A growing number of tour operators run trips in Laos and it's cheaper to book di­rectly with them rather than through a foreign-based agency. A common two-week tour might take in Vientiane, Luang Prabang, the Xieng Khuang (Plain of Jars), Savannakhet and Champasak; the better operators can customise itineraries. More specialised tours are also becoming popu­lar, with raiting, kayaking, cycling, trekking, motorcycling and even photographic tours all available.

The following are worth investigating:

Asian Trails (www.asiantrails.com)

Asian Motorcycling Adventures (www.asianbiketour.com) some regular and customised off-road trips, in duding the Ho Chi Minn Trail.

Carpe Diem Travel (www.carpe-diem-travel.com) environmentally and socially responsible tours, focussing on pro-poor tourism and feeding some money back through sponsorship projects.

 Exotisslmio (www.exotissimo.com) Large Company with a mix of pure sightseeing and adventure tours.

Gecko Travel (www.geckotravel.com) Mix of small group tours for newbies and those seeking more adven­ture, plus a photographic tour. Not the cheapest but good feedback.

Green Discovery (www.greendiscoverylaos.com) Biggest adventure tourism operator in Laos. Well-organised kayak­ing, trekking, cycling, rock climbing and rafting trips. Easy to book locally and fair value.

Inter-Lao Tourisme (www.interlao.com) Vientiane-based agency that subcontracts to several larger interna­tional tour operators.

Lane Xang Travel (XPIore Asia; www.xplore-asia.com) Popular with backpackers for their cheap adventure tours, especially from Pakse and Si Phan Don.

 Lao Youth Travel (www.laoyouthtravel.com) Multi-day tours between Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, plus trips to minority villages further north.

 Paddle Asia (www.paddleasia.com) Kayaking and rafting on a host of rivers.

Spiceroads (www.spiceroads.com) Specialises in cycling tours.

Tiger Trail (www.tigertrail-laos.com) Established Luang Prabang-based company with big range of tours, including trekking, rafting and kayaking. No tigers, though.