The best way to describe Laos is to talk about what it’s not. It doesn’t have the same number of tourists as its neighbouring countries, or the same number of sights. There is less to do, and much of the experience of the capital, Vientiane, as well as the country’s most-visited city, Luang Prabang, comes from spending your days wandering and your nights eating by the mighty Mekong River and drinking icy-cold Beer Laos.

Unlike every other tourist destination in Asia, you won’t be hounded by taxi or tuk tuk drivers from the moment you exit the airport and shopping at local markets isn’t accompanied by a bout of frenzied haggling. Beggars are few and far between and Buddhism is inescapable, with a wat (temple) on almost every street corner.

Although getting from place to place can be something of a trial, Laos’ beautiful countryside, well-preserved natural ecosystem and countless waterways means the country is emerging as a prime outdoor adventure destination.

Most people fly in and out of Vientiane and the sleepy capital is a gentle introduction to the temperate temperament of Laos. There are some nice things to see, including Pha That Luang (Great Stupa) – a gold-covered Buddhist stupa on the eastern outskirts of town regarded as the national symbol of Laos.

Xiengkuane Buddha Park is a worthwhile day trip from Vientiane. The very strange statue park is 25 kilometres east of the city and includes a giant reclining Buddha, as well as numerous other figures from Buddhism and Hinduism.

The UNESCO World Heritage listed Luang Prabang is the country’s gorgeous former imperial capital. It’s dotted with 32 wats of all shapes and sizes, inhabited by thousands of saffron-robed monks and framed by charming French colonial architecture.

One of the most popular tourist activities happens daily at dawn, when the townspeople rise with the sun to offer alms to the monks. Lining up in order of seniority the monks (aged from 80 to novices younger than eight) file through the streets, filling their bowls with sticky rice.

Later in the day, walk through the town, admiring the colonial architecture and stopping in at any wats that catch your eye. Constructed in 1560 by King Setthathirat, Vat Xieng Thong is the most historically significant and magnificent wat in Luang Prabang. The home of royal coronations and the centrepiece of many festivals, the site is dominated by the central sim, but there are dozens of other structures within the compound, including stupas, a drum tower, monks’ quarters, a library and a chapel.