Located in Southeast Asia, Laos is a landlocked country bordering Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar (Burma) and China. In recent times, Laos has become a popular tourist destination and it is easy to see why, with friendly locals, a warm climate and a beautiful landscape, as well as its comparative cheapness.

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is relatively small compared to other Southeast Asian capitals, with only 500,000 citizens. It is a quiet city too, offering little to do other than visit the city’s temples and markets. Nightlife in Vientiane is the most vibrant in the country; however, if you are coming in from Bangkok, then you will likely be disappointed.

Luang Prabang in the north receives the largest number of tourist visitors per year. It offers tourists both a historical insight into the Laos country as well as some of the most beautiful scenery in the region. The Kuang Si Falls and the Pak Ou Caves are amongst the highlights for those who like to immerse themselves in beautiful natural surroundings. For the history lovers, the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and the Wat Xieng Thong temple are must sees.

Vang Vieng is the other main town in Laos worth a mention; in recent years it has become a real haven for backpackers. Made famous for its ‘tubing’ down the river, it also has some wonderful scenery and it is easy to see why it has become a popular hang-out.

Luang Prabang and Vientiane offer the most variety in terms of places to stay, catering to everyone from backpackers to high-end tourists. Luang Prabang, now a World Heritage site, is home to the most expensive hotels and restaurants in the country, with some hotels charging several hundred dollars per night. Hotels in Vang Vieng are all backpacker digs, with the most expensive accommodation still in the budget price bracket.

Wattay International Airport and Luang Prabang International Airport serve a number of Southeast Asian countries, so if you want to arrive from further afield then you will need to change planes at one of the regional hubs. You can also take the boat along the Mekhong River from China, Thailand, Burma or Vietnam. You can also access Laos by road from Thailand, crossing over from Nong Khai. Once in Laos, buses connect all the major cities and are the easiest mode of transport.