Luang Prabang province
One of the most visited areas of Laos, the province of Luang Prabang and it's same-named capital are two of the most memorable and atmospheric destinations in the entire country.
Once the capital of Laos and still considered to be the religious heart of Laos, the provincial capital breathes a rich meld of French Indochinese architecture and subtle Theravada Buddhist temples, and imparts on visitors an especially unique vibe.
Luang Prabang is strikingly situated on a peninsula formed by the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers, and its palm-lined riverbanks, ochre daubed houses, terracotta tiled roofs and ubiquitous saffron robed monks all come together to form a picture postcard beauty that is increasingly difficult to find in Southeast Asia.
Of course the city has been considered one of Southeast Asia's "must sees" for well over a decade now and untouched it's not. The city is awash with tour buses, guesthouses, cafes, restaurants bars and boutiques, yet despite all this development, you'll not have to wander far to stick your head around a corner to see a slice of life old-style.
With an international airport and daily connections to at least Thailand and Vietnam, many people fly in and fly out -- in the process seeing nothing more of Laos -- so expect to see a wider range -- and far larger number -- of foreign visitors here than anywhere else in the country.
With the capital at its centre, Luang Prabang province stretches north to Phongsali and the Vietnamese frontier, east to Hua Phan and Xieng Khuang, south to Vientiane and west to Udomxai and Sainyabuli. The east of the province in particular is a vast, mountainous swath of real estate with next to nothing in the way of development, but to the north you'll find the villages of Nong Khiaow and Muang Ngoi.
Both Nong Khiaow and Muang Ngoi are laidback, riverside drawcards which attract a steady backpacker trade tempted by the low costs, stunning scenery and relaxed vibe. Both can be reached by boat or road and if you're planned on striking north into Phongsali you'll want to set aside a day or two in one or the other -- or both.
