Luang Prabang was once an important centre of Buddhist religious influence in Asia. It has long been a prosperous and artistic city, known as a mountain retreat well before the French established a hill station there. As one of South East Asia's most attractive and best preserved heritage locations, the fascinating blend of colourful, rural life and grande French colonial architecture gives the city a unique appeal. Visitors from around the globe travel to landlocked Laos specifically to experience the artistic tranquility that defines this ancient royal capital.

Of a manageable size, but  offering a wealth of traditional Lao culture as well as a range of interesting cultural and natural attractions, Luang Prabang is counted as one of the region's best preserved treasures. Situated 700 metres above sea level, the city enjoys a temperate, tropical climate characterised by distinct dry and wet seasons, with the monsoon rains lasting from June to October. The province has a population of around 360 000, while the city itself is surprisingly small with just 16 000 residents.

Encircled by high mountains and perfectly positioned at the confluence of the  Mekong and Khan rivers, Luang Prabang's charming old town is the location for some of the region's most celebrated and ornate temples, several of them dating back centuries. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the famous, built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, which also houses one of the most important reclining Buddha statues in the world. The legendary Emerald Buddha was also once in Luang Prabang, long before it was taken to Bangkok's Grand Palace for protection. This striking jewel was carried around the region for several hundred years by disciples, who protected the statue from war and theft.

Luang Prabang offers visitors a choice of both natural and historical sights to enjoy, even during a relatively short stay. Not far outside the city, the Kuang Si Falls and Pak Ou Caves are both popular places to visit, either reached overland or by boat along the river. The city's famous night market is also a major attraction with stalls selling hand made clothes, jewellery and locally crafted souvenirs. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum is another place of interest, while the quiet, leafy streets of the Old Town provide visitors with a living museum, the streets lined with French buildings and the whole area made even more impressive by a proliferation of ancient, golden temples.

The striking combination of ancient surroundings and modern comforts means visitors to Luang Prabang can enjoy the best of both worlds. The city is an authentic alternative to many of Asia's more commercial tourist destinations and the cultured surroundings and close proximity to nature  give the city an appeal all of its own. One that attracts people of all ages from a wide range of countries around the world.