I like Laos. It's different. I can't help but think I wish I could of backpacked South East Asia 10 years ago when more of the region would have been untouched, like Laos is.

The only problem I've found with the country however, there isn't that much to do.

I write this as I'm sat in a half decent, hotel like accommodation, watching films on tv. Not because I particularly feel like doing this, but even in the capital (Vientiane), there isn't that much to see. We've walked around, visited the market amongst other things, but it's the country's beauty I will remember more than anything - including the stunning waterfall of Luang Prabang.

The [capital] city has beggars (some children - these appear more like greedy children however) that will come and pester you whilst you're enjoying a meal and the staff do nothing but turn a blind eye, yet on the other end of the scale, unlike England, there is no litter and the streets are spotless.

Beautiful? Yes. Did I enjoy? Yes. Would I go back? No.

I'm hoping Vietnam will be the 'same same, but different'...