16 captivating pictures of hill tribes in Laos

Whether you choose to live like royalty or scrimp on a shoestring in Vietnam, you’re going to have a memorable trip.

Wrapped around the east coast of mainland Southeast Asia like a mythical Naga serpent, Vietnam naturally lends itself to overland travel. Its two biggest cities – Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (HCMC) – are divided by 1100km of rice paddies, tropical jungles, historic townships, wartime relics, national parks and sandy beaches, and most people plot an itinerary that takes in both of these lively hubs.

It’s no longer something to keep hidden.

Zika virus, the mosquito-related disease that’s prompted travel advisories across the Caribbean as well as Central and South America, is now in Southeast Asia, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says.

Laos is an amazing place to visit for a variety of reasons. The country is home to stunning natural landscapes, vibrant cultures, and friendly people. From the jagged limestone mountains in the north to the lush waterways that wind their way through Laos’ countryside, travelers will be amazed by its majestic beauty. Additionally, the Laotian culture is rich with tradition, and visitors will especially enjoy the unique cuisine and vibrant festivals that come with it. For adventure seekers, Laos offers a wide range of activities from kayaking through its caves to trekking up its mountains. With all of these features in mind, it’s no wonder why so many people are drawn to this wonderful country each year. These Laos Airbnbs make everything accessible.

Every journey starts with one small step, to paraphrase Chinese philosopher Lao Tzu. But some journeys contain more steps than others.

Boats have been ferrying people up and down the River Niger since 1964 and, although these days you are likely to see more goats than people on board, there is no better way to get close to Malian life as you slip past villages clinging to the cliff side and sand dunes reaching down to the water’s edge. It takes six days to drift from Koulikoro to Gao, a total of 1300km, but the benefit of taking a boat is the time spent with locals, sharing stories and exchanging views.

Modern Bangkok, historical Hanoi and tourism-boom town Siem Reap — home to the world-famous Angkor Wat temples — are some of Southeast Asia's best drawcards, and see thousands of visitors every year.

Getting around abroad doesn't have to be all about cars, trains, buses and bikes. From cruising Peru's Lake Titicaca on a boat made of reeds to flying down the streets of Madeira in a wicker toboggan or taking an odd horse-drawn carriage in Pakistan, there are so many unusual types of travel to be tried. Here's ten of the best.

With eternal summer, thousands of kilometres of beaches and affordable prices, Southeast Asia is the perfect destination if you're planning a trip around nightlife.

Southeast Asia is the quintessential backpacker destination – all noodle stands, grungy hostels and full moon parties, right? Not necessarily. There are still plenty of authentic Southeast Asian escapes. You just need to know where to find them. Start here.

Mexico’s Yucatán peninsula is riddled with cenotes, natural limestone sinkholes that are perfect for wild swimming. Our pick of the bunch is Cenote X’keken, a huge vaulted cave with an icy but irresistible turquoise pool in its centre. Nearby, at Cenote Samula, the roots of a tree strain through a peephole in the roof of the cavern towards the moodily-lit pool beneath.