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The second and third northermost provinces in Laos, Luang Namtha Province and Oudomxai Province span a mountainous, sparsely populated rural region close to the borders with China and Myanmar (Burma). Hmong and Kmu villages line the few roads that run through the area.

Deep in the rugged terrain of northern Luang Prabang Province, Nong Khiaw (also known as Hat Sao, Nongkiau, Nong Kiau, or Nong Kiew) is a small town straddling the Nam Ou (River Ou). It's reachable by road or riverboat.

The Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang was the royal residence until 1975. Its highlights include the lavish Haw Phra Bang, a wat designed to house the sacred Buddha statue known as Phra Bang and after whom the city is named.