The land-locked south-east Asian country of Laos is bordered by Burma and China to the north, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west, and its culture reflects these influences. From the 14^th to the 18^th centuries it was known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang, which means ‘Land of a Million Elephants’, which exactly portrays its remote, natural individuality.

The infrastructure in Laos is primitive with no railway, most villages being linked by unpaved roads. Roosters strut, children play and cell phones have yet to be introduced to the rural population, but this is what makes Laos such a unique laid-back place to visit. To visit Laos is to step back in time and appreciate a life without the stresses of the 21^st century. Although the capital, Vientiane, is more developed, it has so far avoided major modern developments and traditional and Colonial architecture are still prevalent.

Despite its primitive development, or maybe because of it, Laos has two World Heritage Sites: Luang Prabang and Wat Phou. The Plain of Jars is also worth a visit as it is a landscape strewn with hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 6 tonnes. It is a site which raises more questions than answers. Those who venture beyond the main tourist trail will find stunning landscapes, friendly people and glimpses of a rural village lifestyle which most of the world can barely remember. A taste of the ancient Imperial court can be experienced at the temple-filled Luang Prabang in the mountainous north. This was the  former royal capital and center of Laotian Buddhism Now more than 600 saffron-robed monks live in the thirty magnificent pagodas here. The piéce de Resistance is the 16^th century Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden City Temple.

Older even than Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the extensive Wat Phou. Built between the 6^th and 14^th centuries, few buildings are left intact but they contain some of the best Khmer art in southeast Asia. Climb the massive steps to the 9^th century temple dedicated to the Hindu god Shiva and view the magnificent landscape below, as far as Vietnam and Cambodia on a clear day. Below is the mighty Mekong River, another wonder of Laos to be explored, perhaps cruising aboard a refurbished barge which visits many of Laos’s most important heritage sites.

Whether you want to join an organized tour with a guide or set off independently, Laos is a wonderful as-yet unspoilt country. It offers some unique experiences – for those brave enough to step out into the unknown.

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Langkawi is beautiful, but it is not just the natural beauty which draws visitors. The white beaches fringed with palm trees, the calm blue waters, the year-round warm temperatures and the glorious sunsets make this an idyllic destination for a relaxing beach holiday. But there’s more! Inland there are high mountains, gushing waterfalls and jungle greenery. There are plenty of excellent roads providing a scenic tour as you drive around the island, a total of 70km. Along the way you will see plenty of wildlife, including black and white colobus monkeys and if you are lucky, a colorful hornbill. Stop at one of the five-star resorts and take a cool breezer or afternoon tea on the terrace, overlooking another view from paradise. The only significant town on the island is Kuah. It has an air-conditioned mall, a few chain restaurants and plenty of local shops which offer bargains in fabric, household goods, luggage, designer clothing and shoes. The Yacht Club at Kuah marina is the place to enjoy a meal with excellent service and stunning views. The food in Langkawi is good everywhere. Try satay from the street vendors, cashew nut chicken at the local Chinese eatery or enjoy a very reasonably priced meal at an upmarket hotel restaurant, the choice is yours.

One of the local attractions is the ‘Seven Wells’. It is quite a climb in the heat, but the river runs through a series of shallow pools with a natural rock slide between each – a great ride, until the river plunges over a vertical drop! Other waterfalls make cool places for a picnic and a paddle, and often you have the place to yourself. The International Book Village is an interesting place to visit, even if you are not a book-worm. Set in extensive landscaped gardens along the side of a stream, it is beautiful place for a stroll.

Boat rides offer the very best trips. You can visit the street markets and beaches of Penang on a day trip, or explore the mangroves with a local guide who will put pieces of chicken in the water to attract the magnificent eagles (langs) and brahminy kites which swept down to pluck these tasty treats from the water. Other trips include a three-island tour, culminating in a swim in the freshwater lake on the Island of the Pregnant Maiden, so named for the shape of the mountains! Most peaceful of all is a sunset cruise on a private schooner; a perfect end to a perfect day.

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