This serene landlocked country offers a very different experience of Southeast Asia from its neighbours. Far less touristy and developed than Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, it\u2019s a place for really rewarding slow travel. Its landscapes span soaring limestone mountains, lush jungle, intricate cave systems and endless waterfalls, cut through by the meandering Mekong Delta. But it\u2019s the culture most come for: orange-robed monks, exquisite food, rural villages, and a gentle Buddhist calm. Languid capital Vientiane is a perfect introduction; hire a bike and cycle to the gilded stupa, Pha That Luang and Buddha Park on its outskirts. UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang is incomparable, with its French-colonial style and vibrant markets. Elsewhere you can zipline through a tropical jungle, ride a moto up to the remote border with China, trek to hidden waterfalls and visit indigenous hill tribes for a truly authentic experience. With a real focus on eco and community-based tourism, travelling here feels like discovery rather than a well-trodden path.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":3875,"template":"","format":"standard","country_category":[193],"when-filter":[],"type-filter":[],"who-filter":[],"appeal-filter":[],"class_list":["post-4169","destination","type-destination","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","country_category-asia-en-us"],"yoast_head":"\n