1. What was the most memorable or exciting part of your holiday?

Almost impossible to pick the most memorable or exciting part of this holiday. The magnificent Khon Phaphong Falls, the beautiful unspoilt scenery, the people always with a friendly greeting and smile, the hassle free shopping and market wanders, the monks coming out of the early morning mist in Luang Prabang, the beautiful ex Royal Palace now museum in Vientianne, and again the wonderful people who despite having their country devastated by major powers can still smile and welcome strangers to their country.

2. What tips would you give other travellers booking this holiday?

Just go and as soon as possible, before the rest of the world tourists discover this country. We had an extension to this tour leaving the group in Luang Prabang travelling up the Mekong River to the Thai border. I would recommend this, but first spend some money in Luang Prabang helping Big Brother Mouse provide reading books to the Laos children. Hold a Book Party, a most rewarding experience!

3. Did you feel that your holiday benefited local people, and minimized impacts on the environment?

Yes certainly, the tour company are training local tour leaders and two were on our trip. In addition, local guides were used, transport was through local groups and we were taken to charitable organisations dealing with such mammoth tasks as helping those whose lives have been devasted by unexploded bomb injuries, training restaurants for street children, animal rehabilitation centres for elephants and black bears, and for jungle walks where our fees supported those people trying to preserve these areas. At each location the work of these groups was explained to us and we were made fully aware that extra money we spent on souvenirs at these sites as well as our entrance fees where applicable, supported their work. Our Leader, Marc, also highlighted the need for the trainees to ensure that we never littered any sites and in fact at a couple of sites we did a quick rubbish pick-up leaving the site much cleaner than when we arrived. We were also advised that all the accommodation was owned by local companies.

4. Finally, how would you rate your holiday overall?

We just had a wonderful, safe, well organised, hassle free holiday seeing a magnificent unspoilt country (except for the bombing legacy). The food was great!