December 1-17

Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos, lies in a valley at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Inhabited for thousands of years, it was the royal capital of the country until 1975. It’s known for its many Buddhist temples, including the gilded Wat Xieng Thong, dating to the 16th century, and Wat Mai, once the residence of the head of Laotian Buddhism.

Highlights were the morning market, walking to the monastery atop Mount Phousi, riding bikes everywhere, Press Pause – Luang Prabang Film Festival, Secret Pizza, the Unexploded Ordinance Museum, Kuang Si waterfall, Bear Rescue Shelter, Butterfly Park, Buffalo Dairy, Big Brother Mouse and the Hmong New Year Festival.