Emerging from years of isolation, Laos offers the visitor  a  step into a virgin land where the fast pace of modern life has yet to encroach.  Travel by plane or  speedboat to Luang Phabang, one of the most enchanting monastic towns and the former Royal capital, now a Unesco World Heritage site.  Laze by the Mekong River, take boat trips to the Pak Ou limestone caves and relax in this peaceful town.  From Luang Phabang fly to the mysterious Plain of Jars and onto Vientiane, the country's sleepy capital. 

Luang Phabang                                          
Situated on the banks of the mighty Mekong river, Luang Phabang hosts over 32 historic temples (wats). A walk at sunrise observing the monks collecting alms is a moving experience.  French provincial architecture, good restaurants, friendly people and the mountain setting provide a truly relaxed feel to this small town. Twice weekly flights from Chiang Mai.

Xieng Khouan Province
Hundreds of jars are scattered over this province and remain one of Laos' archaeological mysteries.  Over 2000 years old, their purpose and method of construction has never been explained.
The old capital was flattened during the 'secret war' in Laos as it lay on the strategically important Ho Chi Minh trail.  Today's homes are often constructed with remnants of the war era. Daily flights to/from Luang Phabang and Vientiane.

(Visa obtainable on arrival at an extra cost of $30)
Further reading:  Footprint Laos, Culture Shock Laos