Laos

Laos offers a trip into the unknown, providing magnificent landscapes and an array of outdoor adventures in this eclectic country. Jungle-covered hillsides give way to waving bright green rice fields in a country that is the epitome of ecotourism. Go zip-lining, caving and kayaking and see magnificent waterfalls and exotic animals in their native environment. It provides a sense of privilege that is beyond price. Take a guided trek through the countryside, making overnight stops in spotlessly clean homestays. Dine with the family, learn about their subsistence farming and appreciate their desire to preserve the environment in this fascinating country. In the cities, saffron-robed monks and pointy-roofed temples are a common sight. The French colonial past has left its mark in the delicious cuisine and you can learn some basic techniques with a hands-on cookery course. Unwind with a yoga session which surpasses the need for verbal communication, and don’t miss the chance to haggle on the brightly lit night markets selling textiles and food.