Ardern learning the language - and lessons - of international diplomacy

Esmond Martin has spent decades risking his life to expose the ivory trade.

As Tim Warrington finds, not all travellers treat their destinations with respect.

Justine Tyerman encounters good humour and some odd food items on a road trip in Laos.

Justine Tyerman puts forward her own theory about the enigmatic Plain of Jars.

Warriors star Shaun Johnson returned to his roots, and took a documentary crew along for the ride.

Label has saved Luang Prabang's buildings but killed its soul, writes Denis D. Gray.

Shaun Johnson: Across the Mekong screens on Sky Sport 2, on Monday February 27, at 8.30pm. For the full story, see this week's Sunday Travel magazine in the Herald on Sunday.

The Warriors star has spoken publicly about his mother's escape from Laos more than 30 years ago.

A Mekong Sun jaunt is as much an educational cruise as one of relaxation, writes Patrick Horton.

In a style that acknowledges the extravagant comforts of early 20th-century travel, Sarah Marshall sips prosecco on a train trip from Bangkok to Vientiane.

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'.

Mauricio and Charlotte witness roadside dentistry in China and partake in a celebratory Laotian feast.

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.