8Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang is a small town in northern Laos that was the royal capital of the country until 1975. It is famous for its blend of traditional Lao wooden houses and French colonial buildings, all set against the backdrop of lush mountains and the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.

The town is also known for its numerous Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong. Luang Prabang was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 due to its well-preserved architectural, religious, and cultural heritage.