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If you are looking for an exciting and unique destination for your next holiday Laos may not have sprung immediately to your mind, but it is worthy of some consideration. If you like glorious scenery, traditional culture, beautiful cities and ancient history, a Laos holiday will certainly tick all the boxes.

The climate is usually dry and hot during the European winter and spring, making this the perfect time to visit. Showers are common from May to November, although temperatures and rainfall will vary according to altitude. Even though there is some rain, don’t discount this time of year – there may be some rain, but the downfalls are usually brief, with plenty of sunshine in between. Whenever you come, Laos will be warm and inviting.

The national capital of Vientiane still displays the legacy of French colonialism, with old mansions lining pretty boulevards filled with many shops and markets. Luang Prabang is Laos’ foremost tourist destination, combining now crumbling French buildings with ancient temples, traditional food and goods markets and relative peace thanks to the ban on buses and trucks (the city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site). Do remember to take a shawl and trousers to cover your shoulders and knees when you visit the Royal Palace Museum and the impressive Wat Xieng Thong Temple, which dates from the mid 16th century.

Adventurous travellers can explore the tranquil wildernesses, with rafting, biking and trekking all available, the latter often including a stay in a local home – what better way to see the real Laos?

Local cuisine still reflects French influences, especially in Vientiane where baguettes sit side by side with sticky rice in street vendor’s stalls. Fish of many varieties is a staple of Laos cookery, sometimes prepared raw with a mixture of spices and vegetables. Dessert is usually fruit based, with a mouth watering array of different fruits available such as mangos, melons, guavas and coconuts, though French patisseries are also popular.

Three-wheel taxis are found in most cities if you need a rest, though many cities are small and easily navigable on foot. You can hire a bicycle and spend a few leisurely hours exploring at your own pace, trying street food and experiencing a real local flavour – or even try mountain biking with a guide.

If you are travelling on a budget or want to keep your options open keep an eye out for late holiday deals, whether you are looking for discounted flights or hotels. Also look out for cheap car hire; in general driving conditions are good, with very few vehicles on the roads, though in remote areas you will be grateful for a four-wheel-drive.

The official currency is the Kip, though the US Dollar is almost universally accepted and the Thai Baht also is accepted in many places; major hotels will take credit cards. You will need to buy a tourist visa when you arrive at the airport, but that is pretty easy and will cover a 15 day stay, with a 15 day extension possible if you fancy a longer break.