Luang Prabang ranked among world’s most beautiful places

Luang Prabang, Laos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site has been named one of the world’s 50 most beautiful places and has been highly recommended for tourists looking for somewhere special to visit.

Night view in Luang Prabang province. --Photo Phoonsab

Luang Prabang’s world heritage site ranking at 11th is a great start to the government’s Visit Laos Year tourism promotion programme, aimed at bringing more foreign tourists to Laos with a target figure of 4.6 million domestic and foreign visitors.
Luang Prabang and the other locations cited as being among the world’s most beautiful places by Times Travel of India have been named to highlight a large variety of destinations that will appeal to many types of travellers.
“There are some really amazing places out there waiting for visitors, one of those being Luang Prabang which radiates the tranquility of Laos. With Buddhist temples, vibrant markets, and the scenic Mekong River, it’s a haven for a laid-back escape,” the Indian travel publication said.
Luang Prabang is also recommended for its community-led conservation efforts, groundbreaking work in ecotourism, sustainability and inclusive travel, and meaningful ways for travellers to give back.
In 2023, Luang Prabang​ province​ received 12 awards under the Asean​ Tourism​ Standards scheme, in acknowledgement of compliance with Asean tourism standards
Luang Prabang is one of the most well-known provinces in Laos and is a top tourist draw because of its riverside location, old temples, quaint streets and alleyways, traditional festivals, and scenic beauty.
The town’s old quarter was listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995 by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), which deemed that its architecture was culturally significant and worthy of protection by the United Nations.
Other popular attractions in and around the provincial capital include the Phou Si stupa, Xieng Thong temple, Sae waterfall, Kuangxi waterfall, and the colourful night market.
In addition, National Geographic picked Laos among 25 top travel destinations for 2023, with Laos being the only country in Asean listed in the magazine’s top breathtaking places and experiences for visitors.
Lao tourism officials say the Laos-China railway has greatly enhanced the country’s accessibility and opened up places in the north such as Vangvieng, Luang Prabang, Oudomxay and Luang Namtha.
These areas are rich in traditional lifestyles and tourists can also view wildlife and enjoy jungle treks.
The winter months from November to March are recommended as the best time to camp on hillsides and watch the early morning sea of mist that forms among the hilltops.

By Times Reporters
 (Latest Update January 4, 2024)