Everyone I met who'd been to Lao absolutely loved it. It is very pretty and scenic with a very relaxed atmosphere and lovely friendly people.

Once out of the city, the scenery of lush green paddies, hills and mountains takes you back in time. Van Vieng is a nice place to stop off and relax cycling, caving and floating along on tubes. Luang Prabang is a World Heritage city. There are also treks further north but I didn't have the time to visit where there are traditional villages.

You will enjoy the country.