Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand - Laos (Chapter)

This is the Laos chapter from Lonely Planet's Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand guidebook.

Welcome to Laos, home to as many as 132 ethnic groups and a history steeped in war, imperialism and mysticism. Paddy fields glimmering in the post-monsoon light, temples winking through morning mist as monks file past French colonial villas... Laos deserves all the hyperbole thrown at it, and more.

• explore the fabled city of Luang Prabang to find French cuisine, Buddhist temples, colonial villas, stunning river views and some of the best boutique accommodation in Southeast Asia
• maps
• take a boat ride through the exhilarating yet spooky 7.5km Kong Lo Cave, home to fist-sized spiders and stalactite woods
• transport
• restaurants & accommodation
• zip through the treetops, sleeping among the wild things in a cosy jungle tree-house, on the Gibbon Experience, Laos' premier eco adventure

Coverage includes: Vientiane & around, Phu Khao Khuay National Protected Area, Vang Vieng, Northern Laos, Luang Prabang & around, Luang Prabang Province, Xieng Khuang Province, Huah Phan Province, Oudomxay Province, Luang Nam Tha Province, Bokeo Province, Southern Laos, Bolikhamsai & Khammuan Provinces, Savannakhet Province, Champasak Province, Understand Laos, Laos Today, History, Culture, Environment, Survival Guide, Directory A-Z, Getting There & Away, Getting Around and Getting Around.