You may have heard that the people of Laos are a little chilled and 'laid back'...frankly, if they were any more relaxed they'd fall over!

Laos is a wonderful country and one that is worth as few weeks of any serious travellers time. No-one leaves Laos disappointed, finding it an ideal destination to escape from the grind and stresses of day-to-day life. Its welcome charm invites you to immediately immerse yourself into the culture and natural beauty of a land that is home to the ever smiling Laotian people.

Travelling on a private adventure itinerary is a great way to see the country. The roads are bad…really bad, the distances are long and the public transport is lacking in comfort, convenience and punctuality. Travelling with your own driver and better quality of vehicle ensures you pack a lot into visit, but of course will cost extra.

Head north to Luang Namtha or Muang Sing where the trekking is outstanding, probably the best in Asia. The Laos government has insisted on a very eco friendly approach to tourism at a stage where it will really make a difference. You can visit, and stay with, a variety of hill tribe people, which is quite an experience.

You’ll trek virgin trails, learn the ways of the rainforest and the tribes that live within it. On many tips you’ll get to spend time with the Laos elephants (it’s not known as the ‘land of a million elephants’ for nothing you know!) and learn about the work being done to preserve them. Then there is the wonderful Luang Prabang, with its legacy of ancient red-roofed temples, French colonial architecture and refined cuisine. It is unquestionably one of Southeast Asia's most enchanting cities and is an essential stop on any visit. From here you can reach the likes of the Pak Ou caves and the Kuang Si Falls.

In the south you should make a beeline for Si Phan Don, the Four Thousand Islands, a landlocked archipelago and home to some of Laos' most traditional villages as well as rare freshwater dolphins and the thundering waterfalls.

Nick Pulley
http://www.selectiveasia.com