Located in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is the former capital of Laos and a popular tourist destination due to the many stunning temples and abundant natural beauty in the area. A UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang is situated on the Mekong River and traditional Laos and European influences can be seen in its architecture. The city is served by Luang Prabang International Airport but visitors often arrive by bus from Vientiane or Vang Vien.

Interesting sites in and around Luang Prabang include Mount Phou Si, the Pak Ou caves which area also known as the Buddha Caves, and the Kuang Si Falls where visitors can swim after trekking through rainforest trails. Within the city perimeters are several historic buildings of note, and temples such as Wat Mai and Wat Xieng Thong, both of which are places of deep religious importance within Laos.

Dining in Luang Prabang, as with anywhere in Laos, has much input from French cuisine. Restaurants on Sisavangvong Road along the Mekong River offer excellent sunset views and plenty of opportunity to sample some of the local delicacies. This city is full of historic and cultural charm.

There’s much more to see and learn about Luang Prabang, and the interactive map on this page is a great way to find out where the attractions and hotels can be found in this exciting city.