Laos is a relative newcomer to the tourist scene in South East Asia but since the communist government opened its door to visitors the country has become one of the most popular and most visited destinations in South East Asia. This has brought wealth and changes. The country's infrastructure and transport links are much improved and access to remote areas for tourists is expanding all the time. The variety of cultural and natural attractions in Laos makes it a fascination travel destination for people from a wide range of countries and interest groups. In the busiest tourist seasons, hotels fill up quickly and most popular locations like Luang Prabang attract thousands of visitors daily.

As the ancient capital of Laos, Luang Prabang offers an unrivalled insight into the past and is also an incredibly romantic and atmospheric place to visit thanks to the proliferation of ancient buildings and its beautiful riverside setting. Designated a World Heritage site, a strong sense of antiquity survives in the city with important temples and saffron robed monks providing one of the most authentic Buddhist destinations in Asia for travellers to visit and explore.

For those who want to move out of the towns and cities to experience rural life. A boat cruise along the Mekong is the perfect choice as it offers a deeper insight into the local way of life while also taking in the untouched natural scenery. Once small villages like Vang Vieng have quickly become major destinations. This sleepy retreat is a haven for budget travellers who gather to socialise and enjoy the natural surroundings. Newer destinations like Phongsali have also opened up to visitors. The northern provinces offer excellent hiking opportunities but the facilities remain basic and simple.

In the south of Laos, the river islands of Don Khon and Don Dhet have also begun to attract more travellers. These quaint, remote islands are graced with French colonial buildings and surrounded by breathtaking scenery. The pace of life is slow and the Mekong passes sleepily by, offering a relaxed retreat from the outside world.

More metropolitan, but still relatively peaceful compared with other capital cities in the region, Vientiane is a fascinating place to explore with several important monuments, temples and sights located within a short distance of each other. The city's colourful colonial history means the architecture is appealing and the range of food and shopping options is growing all the time. Comfortable hotels, quality services and interesting sightseeing opportunities make the city a perfect place to start or finish a trip to Laos.