Auriole Potter

One of the most colourful and ethnically diverse countries in South East Asia, Laos is wonderfully sleepy and still relatively untouched compared to its better-known neighbours. My visit took me south to the 4000 Islands region which is best explored by long-tail boat, drifting past the stilted houses which line the riverbank and some of the most impressive Khmer ruins outside Cambodia. I then headed north to the ancient royal capital of Luang Prabang, known for its faded colonial charm and saffron-robed monks who wander the streets under the gleaming spires of myriad golden pagodas.