Laos is the least populated of the Indochinese countries, and perhaps the most beautiful. The landscape is dominated by its mountains, jungles and of course the Mekong River, which runs for 1800km along the western border of the country. A devoutly Buddhist nation, Laos has opened up to provide travellers with an opportunity to experience the diversity, tradition and natural beauty of the country, and gain an insight into how life in Asia may once have been.  From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the fascinating Plain of Jars, Laos is undoubtably the 'untouched gem' of South East Asia.