The route from Luang Prabang to Vientiane passes through an attractive landscape of gently meandering rivers, tall limestone karst formations, craggy caves, waterfalls and villages that are home to Hmong and Yao hill people.

Amid this is the sleepy riverside town of Vang Vieng, once the sole preserve of backpackers but gradually becoming more accessible for other travellers too.

The town has established itself as the country's main outdoor activity destination and is a good base from which to see the surrounding natural attractions, among them the enigmatic Plain of Jars.