Known as the most charming city of Laos, former royal capital of Luang Prabang was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Having long-standing heritage and history, the city attracts people by its own charm and beauty. Today, this quiet city remains Lao's cultural center, with hundreds of ancient temples, called wats, most notably Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Sen. At dawn in the town’s crossroads, visitors can silently watch monks from nearby monasteries collect offerings. Then they can walk the historic streets to see the French provincial houses. Feeling of Buddhism can be felt in the air. The nightly Hmong market provides a look at the traditional lifestyles of the hill tribes living near this north central town, located at the intersection of the Mekong and Khan rivers with Mt. Phousi as its backdrop. Pak Ou Caves, with thousands of Buddha statues, are nearby, as well as beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls.