Luxury for way less.
Compared to traveling around Europe or the U.S., Asia (especially Southeast Asia) is relatively cheap. In Laos, where the exchange rate is around 9,000 Lao Kip to $1 USD, this is especially true. Luang Prabang, in particular, offers an exceptionally good value. And though backpackers and the places that cater to them form a large part of the tourism industry, this sleepy ancient city is a great place to take a luxury vacation at a fraction of the price you’d pay elsewhere.
Though it isn’t known for major monuments (like Angkor Wat) or thumping nightlife (like Bangkok), Luang Prabang is celebrating 25 years as a UNESCO World Heritage site this year. It’s known for its harmonious blend of French colonial and Buddhist architecture and culture, and the city is more affordable and less intimidating than mega-cities like Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City. In other words, it’s perfect for a relaxing getaway where you can splurge a bit—while still sticking to a reasonable budget.