Laos

More open to tourism than ever before, Laos is closest to the romantic image of South-East Asia. With strong rural traditions and a deeply spiritual culture, the 'Land of a Million Elephants' holds the edge in peaceful, laid-back travel. This indispensable, expanded guide has insider tips on every corner of the country. • 29 fully updated maps, including a colour country map • authoritative explanations of Lao art and culture • handy language and food sections, with Lao script • all the details on air, road and river travel • the lowdown on border crossings from China, Thailand and Vietnam