Laos

Laos's UNESCO-listed former royal capital is a dreamy town at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Saffron-robed monks collect alms at dawn, French-colonial cafés line quiet streets, and the Kuang Si waterfalls are a turquoise paradise.

Southeast Asia's most laid-back capital, Vientiane is a charming Mekong River city of golden stupas, French bakeries, and sunset cocktails along the riverside promenade. The golden Pha That Luang stupa is the national symbol and the Buddha Park is delightfully eccentric.