The well preserved historic center, the many temples, and my wish to see the ancient practice of morning alms lured me to Luang Prabang.

I adore the grand squares of Europe, but Place Stanislas exceeded my expectations; I was smitten. This square, the epitome of harmonious urban landscapes, combined with its exquisite architecture and ornamentation, is a masterpiece of the Enlightenment. Built between 1752 to 1756, it is now a UNESCO World Heritage site of outstanding universal value. Place Stanislas, photo taken from our room at the Grand Hotel De La Reine Stanislas Leszczynski, deposed king of Poland, fled