Vang Vieng · With kids

The original lagoon, about 7km west of town: shallow green water, shade, food stalls and a tree platform for jumping. Busier and more built-up than Blue Lagoon 3, which is exactly why it works with children.

You do not have to fly to enjoy it. From about 6am the balloons lift off over the karsts, and any spot on the Nam Song bank or a bridge gives you twenty free minutes of it before breakfast.

A working farm a few kilometres north with goats, mulberry bushes and a simple restaurant. A short, easy stop that breaks up a scooter or buggy day and does not involve a cliff.

Get there when it opens around 5pm rather than at the 6.30pm crush: grilled skewers, fruit shakes and space to move. Everything is cash and portions are small enough to let children try several things.

The Laos–China Railway run from Vientiane takes about an hour at up to 160km/h, in air-conditioned carriages with power sockets. For most children it is the best thing they do all week. Tickets go on sale seven days ahead and sell out in peak season.