Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the former capital of Luang Prabang province in northern Laos, is located in a valley where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers converge. Deserted for thousands of years, it was the royal capital of the country until 1975. It is known for its numerous Buddhist temples, including the gold-covered Wat Xieng Thong, dating from the 16th century, and Wat Mai, which was once the residence of the leader of Laotian Buddhism.

It is the third largest city in Laos, after the capital Vientiane and Savannakhet, in terms of population. The city is the country's main religious, spiritual, and tourist center. It boasts more than 50 temples, a blend of Buddhist architecture and French colonialism, which are said to be among the most beautiful temples in Southeast Asia. In 1995, UNESCO designated the city as Laos's first World Heritage Site.