Enchanting Laos

Few countries conjure up such a sense of mystery and intrigue in the traveller's mind as mountainous, landlocked Laos. Regarded as Southeast Asia's sleepy backwater for many years, Laos' communist government ensured that the country remained closed to the outside world. Unconcerned by neighbouring Thailand's dash for modernity, Laos resolutely moved at its own pace. When the door was finally eased open for travellers in the early 90s, it revealed a beautiful country with a fascinating culture an…