Rosewood Luang Prabang

At the easternmost edge of the old town is this remarkable little temple atop a small hill. On one side is the Mekong river, and the “tiger” steps, where royalty used to board their boats, while on the other is the main thoroughfare, Sakkaline Road. This temple, built in 1560, is known for its incredible glass tile mosaics, which include the beautiful and ornate “tree of life.”

Due to their preponderance, Laos was once known as Lan Xang, “Land of a Million Elephants,” and up until 1975 the country’s flag featured a three-headed white pachyderm. Sadly, their numbers in the country have dwindled to a mere 1,000 today, which is why Mandalao, a new elephant sanctuary, plans to re-populate the wild population through money raised through guest visits.

An important religious site in the region, these remarkable caves overlooking the Mekong contain upwards of 4,000 Buddha statues – mostly made of wood – left over several centuries by devotees. Located 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, the two-hour boat ride upriver is just as much part of the experience,as you pass villages and amazing scenery along the way.

You see it as soon as your arriving plane dips beneath the clouds – the lush jungle-covered mountains that surround Luang Prabang in all directions. Tucked within these, about 30 kilometers south of town, is this magnificent three-tiered, 60-meter-high cascade, where you can plunge into the azure-colored waters. If you're feeling adventurous, you can hike up to the top of the falls.

Luang Prabang sits on a small promontory in-between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers and for centuries the waterways were not only the sole way for residents to get in and out of the city, but also its lifeblood, supplying fish and fresh water. Today, you can experience the magic of Southeast Asia's most famous river with a special cruise.