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Patuxai monument, Vientiane
Photo: Doreen Wood

French connection
Vientiane is a city lost in time and filled with contradictions. Travel there, and you'll swear you've stepped back to the 50s. Old colonial mansions with a distinctive French twist nestle amidst tropical gardens; vintage European cars navigate the bumpy roads and bicycles are in magnificent abundance.

The capital of a former French colony, Vientiane is an exotic and beautiful combination of cultures. French food is exquisite and plentiful, with menus in francais to boot; or you can feast on Vietnamese or traditional Laos fare. Here, you will find the best baguettes in the world alongside the most incredible Tex-Mex cuisine in south-east Asia. A true gem...

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