When the first wave of backpackers discovered Laos just a little over ten years ago, they found a land rich in culture and blessed with verdant hills and mighty rivers. With adventure in their hearts, beer on their minds and little in their pockets, the Southeast Asian nation proved to be a hedonistic mecca. Vang Vieng was arguably the first destination to cater to the masses, and to this day, still welcomes visitors by the droves. Amongst rock climbing and other adrenaline pumping activities is a more leisurely tubing - sitting in an innertube and enjoy the passing mountainscape while gently float downstream, making occasional stops for food and beverage. One of the newer, not to mention perhaps the most stunning way to see the surrounding region is by hot air balloon, offering unforgettable views of the surrounding countryside. With the increasing number of tourists, more destination gems were discovered, and in recent times, Laos has developed into a sought after hotspot for the global well heeled traveler.

One of the most popular activities in Laos is seeing the country as the first explorers did - cruising down the Mekong River, the lifeline of the country that also constitutes the majority of the border with neighboring Thailand and Burma on the west coast. As the river - the tenth longest in the world - runs through the entire length of the elongated-shaped country, it can be enjoyed regardless of whether guests are in the northern city of Huay Xai, or the capital of Vientiane in central Laos. Professional operators such as Mekong Cruises organise smooth overnight stays onboard their converted ferry boats in one of twelve cabins, all of which feature air conditioning, hot shower, and other modern amenities. All river cruises stop by interesting attractions along the way. For example, the Vat Phou Mekong Cruises has scheduled visits to the Vat Phou ruins - a UNESCO World Heritage site - forest temple ruins at Huei Thamo, the grand Pha Pheng waterfall, and along waterways in the Four Thousand Islands area.

Of all the unique offerings that Laos has to offer, Luang Prabang has it all. The former capital is home to over thirty Buddhist places of worship, ranging from rustic crumbling structures that have been standing for over six centuries, to recently restored gleaming temples. Every morning, monks and novices wrapped in saffron robes take to the streets to collect alms, which visitors can also take part in. With any religious activities and destinations, however, it is highly recommended for visitors to observe the local culture and dress appropriately. The Mekong also runs through the town, making for picturesque riverbanks littered with local bars and restaurants, stunning settings for sundowners. On the cultural front, Luang Prabang is an intriguing mélange of French colonial and local Lao influences.

One of the most easily observable forms of culture is an area's architectural expression, which indicates the historical path of a nation. Many of the estates and villas that were once former residences of socialites and government officials in Luang Prabang have been transformed into five star hotels and luxury resorts. The external appearance of buildings have been restored to their former glory in decades past, but the amenities and facilities have been tricked out to meet the demands of today's sophisticated travelers. Cable television and high speed internet access allow guests to keep a finger on the pulse of the world while on holiday, and infinity swimming pools and pampering spa treatments offer visitors relaxation time between sightseeing.

Luang Prabang may be known by its UNESCO world heritage inscription more than anything, but visitors to the town quickly fall under its magical spell. It takes tricky maneuvering to keep the charms of yesteryear on the facade while seamlessly integrating the modernities required by today's travelers, but the quaint town manages to strike the balance between the ancient and the new. With natural, culinary, historical, and cultural offerings on bait, Luang Prabang, and Laos as a whole, will no doubt be delighting guests for centuries to come.

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