Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, located in northern Laos, lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and was the country's former royal capital until 1975. It is one of Laos's main religious and cultural centers, with over 50 temples that combine traditional Buddhist architecture with French colonial influences. Among the most prominent are Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. Its rich historical and architectural heritage led UNESCO to declare it a World Heritage Site in 1995.