Laos

Laos is Southeast Asia's most pristine environment with intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people. Village life is refreshingly simple. Away from the cities, the rivers that wind dramatically down to the Mekong, the forested mountains of the north, the gothic limestone karsts of central Laos and the 4000 islands of the deep south form one of the most intact ecosystems in Asia. This wilderness is drawing travellers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it's the community-based trekking that is most popular because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the 'real Laos' with a village homestay.