After a long period of military conflicts and isolation from the outside world, the Southeast Asia’s most pristine society with intact cultures and probably the most chilled - out people on earth - Laos is on the fast track of achieving cult status among travelers.

Laotian society is moving fast forward but there still exist traditions that have disappeared behind the frenzy of bulldozers, concrete and reality TV elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane; it’s unbelievable that this sort of languid riverfront lifestyle is going on in the middle of a national metropolis. Then, of course the historical royal city of Luang Prabang, where there is an endless line of affront-robed monks moving silently like they are drifting among centuries-old monasteries which is a unique scene that you’ll hardly experience anywhere in Asia.

Far away from the cities, the tributary rivers of the Mekong, mountains covered by natural forests in far north, gothic limestone karsts the Center and unique 4000 riverain islands in the Deep South make up one of the most untouched ecosystems in Asia. There is no wonder that this wildness is attracting travelers who have love of nature, spirit of adventure or both. Biking, rafting, kayaking, rock climbing are all being offered; however none of them other than community-based trekking bespoke to be the most popular because it mixes spectacular natural attractions with the opportunities to explore the ‘real Laos’ with a village home stay - while spending the money where it is most needed .

It’s no doubt that  there is a growing tourist trait in Laos, but that just means there are plenty of roads off Rte 13 where you can make your own trail. After all, half the fun of traveling here is in the travel itself - the people you meet, chickens you share seats with, wrong turns you take and Laos - Laotian drink with the smiling families at the end of the road rarely traveled.