make your own experience a more rewarding and a less touristy encounter that's a commercialized version of an ancient custom. Some tourists have been accused of making a mockery of the Luang Prabang alms ceremonies with their approach to the practice and their disrespectful behaviour so it is necessary to educate yourself to avoid the same mistakes. Dating back 600 years, the UNESCO World Heritage City has been preparing Tak Bat and waiting for monks from 35 temples in the area to walk in silence and collect their alms from the city's residents. Taking place in the early morning hours the residents occupy the sidewalk with their offerings to the monks in hand.

2. The Meaning

Offering alms to monks is a centuries-old practice that began in the time of Lord Buddha as monks were expected to give up all aspects of material life and thus had to rely on laypersons to offer them food and drink for sustenance. Devotees who offer alms are known to collect merit by performing the good deed and thus ease their burdens and sins by elevating their chances of gaining nirvana. The "Good Karma" generated in this donation of food to the clergy is believed to benefit Buddhists in gaining good fortune in various affairs across their lifetime.

3. You Must Be On Time

The Luang Prabang alms giving ceremony kicks off at 5.30 am daily during the summer months in Laos while the time shifts to 6.30 am during the colder winter months. Those who wish to take part in the ritual should arrive earlier than the allotted time as finding a spot on the sidewalk or pavement may prove to be a challenge. This will also afford tourists the time to witness how locals prepare the food to offer to the monks and how they set up their wares on the street.

4. The Location

Although the alms giving ceremony takes place in several locations throughout Luang Prabang, some of the best venues to catch a glimpse of the ritual or take part yourself is by the temple known as Wat Mai on Sisavangvong Road. The lesser-known temples and side roads of Luang Prabang are quieter spots from which to witness the ceremony but this is a matter of personal preference.

5. Taking Part

It is important to take part in the alms giving ceremony only if one feels inclined to do so on a spiritual level as it is not a recreational tourist activity such as riding an elephant or eating a local delicacy. Do not buy the rice from the street food hubs on the road but at the morning market as the quality is superior. Removing shoes and being barefoot during the offering is important while dressing conservatively is also a must.

6. Faux Pas

Those based at nearby hotels the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang or any other Luang Prabang Laos hotels should not follow the procession as it is better to photograph the event from the sidewalk. Remaining silent and reverent during the ritual is key while visitors should also avoid making eye contact or any physical contact with the monks. Talking to the monks is also forbidden while keeping one's phone on silent mode is also crucial.