The beauty of Laos lies in its absolute disregard for tourist traps. Quietly beautiful and seemingly oblivious to its own charm, it holds on to its traditions and past, stuck in a happy time warp. Start your explorations from the snoozy capital of Vientiane, a former French trading post whose history is apparent in the exquisite French villas that share the streets with glittering statues of the Buddha, prominent national monuments and fragrant frangipani trees.

In Vang Vieng, float down the river Nam Song in a kayak, explore the mystical caves of Tham Jang, cycle into the idyllic paddy fields of the countryside or choose from a laundry list of adventure activities that have taken centre stage now that the town’s notoriously toxic rave party scene has been banned.

In Luang Prabang, satisfy any yearnings for a history lesson in the quaint and historic French quarters, or at any of the 33 wats where you’ll witness robed monks gliding serenely around. Immerse yourself in local culture with a cooking class or a textile dyeing and silk weaving lesson, or move beyond the boundaries of the ‘city’ into an almost magical land of crystal blue waterfalls and green mountains, slipping into the Bokeo jungle to track the elusive gibbon. However you choose to explore unassuming Laos though, it will soon become apparent why travellers love it, and you’ll very likely be in hearty agreement.