The picturesque, unspoilt countryside that surrounds Luang Prabang offers some of the most appealing and unique travel in South East Asia. The city was once an important spiritual centre and also the royal capital of Laos. The quaint, colonial streets are steeped in history and decorated with local tradition. Essentially a quiet, rural town, Luang Prabang combines spiritual peace with colourful local culture. The old town features impressive colonial French buildings, many of them upgraded as hotels, which means visitors have the chance to experience the city's antiquity first hand, as well as to enjoy its fine food and relaxed atmosphere.

Luang Prabang spreads out from a peninsula that sits at the point where the Mekong meets one of its tributaries, the Khan River. Rural views, quaint local architecture with tiled roofs, local craft shops, restored french villas and orange-robed monks make this one of the most attractive locations in the Asia region. Travellers have the chance to experience authentic Buddhist culture first hand, while a the city's unique blend of influences blends traditional Lao architecture with 19th century French colonial grandeur. UNESCO declared the city a World Heritage site in 1995 and restoration work transformed the Old Town into a living museum that provides intriguing glimpses into the way two completely contrasting cultures have merged over time.

The fringes of the city display an altogether more contemporary version of Asian life. But swift development has yet to erode the enduring sense of the past in Luang Prabang, thanks mainly to the many striking, golden temples and thriving farmer's markets. An international Airport connects the city to the world and as a result its fame has spread in the last decade and it now sees visitors from around the globe, particularly Europeans. The arrival of large numbers of foreign tourists increased its diversity on offer in Luang Prabang where high quality cuisine and accommodation now ensure a sophisticated feel, particularly around the more popular temples and shopping streets. Riverside cafes offer tasty local dishes and cool drinks during the day, while in the evening, quality eateries serve everything from healthy bites to fine French cuisine.

Luang Prabang has a unique atmosphere due to its breathtaking architecture, complex history and diverse traditions. The local people are proud of their city, which was once one of the most important capitals in Asia. As well being an important colonial centre, the city was also inhabited by some of the region's most influential powers, including the Siamese, the Burmese, the Khmers and the Mongols.

Close to the city,  the famous Pak Ou Buddha caves are a natural wonder and hide some of the province's most treasured religious statues. Thousands of Buddha statues have been placed in the caves over the centuries and the area that surrounds them is also known for its dramatic mountain scenery.