Laos forum

"Any tips on how to respectfully view and appreciate this?
Thanks!"

Well you asked so... Don't take photos. A quick search on the net yields millions of LPB safron robed monk photos.

Hi amz155,

While somsai is correct, it's probably worth noting that if you're not there taking pics, you'll be the exception to the rule! I've seen foreigners there offering alms to the monks just so thir partner could get a pic of them doing so!

If I was there and needed some more pics to add to my library of 123,645,876 pics of monks in saffron, I'd lean towards walking around the town very early in the morning taking pics as they go through the motions -- while the most photographed area is the main river road that runs up the peninsula, remember there's dozens of temples and really -- monks all over the place. The monks are used to being photographed, and if you're taking photos of them from a distance, that shouldn't be a problem at all, though if you're taking close-ups etc, always remember to ask first.

Have fun!

#5 aemilys I don't know the answer to your question. I do know the monks care for the indigent and old people without families, etc. Maybe they are feeding the street kids. I ran across the following on a Lao Govt website it's from a poster they have posted in LPB in 5 languages. It sounds like there has been quite a problem with the morning alms giving. Might be turning into a zoo. Too bad. There are morning alms in almost every town large enough to have a temple in Laos and Thailand.

AMZ I'd say probably the best place to see and not contribute to a spectacle would be anywhere but LPB Old town.

This is how it goes.....

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

How to respect the Tak Bat

Observe the ritual in silence, and contribute an offering only if it is meaningful to you and you can do so respectfully.

Please buy the rice at the market earlier that morning, rather than from the street vendors along the monks’ route.

If you do not wish to make an offering, please keep an appropriate distance and behave respectfully. Please do not get in the way of the monks procession or the believers offerings.

Do not photograph the monks too closely, camera flashes are very disturbing to both the monks and lay people.

Dress appropriately, shoulders, chest and legs should be covered.

Do not make any physical contact with the monks.

Large busses are forbidden within Luang Prabang World Heritage Site and are extremely disturbing. Do not follow the procession on a bus- you will stand above the monks which is extremely disrespectful.

Take part in the morning alms giving ceremony by protecting it’s dignity and its beauty. The community and the authorities of Luang Prabang thank you in advance for your collaboration.

Link to report here

Kop Jai duh