The Land of a Million Elephants is one of the Asia's most enchanting destinations. Stunning natural beauty, a fascinating culture and a wealth of activities make Laos a superb destination for backpackers and independent travellers.

Communist Laos opened its doors to tourism in the early 1990s, with the last decade witnessing an explosion in development as Lao and many Thai businesses have mushroomed to cater to the increasing crowds. Laos is changing fast, but not too fast that you've missed the boat.

Laos is attracting more and more travellers who consider northern Thailand to be over-developed or "touristed out" and who are looking for something less well-travelled. Ironically the vast majority of travellers in Laos stick to a very well-trodden path, but for those who are willing to put up with fewer tourist luxuries, Laos offers outstanding potential.