The Kuang Xi waterfall in Luang Prabang province. --Photo Tourism Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang ranked 30th in list of world’s 50 most beautiful cities

Luang Prabang has been ranked 30th among the 50 Most Beautiful Cities in the World by the Condé Nast Traveler magazine.
The Condé Nast Traveler website named the top five cities as Abu Dhabi (United Arab Emirates), Amsterdam (Netherlands), Antigua, Guatemala (Guatemala), Barcelona (Spain), and Bergen (Norway).
The magazine described Luang Prabang as potentially Southeast Asia’s ideal small city, noting its early-morning almsgiving ceremony featuring around 200 saffron-robed monks, as well as its lush greenery and tranquil setting.
Luang Prabang, the former royal capital of Laos, is situated at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, and was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995 in recognition of its cultural and architectural significance.
The magazine’s listing places Luang Prabang alongside destinations in Europe, Asia, and the Americas recognised for their visual appeal and cultural heritage.
Luang Prabang has consistently gained international recognition for its cultural preservation and sustainable tourism efforts. The city secured 21 awards at this year’s ASEAN Tourism Forum, including an ASEAN Clean Tourist City Award and an ASEAN Sustainable Tourism Award.
The town has also been recognised for its community-based tourism initiatives, environmental management, and efforts to preserve traditional architecture and spiritual practices.
Luang Prabang continues to position itself as one of the region’s leading destinations for cultural and eco-tourism, balancing conservation with tourism development.

By Times Reporters
(Latest Update March 3, 2026)