This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the former capital of Laos, and you’ll see everything from golden-roofed temples to vestiges of colonial French architecture here. Buddhist monasteries abound in Luang Prabang, and early every morning, monks process through the streets collecting aims for their food for the day. (TripAdvisor)

Si Phan Don (4000 islands) is where Laos becomes the land of the lotus-eaters, an archipelago of islands where the pendulum of time swings slowly and postcard-worthy views are the rule rather than the exception. Many a traveler has washed ashore here, succumbed to its charms and stayed longer than expected. (Lonely Planet)