Places in the countryside in Asia

Muang Ngoi (or more correct Muang Ngoi Neua) is a little fisher village on the banks of Nam Ou River, which now doubles as a tranquil traveller hub. There is no access by road, only river, so the silence can be overwhelming - until the power generators kick in for a few hours in the evening and the roosters' early start in the morning. The village is spread along a single dirt lane and has a spectacular setting among rows of bubble-shaped mountains that disappear into the mist. There several caves in the area (Tham Kang and Tham Pha Kae) as well as a waterfall (Tad Mok). During the Vietnam War, the area was heavily bombed by the Americans in their failed attempt to destroy the Ho Chi Minh trail. Today, huge bomb fragments are used as morbid garden decorations and fencing. The little village is slowly evolving as an adventure destination with trekking, fishing, cave tours and the mandatory tubing on offer.

Sleepy Nong Khiaw is a small town on the riverbanks of Nam Ou River. It's centred around the road bridge for Rte 1 and is a transport hub for both road and boat travels. But instead of rushing through, stay at one of the riverside bungalows and enjoy the imposing setting among jungle covered limestone mountains. Not much is going on in town, but there is the usual range of Lao actions like trekking to caves, waterfalls and ethnic villages. Locals sometimes refer to Nong Khiaw as Muang Ngoi Mai, not to be confused with Muang Ngoi Neua (or just Muang Ngoi) further upriver.

Kalaw is a small hill town nested among rolling mountains. It sprawls over several hills and is centered around the market. But travellers are not coming to Kalaw for shopping, but to go trekking in the green mountains and, particular, visit minority villages of the Palaung or Pa-O tribes. Trekking options range from easy half day treks over harder ones to multiple days, even all the way to Inle Lake. Though these villages only are accessible by foot some have been modernised, but you still find traditional longhouses, where several families live, and village monasteries. Expect trekking along muddy trails with beautiful views over sloping tea plantation. For the best experience, find a knowledge guide in Kalaw who knows the villages and people there.

The U Bein Bridge spans 1.2 kilometers across the Taungthaman Lake. It is the longest teak bridge in the world. Mayor U Bein used teak columns that were being left behind in an old palace during a move. Locals use the bridge as a vein for commuting, and it is usually bustling with activity. Spend an afternoon sitting on the bridge, watching people fish and tend to ducks below in the lake. Many buddhists walk the bridge around sunset which makes the setting picture perfect. Watching a sunset from the teak bridge is the best way to experience the true beauty of Mandalay!

This cool little hill town on the southern edge of Sri Lanka's hill country has some of the most magnificent views. On a cloud-and-mist-free day, the coastal plain will open up 1000 m below with the Indian Ocean in the distance. Besides cloud forest, waterfalls, and small peaks with splendid panoramas, the hills are covered in neatly picked tea plantations looking like a thick green carpet. Here you have a great opportunity to get close to the "oh so" famous Ceylon tea and the pickers, who are usually very friendly.

The Bartang Valley is so narrow at points that it might better be called The Bartang Canyon. A river crashes through the valley floor and the mountains rise straight up out of its banks. The few stretches of flat land between river banks and mountains usually host small villages and are vibrant green with cultivation, contrasting to the barren browns and reds of the rock walls around them. A narrow dirt track runs through the valley but is sometimes washed out by flooding, leaving villages only accessible on foot. As with much of rural Tajikistan, no public transport comes here so your options are hitch hiking, private vehicle hire, walking or, if you speak some Russian and are willing to wait a couple of days in the town of Khorog, finding a space in a shared taxi. The people of Bartang are spectacularly hospitable and you may well be invited into their homes. Houses are still built in traditional Pamiri style. A village elder is consulted about which pillars and beams must go where and the completion of various parts of the house requires animal slaughter and feasting.

Bulunkul village is a great little side trip from the Pamir Highway, no matter which route you're taking (M41 or south route). The village looks like the film set for an apocalypse movie. A handful of whitewashed mud houses with piles of junk and old cars here and there. The dust and harsh weather (blistering hot in summer and painfully cold in winter) just add to the "end of the world" feel. For those who don't find these kind places fascinating, there are a couple of pretty lakes nearby, including the jade green YashilKul.

The Mekong Delta is a huge maze of wide rivers, narrow canals, rice paddy fields and fruit plantations. The small family farmers take their boats to the nearest floating market to sell their harvest. Here, retailers come by in bigger boats to snap up whatever is in season. In the rainy season, the floating markets are stuffed with fruits of any colour, while the dry season offers more vegetables. The sellers advertise their goods by tying a sample to the top of a high pole. In the early morning the river, is buzzing with activity and the crowd of boats can be so dense that you can almost walk across the river. Not all boats are loaded with fruits and vegetables, some are just floating noodle shops or cafes, while others are packed with... well, tourists.

Other floating markets in the Mekong Delta are Cai Be, Phung Hiep, Phong Dien and Tra On.