LUANG PRABANG, LAOS While the capital, Vientiane, also enjoys a riverside setting it can’t compete with this enchanting northern Laos city in the character, charm and ambience stakes. It’s a calm and tranquil place, the Mekong flowing
gently through the lush, scenery, with elaborately decorated Buddhist temples and monasteries with their red and gold flourishes. Sites such as the Buddha Caves are a fixture on river cruises and boat rides, the city’s night market serving up affordable eats and souvenirs. In recent years there’s also been a notable expansion at the luxury end, the Amantaka, Rosewood and Belmond’s La Résidence Phou Vao among the highlights.