LOWELL — Lowell is a city renowned for its diversity of cultures. On Sunday, Aug. 14, it will truly live up to its reputation with the celebration of Lao-American Heritage and Freedom Flag Day.

There’s a reason Laos’s Louangphrabang (sometimes spelled Luang Prabang) has drawn a growing stream of visitors in recent years. This once-sleepy hamlet has it all: A rare combination of ...