Houston Hospitality: The Top Hotels You Need To Experience

BY  Arnab Nov 20, 2023

There are many reasons to travel to Canada in winter. You might have heard people immigrating to Canada for business and job purposes. They provide better opportunity for the young generation with better life style. However, if you are focusing on that part, you need immigration advice before you take further steps. You can set off to iconic mountain resorts, visit a Christmas market, or spend time at an ice rink. At the same time, even more adventures await you if you are ready for winter camping.  The list of perfect cold-weather destinations in Canada is simply endless. Snow-covered Banff National Park in Alberta, untouched nature in the Northwest Territories, and mind-blowing Mont-Tremblant in Quebec to name a few. You will certainly appreciate the silent beauty of the snowy forest in February and January, especially at sunset or dawn.  So, it would be great to pick up a car rental in Toronto and go towards a winter fairy tale. A large selection of Toronto Airport car rental deals allows you to find the perfect vehicle for your needs. If you are traveling with family or friends, consider a more spacious option - car rental for 7 people will be a balanced solution for your icy ride.  However, winter camping in Canada is as dangerous as it’s exciting. Low temperatures can cause hypothermia and the most severe consequences for your body. Thus, such experience requires a particularly careful approach. Here are a few cold-weather adventure tips to keep in mind before embarking on such an outing.  1. Use a layered clothing strategy  When it's hot during the day and cold at night, you need to carry a variety of outfits with you to stay comfortable at all times. Layering is one of the best ways to stay dry and warm without overheating.  Layering is an art and once you master it, you can easily regulate your body temperature depending on your activity level and weather changes. Using layers correctly allows you to add or subtract layers throughout the day so you feel comfortable no matter what.  Start with wool or synthetic thermal underwear. Also, avoid cotton. Cotton absorbs moisture and loses all its insulating properties when you sweat, making you feel much colder. The job of thermal underwear is to wick sweat away from your body and keep you dry and warm.  Thus, apply insulating layers such as a fleece, light down jacket, or synthetic jacket as your middle layer to help keep you warm. The greater the middle layer retains heat, the better. Finally, cover the previous two layers with a windproof jacket with a waterproof membrane to keep you warm.  The outer layer also serves to remove moisture evaporated from the body. Don't skimp on a high-quality outer layer if you expect to encounter some serious wind and rain. If it doesn’t cope with its functions, you can become seriously hypothermic. 2. Make sure your sleeping bag can handle low temperatures  Canadian winter camping expeditions require a sleeping bag - this is the golden rule for a hassle-free overnight stay. The temperature label on your sleeping bag can be confusing. For example, if your sleeping bag can withstand +5°C, this doesn’t guarantee that you will feel warm at +5°C. The fact is that sleeping bags have two temperature conditions: a temperature at which a tourist should feel comfortable, and a lower temperature limit at which a sleeping man should feel comfortable.  Temperature values are approximate and depend on multiple factors. Just in case, take a sleeping bag rated for temperatures 5–10°C below expected degrees. You can also add an extra blanket over your sleeping bag to help keep you warm. 3. Select and prepare a place to pitch your tent  Setting up a camp in winter is much more difficult than in summer, so first of all, plan your time correctly - you should arrive at the overnight site at least 30 minutes before sunset. Then, choose the right campsite, prepare it, and set up the tent. Here are some important snow camping hacks to follow.  Place a tent in a sparse forest, on the edge, in a gentle depression between ridges  Remove snow from the area of the tent + 0.5 m around, remove the top layers or clear to the ground if the snow is not deep  Build snow walls around the camp, especially in open areas  Use special elongated winter pegs, which can be replaced with trekking poles  Make an entry from the leeward side 4. Bring all your essentials into the tent Be sure to bring shoes, a backpack with food, a first aid kit and hygiene products, and gas cylinders inside the tent. Plus, put things like your phone and power bank in your sleeping bag. This way you will better conserve charge. If your trekking socks are wet, dry them too.  5. Ventilate your tent The only thing worse than waking up frozen on a hike is waking up cold and wet. It may seem counterintuitive, but opening tent windows for cross-ventilation is among the top priority cold-weather camping essentials. How does it work? When warm, moist air in your tent or RV meets cold surfaces such as tent walls or car windows, condensation occurs. Small droplets of water form and everything becomes wet. Therefore, ensure air circulation in your tent and prevent condensation by opening entrances and windows slightly. 6. Warm up before going to sleep Before you go to bed, warm yourself by the fire or take a walk - whatever you can to warm up. Having a warm drink or snack before bed can also help keep you warm since the process of digestion warms you up from the inside. Just try not to sweat. Wet clothing quickly lowers your body temperature and can contribute to condensation in your tent or camper. Avoid storing wet clothes in the sleeping area and always change into dry clothes before going to sleep. 7. Go to sleep in a dry change of clothes  Advice on how to sleep in a sleeping bag goes to one extreme or the other: some say to wear everything you can, others recommend sleeping in just your underwear. And the correct option is in the middle.  Winter survival techniques claim that thermal underwear is optimal for sleeping in a tent, ideally if it contains merino wool. You need to wear socks on your feet (maybe two pairs), thin gloves on your hands, and a thin hat and/or buff on your head. Provided that the sleeping bag and mat are suitable for the weather, this set will often be sufficient. If not, you can insulate yourself additionally.  Important! All sleepwear should be dry. Thus, be sure to change into a spare set before going to bed, and store it in a waterproof bag while hiking. 8. Use heating pads  A heating pad is definitely a must-have on a winter hike! That's why we advise you to stock up on such items. They are lightweight, easy to use, and provide gentle heat (about 50°C). You can choose among the following options:  Chemical heating pads. They are disposable, with enough heat to last all night and even in the morning (about 12 hours overall).  Reusable heating pads. Such items can radiate heat for about 2 hours. Then, you need to charge it by simply boiling it in water. A more advanced option is electronic heating pads with USB charging. Ultimately, use our winter survival techniques for your camping trip to Canada. Also, don't forget to adjust your plans to the current weather. The forecast can be changeable during the off-season, and you should be prepared for everything. This is especially important when traveling in mountainous areas, where rain and snow can make roads impassable. Read Also: Jet-Set In Style: Unveiling The Monos Luggage Collection For Your Next Adventure This Is The Best Time To Visit The Seven Magic Mountains In Vegas! These Are The 30+ Things To Do In Mexico City That You Must Try!

BY  Abdul Aziz Dec 23, 2023

A tour of Los Angeles will include a walk through a large, palm tree-lined cemetery. Tributes to Hollywood's dark past can be found lurking among the city's soiled streets, well-kept lawns, and dusty canyons. These include long-abandoned mansions and the famous Hollywood sign. The City by the Bay, San Francisco, is a tourist haven. San Francisco attracts nearly 15 million tourists a year with attractions like Fisherman's Wharf, Alcatraz tours, the Golden Gate Bridge, and Haight Ashbury. But this new American city is not without its dark side. It has a history of kidnapping, fraud, terrorism, assassinations, and serial killings. Here is a short dissection of the most dangerous cities in California. We are also including a few of the most well-known crimes committed in various parts of the state. Most Dangerous Cities In California The list below comprises the incorporated municipalities of California with some of the highest crime rates. These cities have a population of 50,000 at best. Here are the most dangerous cities in California: Stockton San Bernardino Oakland Compton Richmond Lancaster Vallejo Modesto Victorville Huntington Park Criminal History Of California America is a land of dreams for the biggest chunk of the global population. California is a hub of technological and social zenith. No one expects it to hold out on dark secrets and scandals. According to the FBI, the most dangerous cities in California have a lot of twisted history. Here are some of them. The Assassinations of Harvey Milk and George Muscone, San Francisco City Hall The newly appointed class of city supervisors in 1978 was the most diverse in the history of San Francisco. Dan White, a staunch conservative and former police officer and firefighter, and Harvey Milk, the freshmen supervisor and gay activist, were the two men in this class. Even though Milk and White had different political and lifestyle philosophies, they developed a cordial working relationship. But this relationship quickly turned deadly and hostile. With ten extra bullets and a.38 caliber handgun, Dan White entered City Hall on November 27, 1978, intending to confront Mayor Muscone face-to-face. Muscone shot him after he once more rejected to be reinstated. When White realized how much Harvey Milk had contributed to the incident, he went to his office and brutally murdered Milk. On that day, Dan White admitted to the crimes. The strategy employed by White's defense team during the trial was nearly as well-known as the crimes done. The "Twinkie defense" contended that White's extreme sugar and carbohydrate intake before the crime caused his mental instability. The narrative concludes where it started: after receiving his sentence, White went back to San Francisco and committed suicide. The Kidnapping of Patty Hearst, Hibernia Bank The Symbionese Liberation Army (SLA) kidnapped 19-year-old Patty Hearst from her family's condo on February 4, 1974. Patty is the great-granddaughter of business tycoon George Hearst and the granddaughter of publishing mogul William Randolph Hearst. She and multiple other SLA members later pilfered a Hibernia Bank branch. Patty, brandishing an M-1 carbine, declared her membership in the SLA. A single innocent person lost their life, and the SLA fled with more than $10,000. Although Patty and her friends managed to get away, the FBI quickly found them. In 1976, Hearst went on trial. Attorneys for Patty contended that she developed Stockholm syndrome—a psychological reaction in which she started to feel sorry for her captors—out of fear for her life. Despite being found guilty, President Carter commuted her sentence in 1979. President Clinton fully pardoned Patty Hearst in 2001. Hearst continues to insist that she was brainwashed and that her crimes were those of a victim of the SLA's mental manipulation. Golden Dragon Massacre, Imperial Palace The Imperial Palace restaurant, formerly known as the Golden Dragon, is located in the center of San Francisco's Chinatown. One of the worst nights in San Francisco's history took place in this restaurant under this name. The organized crime networks that dominated Chinatown's underground market gave rise to two competing teenage gangs: the Wah Ching and the Joe Boys. The Golden Dragon presented the Joe Boys with a chance to assassinate the Wah Ching leaders. Eleven innocent people were hurt, and five innocent people died; neither gang member was hurt. The Washington Street restaurant is still marred by the aftermath of this tragic night. Three of the five Joe Boys members who were detained, found guilty, and sentenced to prison are still incarcerated. The Asian gang task force of the San Francisco police department was established because of the massacre. The Imperial Palace is still operational and offers delicious dim sum. USS Hornet A moored aircraft carrier at the Alameda Naval Base is among the world's most haunted ships—not a pirate ship sailing the high seas. Commencing in 1943, the eighth USS Hornet engaged in numerous combat missions throughout the Pacific. Over 300 people died on board during her 27 years of active duty, many of them from suicide. Although the ship is not in operation at the moment, both the crew and guests have paranormal stories about things moving, doors opening on their own, toilets flushing, and even spectral sailors prowling the decks. The Zodiac Killer The San Francisco area was the scene of one of the most well-known unsolved crimes in history. This crime scene single-handedly made every corner of the state dangerous. About 40 miles northeast of the city, on Lake Herman Road in Benicia, California, the infamous killing spree started. David Faraday and Betty Lou Jensen, two high school students, were discovered dead next to their parked car on December 20, 1968. No witnesses were present. Darlene Ferrin and Michael Mageau were shot dead by an unidentified assailant in Vallejo, California, on July 4, 1969. Mageau lived, but Ferrin perished from her wounds. From a pay phone, the gunman called the police, boasting about his crime with pride. Three local newspapers received letters in their offices on August 1, 1969. The Zodiac Killer would become well-known for his trademark symbol, which was signed by all of the letters, which came from the same source, and all claimed to be the murderer. The murderer insisted on having his letters made public. That year on September 27, two more people came under attack. Zodiac moved his murderous rampage from Napa into the City of San Francisco on October 11, 1969. And Zodiac pulled over his taxi driver at the Presidio Heights intersection of Cherry and Washington Streets. Zodiac eluded capture by the police even inside the city. Zodiac persisted in his letter-writing campaign to the San Francisco media for almost ten years. There were many boasts and threats in each letter, but not all of them came to pass. He said he had killed seventeen people in one of his final letters. This killer's identity is still a mystery, and the crime is still unsolved. Wrapping Up The Hollywood sign, which once read Hollywoodland, is where aspiring starlet Peg Entwistle leaped to her death in 1932. (It's said that her ghost roams the trails in nearby Griffith Park.) Los Angeles feels somber, maybe because so many people come here with high hopes, and the city is hesitant to welcome every new face. The brief career of Ms. Entwistle as a siren and her premature passing at the age of 24 serve as a symbol of the peculiar contrast of the city: it is dazzling yet sinister, alluring yet menacing. There's dirt and secrets in the graveyard just beneath the shiny surface. If you know where to look, you can see the duality of glitter in the dark everywhere in the city, from Compton to Hollywood. Thankfully, a whole industry of tourism deals in the gritty side of the city for those who are interested in noir. If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask about the most dangerous cities in California, please leave a comment below. We would love to hear from you!. Read Also: Heatwaves And Adventure: Traveling To The World’s Hottest Destination From Sunrise To Sunset: A Day’s Itinerary For Exploring Benidorm Hidden Gems: Unearthing The Best Things To Do In Nottingham

BY  Sibashree Nov 3, 2025

In my Luang Prabang travel guide, I last wrote about my travel experience and shared a 5-day itinerary. However, I wanted to go more in-depth about the cultural exploration of the Laotian gem and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Also, Luang Prabang, with its commitment toward sustainable tourism, has emerged as a leader of responsible tourism in Southeast Asia. Furthermore, the recent win of the “Green Destinations Silver Certification” has confirmed how Luang Prabang is dedicated to cultural conventions. In fact, Luang Prabang has achieved a harmony between cultural heritage and nature. The mountains, rivers, and temples reflect a lifestyle that is deeply connected to the environment. Thus, Luang Prabang shows how traditional practices and values can thrive alongside modern sustainability practices. Hi, in this Luang Prabang itinerary planner blog, I will talk about how you can explore the cultural gems of Luang Prabang in three to seven days. Why Visit Luang Prabang?  As I was saying, the Green Destinations organization, accredited by the Global Sustainable Tourism Council, has awarded Luang Prabang with the Green Destinations Silver certification for 2025–2027. The certification conferred at the Sustainable Destinations Forum 2025 in Dubai on 28-29 October now inspires this UNESCO World Heritage Site to aim for a gold certification in 2026. So, learning how this city in Laos is evolving the sustainable tourism landscape can be a reason to visit it these days. Furthermore, its location between the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers and the presence of Mount Phousi make Luang Prabang a natural treasure trove. Kuang Si Falls is another major natural attraction here. Historically, it is significant as the capital of the ancient Laotian Kingdom. Also, due to the 19th-20th century colonial influence, the city shows a wonderful fusion of the traditional Lao urban architecture and English colonial architecture. Moreover, the city’s well-preserved temples, monasteries, and colonial villas make it a living museum of Southeast Asian heritage.  In addition, Luang Prabang has beautiful temples such as Wat Xieng Thong, and its Night Market is a vibrant hub for local crafts, textiles, and street food. What Is The Best Time To Visit Luang Prabang?  The best time to visit Luang Prabang depends on the experience you want. For example, if you want to enjoy clear weather conditions and your time outdoors, you can plan a visit between November and February. April and May are the hottest months in Luang Prabang, with the highest temperature hitting around 35 degrees Celsius. January is the coolest month, with an average temperature of 14-28 degrees Celsius. However, attending the local festivals is a major part of a holistic cultural exploration. So, if you want to attend any specific celebration, you can check the table below. Festivals in Luang Prabang Timing Boun Pi Mai Lao, or the Lao New Year Mid-April Boun Suang Huea, or the Boat Racing Festival September Boun Lai Heua Fai, or the Festival of Lights October That Luang Festival at the That Luang Stupa November Haw Khao Padap Din, A Festival Honoring Ancestors September  How To Reach Luang Prabang? I reached Luang Prabang by flying to Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) via Bangkok. However, there are also boat, train, and bus options. Mode Of Transportation DetailsBy Flight• Airport: Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ)• Airport Connected to: Bangkok, Hanoi, Chiang Mai, and Vientiane• Laos Offers Visa on Arrival Facilities for Many Countries.Slow Boat from Thailand • This 2-Day Journey from Huay Xai via Pakbeng along the Mekong River is beautiful.• It is Ideal for Photographers and Slow Travelers.Train • You Can Travel to Luang Prabang via the China-Laos Railway.• This Railway Connects Luang Prabang with Vientiane and Boten.• This Route is Scenic, Fast, and Affordable.Buses • Travel in a Long Distance Bus to Luang Prabang from Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Other Lao Cities. • For More Comfort, Choose Overnight VIP Buses. Where To Stay In Luang Prabang?  I stayed in a hostel, which cost me around $20 per night. However, you will also find mid-range and luxury hotels, as well as eco-lodges suitable for families. 1. Budget Hostels In Luang Prabang  Name Amenities Location Mad Monkey Hostel • Clean • Centrally Located Click HereY Not Laos Hostel • Ideal for Solo Travelers and Digital Nomads Click Here 2. Mid-Range Accommodation In Luang Prabang  Name Amenities Location Villa Chitdara • Stands Out with Its Colonial Charm Near the Local Market Click HereMy Dream Boutique Resort • Lush Gardens• Riverside Views Click Here 3. Luxury Accommodation  Name Amenities Location Satri House • A Former Royal Residence Turned Into A Boutique HotelClick HereAvani+ Luang Prabang • It Offers Modern Luxury with A Colonial Touch Click Here 4. Family-Friendly & Eco-Lodges  Name Amenities Location Zen Namkhan Resort • Eco Conscious• River Views• Family Bungalows Click HereThe Namkhan Ecolodge • Nature Activities• Farm-to-Table Dining Click Here A 3-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary Here is a brief 3-day itinerary for a trip to Luang Prabang.  Days ActivityDay 1 • Visiting Wat Xieng Thong, Wat Mai, and the Royal Palace Museum in the Morning• Strolling through Old Town and Having the Best Coffee at Saffron Café• Sunset Trek to Mount Phousi• Exploring the Night Market for Street Food and Collecting Souvenirs Day 2 • Visiting Kuang Si Falls (30 km away) in the Morning.• Swimming in Turquoise Pools and Visiting the Bear Rescue Center in Late Morning.• Stopping by the Kuang Si Butterfly Park and Having a Picnic Lunch in the Afternoon. • Back to the Town and Having a Lao Massage.Day 3 • Attending a Lao Cooking Class at Tamarind or Bamboo Tree in the Morning.• Taking a Boat Trip to Pak Ou Caves, Filled with Thousands of Buddha Statues.• A Sunset Cruise on the Mekong River with Local Drinks and Snacks. A 4-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary If you are in Luang Prabang for another day, you can plan a day trip to Nong Khiaw. It is a 3-hour drive from Luang Prabang. It has beautiful limestone cliffs and caves, and it is ideal for kayaking. A 7-Day Luang Prabang Itinerary With the activities for your first four days sorted, you can now try the following activities/attractions for the last 3 days. Days Activities Day 5 • Learning Traditional Rice Farming Techniques and Plowing with Water Buffaloes in the Morning.• Cooking Sticky Rice in the Afternoon.Day 6 • Visiting Tad Sae Waterfalls & Ziplining in the Morning.• A Trip to the MandaLao Elephant Conservation in the Afternoon.Day 7 • A Visit to Wat Pa Phon Phao and A Meditation Retreat.• Spending the Night at the Khmu Village. A Family-Friendly Itinerary For Luang Prabang  Here is a 5-day family-friendly travel itinerary for Luang Prabang. I have kept the itinerary relaxed to suit multi-generational travel. Furthermore, even if the itinerary keeps you busy, don’t forget to bring drawing books and journals for your children. Days Activities Day 1 • Arrive and Check in to Your Hotel• Visit the Royal Palace Museum and Take a Walk Along the Old Town• Climb Mount Phousi• Dinner at a Riverside Restaurant Day 2 • Attending the Alms Giving Ceremony or Tak Bat. • Breakfast at a Local Cafe. • Visiting the Elephant Conservation Center• Return to Luang Prabang• Dinner at a Restaurant With a View of the Nam Khan River Day 3 • Attending a Family-Friendly Cooking Class with Children, Helping with the Preparations. • Attending Dyeing and Weaving Workshops at Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre.• Dinner at Utopia Café.Day 4 • A Visit to Kuang Si Waterfall.• Exploring the Butterfly Park.• A Visit to the Free the Bears Rescue Center.• Shopping at the Night Market Day 5 • Visiting the UXO Visitor Center to Learn About Laos’s History and Demining Efforts (Especially Suitable for Children)• Souvenir Shopping• Off to the Airport  What Are The Best Cultural Experiences In Luang Prabang?  The recent That Chomsi Stupa ceremony at Luang Prabang from 5th to 6th October 2025 has once again highlighted the strong cultural tourism aspect of the city. Built during the reign of King Anourouth in 1804, this stupa blends history with spirituality. Today, it also demonstrates the sincerity of Luang Prabang and Taos in preserving heritage. Moreover, the Chomsi Stupa ceremony emerges as an important landmark here to attract travelers who seek authentic experiences, want to understand community development, and the essence of Buddhism. So, visiting this Stupa is a unique cultural experience in Luang Prabang. Another important aspect is the Alms-Giving Ceremony, where monks are offered fresh food for their worldly sustenance. In addition, for holistic wellbeing and energy alignment, you can try a traditional Lao Massage. Also, visit the Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre or attend traditional bamboo weaving and rice farming workshops to understand the livelihood and the true essence of Luang Prabang. What Are The Hidden Gems In Luang Prabang?  Wat Pa Phon Phao temple on a hill southwest of Luang Prabang is a hidden gem in Luang Prabang. It is one of the central places for Vipassana meditation. The single pagoda has an octagonal structure. It has a peaceful ambiance, and it is an ideal place for introspection. Local Cafes And Art Galleries In Luang Prabang  Don’t miss a visit to these places if you want to sink into the community vibe and have an excellent cultural understanding.  1. Saffron Coffee  View this post on Instagram A post shared by Saffron Coffee (@saffroncoffee) Saffron Coffee is one of the best cafes in Luang Prabang, and it is a great contributor to sustainable tourism. It sources the coffee beans ethically from local farmers. The coffee here is grown organically. Furthermore, Saffron Coffee is known for its profit-for-purpose policy. It reinvests its profit to benefit the individual farming family. 2. L’Etranger Books & Tea  View this post on Instagram A post shared by 노바투어(NOVA TOUR Co.,Ltd) (@novatour_official) What should I say? L’Etranger Books & Tea is a cafe, a bookstore, and a community center to read and exchange books. Furthermore, the attic room of L’Etranger Books & Tea hosts a film screening at 7 PM every evening. It was the city's first licensed bookshop.  3. Project Space Gallery  Located at Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden, Project Space Gallery is a non-profit multifunction space. It hosts contemporary art exhibitions and events. Culinary Tourism In Luang Prabang: A Food And Drink Guide View this post on Instagram A post shared by Mike Prince (@mikeprince85) Some must-try dishes in Luang Prabang are Khao Soi or Northern Lao noodle soup with tomato and pork, minced meat salad with herbs and lime, or Laap and Or Lam, or a spicy soup with buffalo meat and eggplant. Furthermore, grilled meats, coconut pancakes, mango sticky rice, and fruit shakes are popular street foods, and you can cherish them at the Night Market. Manda de Laos, Dyen Sabai, and Tamarind are some renowned restaurants in Luang Prabang. Budget For A Luang Prabang Trip  Here is a daily cost estimate for a solo trip to Luang Prabang. Budget Type Daily Cost (USD) Inclusions Budget \$25–\$40 • Hostel • Street Food • Tuk-tuks Mid-Range \$50–\$100 • Boutique • Hotel Restaurants • Tours Luxury \$150+ • 4–5 Star Hotels • Private Guides • Fine Dining  Travel Tips For A Luang Prabang Trip Luang Prabang is safe to travel to. However, you can face connectivity issues. So, you must collect Unitel and Lao Telecom SIMs at the airport. Also, drink bottled water and use mosquito repellent. Moreover, you must adhere to the sustainability norms and follow local customs for a seamless experience.  Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Here are the frequently asked questions and answers about the Luang Prabang Itinerary Planner. 1. How Long Should You Stay In Luang Prabang?  Three to five days are enough for a cultural exploration in Luang Prabang. However, if you want a deeper cultural experience with nearby day trips and attending cooking, farming, or weaving workshops, plan a vacation of 7 days. 2. Is Mount Phousi Worth It?  Yes, Mount Phousi is a wonderful destination for a sunrise or sunset hike. Once you reach the top, you will enjoy wonderful views of the city and the surrounding hills. Moreover, the Wat Chom Si Stupa is located at the top of Mount Phousi. It is an important spiritual, historical, and cultural landmark of Luang Prabang. 3. Is Luang Prabang Better Than Vientiane? Vientiane is the current capital of Laos, and Luang Prabang was the ancient capital of Laos. Today, Vientiane is a more popular destination thanks to better national and international connectivity. However, if you ask me, Vientiane lacks the cultural vibrancy and scenic beauty of Luang Prabang.