Tourists first began visiting Laos in the early 90s. Since then, it has fast become one of the most popular destinations in South East Asia. Rapid development, combined with improvements in access and infrastructure have inspired ever increasing numbers of visitors to add this once remote country to their top ten travel list. Stunning natural beauty, combined with intriguing Buddhist culture and a colourful colonial past make Laos an appealing and diverse option for a wide range of people with varied tastes and budgets.

Vientiane is one of the world's most laid back capital cities, yet it is still a bustling metropolis when compared with the rest of Laos, which is mainly rural.  Vientiane's riverside location, along with its ornate temples and monuments make the city a popular starting point for many visitors to Laos. Both French and Russian governments once occupied Vientiane, so the architecture is a fascinating blend of influences. Many of the original french buildings have now been converted into hotels and restaurants, giving the streets in some areas a chic, Parisian ambience.

Laos' second city is Luang Prabang, once an ancient regional capital and now the favourite location for many travellers and cultural tourists. Striking, golden temples, saffron-robed monks, and appealing heritage architecture make Luang Prabang one of South east Asia's most attractive and inspiring places to visit in the region. In recent years, tourism has made Luang Prabang a buzzing city, the streets are lined with chic cafes, sophisticated bars and cool boutiques in the old town, but its outskirts remain tranquil and quaint, surrounded by some of the most attractive scenery in this part of the world.

Vang Vieng is an increasingly popular location in Laos, especially for backpackers who head there to chill out, share travel stories and socialise surrounded by spectacular limestone scenery. Further north in Laos, provinces like Phongsali are also now slowly becoming destinations in their own right, particularly for hikers. The facilities and services are still relatively basic, in these more remote locations, which means travel can be quite a challenge. The legendary Plain of Jars in the northeastern part of the country is another remote attraction, which marks the beginning of the country's heartland. This area is yet to be fully explored or developed, and most of its inhabitants still live simply from the land.

To the south of Laos, Don Khon and Don Dhet are two islands in the Mekong that attract increasing numbers of visitors. Each offers a good range of accommodation and dining, although Don Kohn is the more diverse location with a combination of gentle village life, French colonial architecture and pleasing natural attractions such as the Li Phi waterfalls. Visitors to these islands also have the chance to spot the illusive Irrawady dolphins off the southern coast.