If you’re considering a long stay holiday within the alluring charms of Laos, then you should prepare a 2-week itinerary that will have you covered every inch of this Southeast Asian nation. Sandwiched between Vietnam in the north, Thailand in the west and Cambodia in the south, Laos is a destination that will thrill you to bits with every step and turn you take.

Considered an outstanding way to launch your travels in Laos, the Northwestern sections of the country deserve as much attention as the remainder for one will be greeted by picturesque backdrops and glorious vistas made up of emerald mountains, lush green paddy fields and an abundance of trekking routes that will escort you to the very heart of its habitats. The region of Sayaboury which is a 4-hour journey Southwest of Luang Prabang will have you immersing your complete self at the Elephant Conservation Centre where you will be taken through the ‘ins and outs’ of one of Laos’ most cherished species. From here, you can hop on a slow boat on the mighty Mekong River and make for Houay Xai which hugs the Thai border. Once settled, you can look forward to ziplining well above the Bokeo forest canopy and be treated to scenes of mischievous gibbons. For the keen trekker, perhaps, beelining for Luang Nam Tha which is the country’s hub for trekking will make better sense. However, en route, you will find more than one reason to make a pitstop at Vieng Phou Ka and specifically, the lantern village of Nam Chang which is famed for its local handicrafts that range from brightly-coloured masks and a whole host of indigo-dyed ware that will make your mantelpiece back home look it's very best.

Arguably, the gateway to Laos is through Luang Prabang which affords mesmeric glimpses into the day-to-day livelihoods of the locals while projecting the traces and values of a rich heritage, be it within its temples, markets or French colonial edifices. A thin stretch of land contains the appeals that have made Luang Prabang a ‘must’ whenever thoughts of visiting this part of Southeast Asia begin trickling through. Call by the tranquil Wat Papai which is bathed in stunning architecture and bounded by patches of greenery that will have you at ease no sooner you set foot on its hallowed ground. Moreover, the well-equipped National Museum houses a wide spectrum of artefacts that brings to light the brilliance of ancient kingdoms and for those wanting a convenient base to retire to after a day’s exploring, consider Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel which is a good boutique hotel. Luang Prabang is also renowned for Lai Heua Fai Fireboat Festival which witnesses communities and families come together in one amazing boat-building extravaganza that showcases dancing, chanting and street parades in October.

Go by boat or bus from Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw where you will soon discover the free-flowing Nam Ou River which is ideal for kayaking at one’s leisure. From here you can visit Muang Ngoi for quiet meanders within rice paddy fields. Given that Nong Khiaw is your starting point for exploring the rural Northeast, one must never forget to schedule a safari to Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park which is reputed for its sightings of rare tiger species and other forms of wildlife that have sought refuge within the reserve for many a year. Farther off is Long Tieng which was once dubbed ‘the most secret place on earth’ owing to its functioning as a base for the CIA during years gone by. Traces of communism, war, turmoil and strife that once engulfed this part of Laos are evident in the event you decide to spend a few hours here.

Before you pack your bags for home, make time to move through Vientiane which is the capital of the country. Explore the city’s historic French-Lao buildings and temples before unearthing the foodie in you as part of an unforgettable street food tour come nightfall where you can ready yourself to munch on an array of fascinating cuisine and spreads that include crunchy, fried insects. Seem appetising enough?