Despite these tribulations, Laos’ capital Vientiane, is more like a big village than a crowded Asian hub and life throughout the country is slow paced. Vientiane is also something of a gastronomic hub, as while the French may have left several decades ago, their legacy remains in the city’s top-notch cuisine. When you’ve had your fair share of laap (the national dish of minced meat mixed with herbs, spices, lime juice and chilli) and Beer Lao, this is the place to come to fill-up on fine wines, duck confit and cassoulet. Cooking classes are also increasingly popular with tourists who’d like to take a new skill home. The concept of fair trade is also growing in Laos and now it is possible to purchase a ‘guilt-free’ silk scarf or similar and return profits to the community.