The choices are now extensive for people looking to explore the Mekong River region. Some tours include trips to several countries, but focussing on one particular section of the river is also an excellent way to enjoy the local culture and the natural surroundings. A boat trip is obviously a natural choice for those in search of the best experiences along the Mekong. In Laos a cruise through the remote countryside offers a range of unique adventures. You can relax and enjoy the slow pace of life on a river cruise, following the gentle flow of the water and absorbing the breathtaking mountain scenery. The lush, forested hinterland is the perfect antidote to chaotic city living.

In Laos, booking an organised river tour is one of the simplest and most enjoyable ways to visit the Mekong region. A guided tour lets you to combine natural and cultural attractions with excitement and relaxation. Experienced agencies and tour operators like Mekong Cruises offer varied itineraries with professional staff and guides on hand throughout the trip to offer information and provide help and recommendations.

A large number of attractions and activities can be enjoyed in Laos, even on a relatively short cruise. Unique destinations such as Luang Prabang, a World Heritage city, provide a diverse range of sights and experiences, combining a colourful history with striking architecture and fascinating cultural influences. Ancient temples, colonial buildings and bustling local markets make this one of Asia's most appealing and interesting cities. This makes Luang Prabang a major stop on any tour of the region.

Other attractions can also be visited easily from Luang Prabang. The famous Pak Ou Buddha caves contain an incredible collection of statues that is considered to be one of the most important spiritual sites on the Mekong River. Another stunning place to visit is Kuang Si Waterfall, an amazing natural attraction with torrents of water cascading over a 650ft cliff that is fed by shallow pools right at the top of a steep mountainside.

Further south, new areas of interest in Laos are constantly being added to the itinerary of a Mekong Cruise. Populated islands like Don Khon and Don Dhet now draw ever increasing numbers of travellers for their appealing accommodation and dining choices. Don Kohn is the larger and more developed of the two and offers a gentle combination of traditional village life, striking French colonial architecture and appealing natural attractions like the Li Phi waterfalls. Visitors also have the opportunity to see the famous Irrawady dolphins that inhabit the islands' southern coast.