Far from mass tourism, Laos is one of the last countries in Asia to have kept its authenticity intact.
This country of water, fed by the Mekong and its hundreds of rivers, offers sumptuous landscapes and monuments unique in the world.
In Laos, nature is omnipresent, setting a mood shaped by the reflections of water on the land.
Of course, you won't miss the Buddhist heritage of the former royal capital, Luang Prabang. An essential destination that reveals its full intimacy when discovered in the low season. Further north, in the regions of Muang La and Pakbeng, you'll meet the Ikhos, Akhas and Hmongs — moving encounters with these traditional ethnic groups.
In the south, don't miss the small town of Vang Vieng and its magnificent karst landscapes. The Tham Sang Triangle and its caves house Buddha statues and impressive stalactites. There's even an underground lake, as in the Tham Phu Kham cave — turquoise water where you can cool off.
The plains gradually widen and the horizon opens onto Vientiane, with its wooden houses and colonial villas.
And, as a counterpart in the north, the Champasak region, at the far south, offers a way to end your trip to Laos off the beaten track.
From Pakse, you'll reach the Bokeo reserve, where you may spot a few protected species, such as black gibbons. Finally, although often too visited, the Tham Kong Lo cave is not to be missed. Its 7-kilometre gallery, travelled by boat, will be a highlight of your trip to Laos.