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Laos

Pork larb at Porkfat.

This harmonious dish is one of Asia’s greatest gifts to the world

The phrase “meat salad” isn’t all that appetising. And yet, laab is a spectacular cornucopia of flavours, all in perfect harmony.

  • Ben Groundwater
Watching the river go by.

The floating boutique hotel offering a luxe new way to see Laos

“If the cruise is as luxurious as the Mekong is long, I’ll come,” says the author’s mother.

  • Penny Watson
Jeow bong... the spice paste from Laos that became a dish in its own right.

This spicy Asian paste turns rice into snack perfection

Some sauces and condiments are so good they become dishes in their own right. And now we have another to add to the list.

  • Ben Groundwater
Three days is plenty of time to take in Angkor Wat and the surrounding temples of Siem Reap.

Tripologist: Is five days enough to see both Siem Reap and Luang Prabang?

“I have five days after landing in Siem Reap and wondering if there is enough to do or should I fly to Luang Prabang for a few days?”

  • Michael Gebicki
Acrtic Circle Express Train crosses Lylling Bridge

Five of the world’s best new (or revamped) train journeys

A new version of the Orient Express, an extended Australian epic and high-speed trip through South-East Asia are some of the highlights.

  • Tim Richards
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The best view over Luang Prabang.

An expert expat’s tips for Luang Prabang, Laos

Heading to a party in Laos? There is one dish that will definitely be on the table.

  • Belinda Jackson
Cruising the Mekong on the Heritage Line Anouvong ... “an element of the untamed”.

New retro-style ship features largest cabins on the Upper Mekong

Float down the Mekong and back in time on the newly-built Heritage Line Anouvong with a stylish nod to yesteryear.

  • Julietta Jameson
The Night Market, where vendors sell textiles, ceramics, jewellery and artworks.

Nine must-do highlights of Luang Prabang, Laos

Among many achievements, a new train travelling at up to 160 km/h cuts the connection between Vientiane and Luang Prabang from six hours to two.

  • Mark Daffey
A fence made from US cluster bomb casings.

Inside the town the CIA dubbed ‘the most secret place on Earth’

From this tiny place in Laos, the US conducted its Secret War against the Viet Cong in an effort to ‘stem the tide of communism’.

  • Kurt Johnson
The huge cavern that served as a theatre.

The secret underground city the US tried to bomb out of existence

In Laos’ Viengxay, there are underground administrative buildings, houses, banks, schools and an immense theatre.

  • Kurt Johnson