Tak Bat Almsgiving

One of the most cherished traditions in Luang Prabang is Tak Bat, also known as the almsgiving ceremony. This ceremony is believed to have originated in the 14th century and happens daily during the early morning hours. It occurs inside temples throughout Luang Prabang, but is most visible in the old town, along Sakkaline Road, and in front of Wat Xiengthong.

In the dim morning light, approximately 200 monks and novices, dressed in saffron robes, silently walk barefoot to the town center to collect offerings from devotees. As they pass by, townspeople place prepared gifts like homemade sticky rice, fruit (especially bananas), sweets, and other food into the alms bowls carried by the monks on their shoulders. For Buddhists, participating in this act of offering food to the monks, who stop eating at noon, is a way to fulfill a responsibility and earn merit for a better future life.