Vientiane, Laos

It’s difficult of think of Vientiane as a capital city. With its relaxing atmosphere, the Laotian capital is one of the most low-profile stops in the Southeast Asian backpacker circuit. Now, China and Vietnam are in an economic dogfight for the contracts that will bring Vientiane into the 21st century. The city is set for a massive construction boom that will bring thousand of workers to its doors.