(CNN) — With its tropical islands, rice paddies, tea plantations, rugged mountains and sprawling megacities, Asia is a wonderland of diverse destinations.

Among the mix, travelers can discover charming towns that deliver big on romance, history and beauty.

Often hailed as one of the most spiritual places in Southeast Asia, Luang Prabang makes a dramatic first impression.

Sitting at the bottom of a valley in central Laos, the town is hugged by mountains while the Nam Khan River cuts through the center.

Serving as the seat of the first kingdom in Laos from the 14th to 16th centuries, Luang Prabang was long a strategic location on the Silk Route.

It was later taken by the French in the late 1890s and, over time, the harmonious intermingling of European and Laotian architecture created a distinct townscape.

Still today, Luang Prabang, which was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, continues to be the country's cultural and artistic capital.

In addition to the graceful architecture, Luang Prabang is also home to beautiful natural attractions, such as the three-tiered Kuang Si Waterfalls and Phousi Mountain, where 300-odd steps will lead you to a viewing platform to take in the countryside.

There are also more than 30 beautiful temples -- including the golden Wat Manorom, said to have been built in 1372 and considered the city's oldest temple -- not to mention the Royal Palace Museum, night markets, river boat rides, biking tours and more.

 More info: https://edition.cnn.com/travel/article/asia-beautiful-towns/index.html