Laos is still slightly under the radar for many travellers compared with its Indochina neighbours, but it’s a real hidden gem. Ancient Buddhist temples sit alongside elegant colonial buildings, set against a backdrop of breath-taking natural beauty. Kayak up the Mekong River and trek to spectacular waterfalls one day, then while away the hours sipping the superb local coffee and watching the world go by the next. Laotians are the most relaxed people you’ll ever meet, so anything goes!