Once a royal city in ancient Laos, Luang Prabang is home to Buddhist temples nestled in a valley on the Mekong River.
With Laos as chair, the 10 members of ASEAN appear to be becoming more accommodative of reviled military regime.
Laos, which is chairing group this year, stresses need for engagement as thousands killed in three years of violence.
From the continuing crisis in Myanmar to the US’s expanding military ties, these are Al Jazeera’s highlights.