Still far removed from the trodden tourist path, a visit to Laos is like journeying back in time. Here life moves at a leisurely pace, the people are friendly, the food is delicious and the scenery stunning. From the laidback capital Vientiane, with its historic old quarter and French café culture, to the vintage charm Luang Prabang, where yellow-clothed monks seek alms in the streets that also house some excellent restaurants, Laos is home to charismatic cities that don’t feel overwhelming. It’s also a land of immense natural beauty; a place where jagged cliffs meet jungle and Mekong River landscapes. Here you can trek to local villages and interact with people that have been called some of Asia’s most friendly without the crowds you’ll find in Thailand or Vietnam. And whether you’re interested in adrenaline adventures or a food focused holiday, Laos indulges.