Laos is far more than a sum of its cities. In fact the stunning unspoilt surroundings offer visitors a range of possibilities when comes to striking out into nature. Dramatic waterfalls, rivers and mountains grace the countryside and can be easily reached from most of the country's main destinations.

A fabulous way to enjoy the beauty of Laos is travelling by boat along the Mekong River. This relaxed but fascinating option takes you past local hill tribe villages, into remote mountain areas and close to some of the country's most majestic scenery. Life along the Mekong is vibrant and colourful. A wide range of ethnic communities populate the river banks and visitors can either drift past or stop off too visit them and meet the friendly local inhabitants. Even beyond the main cultural centres, Buddhist temples and shrines are a common sight and there are also some interesting ruins to visit along some of the popular cruising routes.

For adventure tourists, river rafting is also a popular addition to any travel itinerary in Laos. This is an exciting way to experience the power of the river and at the same time explore the banks for wildlife and take in the stunning surroundings close up. Travel agents and tour operators in the county's best hotels can arrange rafting trips that also often include visits to interesting sites and local villages. Various types of raft are now available for hire, including canoes for more thorough exploration of the riverside. Between adventures, stopping to eat in a traditional rural setting is another fabulous way to get a feel for the local way of life.

For people with energy and wanderlust, hiring a bicycle offers another unique experience in Laos. Once the country's main form of transport, bikes are readily available either for private use or on an organised excursion. The small, quiet streets of the Old Town in Luang prabang are perfect for a gentle ride and you can visit the major sites along the way. Guided bicycle tours remove the fear of losing your way and also mean you can see several points of interest in a single or half day tour.

For experienced cyclers, longer bicycle treks to natural attractions such as waterfalls and temple ruins are also an option. Kuang Si waterfall is a 30 km ride from Luang prabang along country lanes, climbing into the hills. It's a challenging trek but well worth the effort as the waterfalls are dramatic all year round and visitors can hike to the top an enjoy the full effect of the cascading water. Local people set up stalls selling drinks and snacks, and at weekends the falls attract people from the city, making it a pleasant spot for a picnic, plus a chance to mix with Laotians at their most relaxed.

If you don't ride a bike, how about an elephant? Treks on these gentle creatures can be arranged from Luang Prabang and take visitors through dense forests to little visited villages in the hills. The sense of past is even stronger as you sway with these majestic beasts and enjoy the secluded scene around you. The elephants are generally well fed and taken care of. Children can also learn to look after the elephants, making a new friend for life.

Of course, with so many unexplored mountains, Laos is also a hikers paradise. Trekking from locations like Muang Khai along a steep mountain pass to Ban Haew allows visitors to experience the breathtaking scenery and also reach remote hill tribe villages populated by the Hmong and Khmou peoples. Professional trekking guides can be hired to lead the way and ensure safety, which is advisable in many areas as the routes are not clearly marked and it's easy to stray form the tracks and get lost. Climbers can also scale the mountain peaks in some regions of Laos but must apply for the necessary permits in advance and be sure to notify the relevant authorities and climbing organisations.