Luang Prabang is the second city of Laos. This vibrant, wonderful city was granted World Heritage status because of its elaborate Buddhist temples and mix of colonial architecture. It’s bordered by two rivers the Nam Khan and the Mekong.  Laos is a very gentle and spiritual country and the influence of Buddhism is everywhere in the cities and in the countryside and small villages.  In the mountainous regions in the north, hill tribe peoples still live an impoverished, traditional life.