Luang Prabang, or Louangphabang as its sometimes spelled, is one of seventeen provinces that make up the Southeast Asian nation of Laos, sharing a border with Vietnam to the northeast. The region is also home to Nam Et - Phou Louei, a national protected area named after its two defining features - the Nam Et River and the Phou Louei Mountain - the latter of which translates romantically to 'Forever Mountain'. The area boasts a high level of biodiversity, with several endangered species making home amongst lush virgin forests.

The mountainous landscape and ethnic groups living in this part of Laos have made Luang Prabang province a popular eco-tourism destination. This kind of traveling has a low impact on both the environment and the nearby communities. Some treks through the hills, forests, and fields are led by local villagers who know the land like the back of their hands, and are more than happy to share information and point out interesting wildlife that inhabit the area. Most of the eco-friendly accommodation is situated on the serene riverbank or hidden in the woods, and in keeping with carbon offset philosophies, offering no more than the bare necessities. Other resorts such as the Lunagsay Lodge are a liltle more luxurious, but equally natural. Homestays are also popular with the culturally-inclined, with overnight excursions to other villages providing a real insight into communal life that has yet to be influenced by mass tourism.

The main draw of the region, and one that every trip to Laos shouldn't be without, is the provincial capital of the same name. Luang Prabang's main claim to fame is a UNESCO World Heritage banner, bestowed on the site of the old town center. The former seat of government is also one of the nation's oldest cities, founded over a millennium ago. Historical and cultural traces from the kingdom's French colonial past are still very much evident, existing peacefully alongside the local way of life. The main stretch of wooden shophouses in town enjoys a quaint feeling of an era past. Roadside cafes and restaurants serve a mix of western bakery and deli food as well as offering local cuisine from recipes handed down through the generations. Eateries and laid back bars line the two rivers that section off the peninsula - the Mekong and its tributaries - offering picturesque views against backdrops of limestone cliffs.

In the last 10 or so years, Luang Prabang has been gaining popularity and recognition amongst discerning travellers, the range of available accommodation has also widened to cater to different clientele. Originally catering mainly to backpackers seeking spirituality and a dose of affordable fun, the town now features several luxury hotels and resorts coexisting with more rustic guesthouses. To blend in with the nostalgic charm of yesteryear, many of the high end hotels have taken over existing mansions and buildings that once housed the nation's officials and socialites. The colonial facades, with their wraparound balconies and wooden windows, have been restored but otherwise left intact. Meanwhile, the inside of the buildings house comforts and pampering fit for modern royalty, from luscious spa treatments, cellars with vintage wines, and of course internet connectivity for the 21st century guest. Accommodation providers such as Luang Say Residence can also arrange for an unforgettable cruise down the River Mekong.

Luang Prabang is still considered by many to be the cultural heart of Laos, with many temples - some glimmering and others crumbling - spread around the city. Perhaps the most important and well known is Wat Xieng Thong, built by a former king around the 1560s and renovated during the 1960s. Gilded doors feature gold leaf designs against glossy black lacquer, and on the external wall on the back of the main chapel is one of the most recognisable images in modern Laos - the Tree of Life. The al fresco masterpiece tree is a mosaic made of tiny pieces of colored glass, which, when the sun's rays catch them, appear to light the tree on fire in a mesmerising flame. This is just one of the 30 odd temples that can be found in the intimately-sized town. Visitors to the town's other main attraction, Mount Phou Xi, can also drop in to any of the few smaller temples along the trek up to catch the sun setting over the picturesque town, river, and mountainscape.

Luang Prabang is by no means undiscovered, so hopes of having the entire temple grounds to yourself should be quelled. However, with the small size of the town, walking and bicycling gives visitors the chance to stop off at quieter locations less travelled, be it a riverside spot under the shade of frangipanis or dropping in at an antique-selling boutique shop. With nature at its best, a fascinating culture by way of colonial history, and the locals always full of sincerity, a holiday in Luang Prabang leaves its visitors inspired in more ways than one.

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