Louangphrabang, Laos + Add a trip

The waterfall Mike Hayes refers to is Tat Kuang Si, and he's right, it's lovely. About 30km out of town - if you don't fancy a tuktuk ride you can use one of the minibus services advertised in the tourist shops and guesthouses.

Pak Ou caves an hour upriver are a decent photo opportunity, although a bit of a tourist trap.

In town, it's worth the sweaty climb up the hill above Xiang Thong road for a view over the whole town.

The museum - basically a royal living quarters preserved - has a nice display of gifts from foreign dignitaries including moonrock from Nixon and some gorgeous chinaware.

Definitely check out the waterfalls - although watch out for the small fish underneath in the water. Another awesome thing we did was hook up with Tiger Trail Adventures http://www.laos-adventures.com/index.asp and did the two day elephant trek where we lived with and bathed the elephants over the course of 2-3 days. Much more intensive experience than what you would get in Thailand or elsewhere.

... And the food in the night market is awesome!