Laos has been known since ancient times as Lan Xang, or Land of the Million Elephants, and offers visitors a glimpse of old Indochina. It is less developed than its neighbours China, Thailand and Vietnam, and traditionally the most reserved, but offers natural beauty and shy hospitality combined with a mix of original Buddhist culture and French influences. It also shares its borders with Burma and Cambodia.

A mountainous, landlocked country, situated at the heart of South East Asia, Laos' lifeline is the Mekong River that flows the length of the country, providing water for agricultural lands and a major means of transportation. Vientiane, the unassuming capital, is situated on its banks, and the city provides a comfortable introduction to the charms of the country. Tourists to Laos will find its most enticing destination is the town of Luang Prabang, the former royal kingdom, with a legacy of splendid golden temples and whitewashed houses. While it might be true that sights and attractions in Laos are few, they are nonetheless extremely special.

A troubled history of French colonisation, internal conflicts and assertive communism chased much of Laos' population away in the 1970s, and isolated the country from the outside world. Today, though, the doors stand open, and services for travellers are gradually being instituted so that visitors can enjoy an unrivalled look at the old-fashioned way of life predominating in a country still largely unscathed by the harsh effects of mass tourism. Tourists willing to brave the lack of infrastructure will discover charming towns and rural villages, smiling, endearing people, splendid scenery, and a slow, relaxed pace of life.

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

Address: Vientiane

Admission: 3,000 Kip Closed on Mondays

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

Address: 15 miles (24km) south of Vientiane Vientiane

Admission: 2,000 Kip

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

Address: Luang Prabang

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

Address: Luang Prabang

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

Address: Luang Prabang

Admission: 10,000 Kip for each site, paid at the entrance to the separate sites. Sites are open from dawn until dusk.

Pak Ou Caves

Address: Luang Prabang

Kuang Si Falls

Address: Luang Prabang

Si Phan Don

Address: Vientiane

Phou Si

Address: Luang Prabang

Admission: 20,000 Kip

Free the Bears Rescue Centre

Address: Opposite the entrance to Kuang Si Waterfall Luang Prabang

Alms Ceremony

Address: Along the main street in Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang

Admission: The ceremony starts before sunrise every morning.

Victory Gate (Patuxai)

Address: Vientiane

Admission: Entrance is free, but 3,000 Kip if you want to climb the monument.

COPE Visitors Centre

Address: Ku Weing Rd Vientiane

Admission: Free Monday to Friday, 9am – 6pm.

Houey Hong Vocational Training Center for Women

Address: Vientiane

Admission: Prices vary, but are about 100,000 Kip for a half-day at the centre; and 200,000 Kip for a full day Open Monday to Saturday, from 8.30am to 4.30pm (Email ahead for a booking)

Ho Phra Kaew

Address: Vientiane

Admission: 5,000 Kip Open daily, from 8am to 4pm

Talat Sao (Morning Market)

Address: Vientiane

Admission: Open daily from 7am to 6pm

Trekking

Luang Prabang Night Market

Address: Opposite the Government Tourist Information Centre Luang Prabang

Food Type: Local

L'Elephant

Address: Ban Vat Nong Luang Prabang

Food Type: Local

The House

Address: Phousi Road 10 Luang Prabang

Food Type: Local

Tamarind

Address: Ban Wat Sene, Old Town Luang Prabang

Food Type: Local

Lao Lao Garden

Address: Phousi Road, Ban Aphay Luang Prabang

Food Type: Barbecue