Laos

Laos invites travellers to slow down. In Luang Prabang, the day begins in silence as lines of saffron-robed monks walk barefoot through the old town to collect morning alms. Golden temples such as Wat Xieng Thong stand between French colonial villas and riverside cafes, and from the top of Mount Phousi the sun sets over the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Just outside town, the turquoise pools of Kuang Si waterfall tumble through the forest.

The Mekong is the lifeline of the country. A slow boat journey from the Thai border to Luang Prabang passes limestone cliffs, riverside villages and the sacred Pak Ou caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. Further south, the river spreads into the 4,000 Islands, where life moves to the rhythm of hammocks, fishing nets and rare river dolphins.

Vientiane is one of Asia's most relaxed capitals, with the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, quiet monasteries and sunset walks along the river promenade. North of the capital, Vang Vieng's green karst landscapes offer caves, lagoons and gentle adventure, while in the south Pakse leads to the coffee plantations and waterfalls of the Bolaven Plateau.

What travellers remember most is the peace: a baci blessing ceremony, a bowl of sticky rice shared with a family, the lantern boats of Boun Ok Phansa drifting down the river.