Like that one unexpected gem you discover at a yard sale, Laos is a marvelous surprise packet of Southeast Asia! Clad in a cloak of verdant mountains, ancient temples, and the Mekong River's quiet majesty—it's a more laid-back, less to-do-list-driven cousin among the Asian countries. Don’t be fooled by its tranquility though, it adores a good party—just look at its sky-illuminating lantern festivals! Its people are warm, its cuisine, to die for and the coffee, oh the coffee—let's just say I wouldn't blame you if you stayed back!