Luang Prabang, one of SE Asia's most celebrated capitals, received UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995. The ancient royal city is surrounded by mountains and sits at the confluence of the Mekong and its tributary, the Khan River. Right in the centre of town, Mount Phousi Temple offers stunning views of the surrounding countryside and the town's unique setting is unlikely to change because part of the UNESCO plan restricts new buildings and development.
Luang Prabang is small enough to explore either on foot or by bicycle and the older part of town is characterized by colonial buildings and traditional houses. Historical French colonial buildings and classic Lao architecture blend remarkably well to create a truly enchanting urban oasis that is not only picturesque, but exudes the charm of a quaint European town while at the same time retaining and exotic flavours of Asia.