The Mekong then reaches Luang Prabang’s classic highlights: the 16th century Vat Xieng Thong, Mount Phousi’s Vat That Chomsi, the National Museum’s royal artifact collection, Kwangsi Waterfall and Pak Ou Caves. The Mekong then turns south through Sayaboury Province, known for its annual elephant festival, to Thailand’s Loei Province to continue its border role as it turns northeast to Vientiane.
The Lao capital continues to offer more high-quality accommodation, restaurants and facilities while maintaining its Southeast Asian look and laidback feel, and presents relaxing day trips to That Luang’s 16th-century golden-topped stupa; Vat Sisaket, the city’s oldest temple housing thousands of Buddha images; and Patuxay Monument’s panoramic city views. Across the Mekong, Nong Khai, a pleasant stopover town, feeds tourists to Vientiane via the Thai-Laos Friendship Bridge. Here, the Mekong, joined by Lao Highway 13, actually heads