Communist Laos is still close to its agricultural roots, writes Yvonne van Dongen.

Pure water, bears and elephants make the waterfalls of Laos well worth the trek, writes Yvonne van Dongen.

Boozy fun in Laos comes laced with danger, writes Belinda Merhab.

Advice on planning a three-week intrepid party trip around Southeast Asia.

Stephen Johnson visits the village of Ban Xang Hai on the Mekong River, famous for its 'rice wisky'.

The author of the hugely-popular 1,000 Places To See Before You Die reveals her absolute favourite travel destinations.

Charlotte and Mauricio continue on to the Laotian city of Luang Prabang before heading to Thailand.

No roads, no phones, no power. But that doesn't get in the way of two Auckland ad men who are bringing schools to Southeast Asia's poorest kids - by motorbike. Kirsten Warner meets them.

Kiwi backpacker tour operator Stray Travel expands into Asia.

Sleepy, spectacular Laos has had its share of grandeur, writes Brett Atkinson.

Driving Mr Naimoon, Paul Rush gets an entertaining lesson in pachyderm psychology.

Guns, temples and French replicas punctuate Laos, says Brett Atkinson.

Laos' bizarre capital is a languid collection of wide French-style avenues furnished with cruising tuk tuks, and plane-tree studded neighbourhoods dotted with Buddhist temples and French colonial architecture.

Despite the roosters and backpackers, Laos can certainly turn on the charm, writes Damian Christie.