Rows of monks soliciting alms along the road — the most beautiful humanistic scenery in Luang Prabang at dawn

▲ Monks collecting alms: the most beautiful humanistic scene in the morning in Luang Prabang.

Reported and photographed by reporter Tsai Wen-jun / Laos

The mornings in Luang Prabang, Laos, are not filled with the sounds of insects or birds, but rather with a serene and solemn atmosphere. That’s because, during this time, monks emerge one after another from various temples to go on their daily alms rounds for food. Although tourism and commercialization have increased in recent years, the reverent mood compels even those present to suppress their smiles and respectfully place the food they’ve brought into the monks’ alms bowls. It is a completely different scene from the usual mornings in Luang Prabang.

▲ Travelers waiting to offer alms.

▲ There are also vendors selling offerings along the road.

▲ Most offerings consist of sticky rice and packed meals.

There are many routes for monks to collect alms, but the most popular one for travelers is on French Street. Around 5 a.m., the sidewalk is already lined with rows of kneeling travelers waiting to make offerings. Locals say that participants should avoid wearing overly revealing clothing; it’s recommended to wear something with sleeves, and pants or skirts should cover the knees.

▲ Around 5 a.m., groups of monks begin their alms rounds.

Local guide Hui Ge also reminds people that, generally speaking, there are no restrictions on the types of food offered, but women should be careful not to touch the monks' bodies when giving alms. When the monks approach, simply place the food directly into the basket they carry. If offering sticky rice, place it in with your fingers, one spoonful at a time.

▲ The most beautiful and solemn scene in Luang Prabang in the early morning.

Batch after batch of monks walk by, and the food collected through alms is what they will eat for the entire day. However, if you look closely, you’ll often see monks taking the freshly collected food from their baskets and tossing it into buckets by the roadside. Hui Ge explains that this is part of the Buddhist concept of giving back — monks place the alms food into these buckets, and it is then used to help orphans. This is done in hopes of being able to assist more people.