Laos stories

Isolated no longer, this precious land has long been stuck in time. But now the pace of change has speeded all the way up to a crawl in this breathtakingly beautiful backwater. Take a visit to one of the world's most charming countries, Laid-back Laos

Luang Prabang - Already, a small trickle of tourists are finding their way into Laos, where every day brings new discoveries. The highlight to any tour is a visit to one of the world's most charming old capitals, Luang Prabang, right along the Mekong River. Drop into the World Wonder of the Jungle

Laos is one of the world's poorest countries, long dependent on outside aid. One plucky foreign advisor has eschewed the humiliation of handouts, taking an independent path to a partnership based on trust, talent and tradition. In the process, Carol Cassidy has revitalized the Lao silk industry and put pride back in textile production in Smooth as Silk.

Other hope in Laos comes from former residents, who are returning with new ideas and investment, including one who is rolling the reels like the war-time boom years of yore.

* all pictures, unless otherwise credited, by Ron Gluckman