The former capital of Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is located on a peninsula at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers in central northern Laos, 200 miles from Vientiane. The name literally means “Royal Buddha Image.” The city is famous for its many Buddhist temples (wats) and monasteries as well as for its elegant 19th-century French townhouses. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are among the best-known historical sites. Luang Prabang has a rich culinary history. Local dishes include mokpa (steamed river fish) and kaipen (fried river moss) served with the Luang Prabang’s famous jeow bong (chile paste).