Luang Namtha (Nam Tha), Laos

Luang Namtha may bill itself as an eco-tourism hub, but the reality is more complicated. The province covers a sprawling 9,325 square kilometers, with a modest population of just 175,753 as of 2015. While the lush Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area offers ample opportunities for trekking and wildlife viewing, persistent issues like rubber cultivation encroachment are a constant headache. And with temperatures dipping as low as 5°C in the winter, the climate can be a rude awakening for those used to tropical warmth. This remote, rural region is best suited for adventurous types seeking an authentic Lao experience, but may prove too rustic and bureaucratic for the average expat.