Long regarded as one of the world’s mystical and enchanting gems, stunning Laos is emerging as a travel hotspot for 2019.

As travellers, increasingly, search for genuine cultural experiences ahead of the hectic tourist trail, Laos with its stilt houses, elephants, paddy fields, plateaus, rivers and forests, carries great appeal.

And, for Australians at least, this attractive country has just become even cheaper to visit with a new air link opened by Singapore Airlines low-cost arm, Scoot.

The new route will take Aussies to the Loatian cities of Luang Prabangb and Vientiane from just $AUD189 one-way.

A land of mountains, temples, plateaus and rivers, Laos is generally revered for its authenticity.   The country has retained many of the traditions that have disappeared amid development elsewhere in Asia.

What it lacks in designer shopping, Laos more than makes up with a timeless quality; enchanting wildlife, forests and waterfalls.

“We are thrilled to welcome Laos to our network,” Scoot CEO, Lee Lik Hsin, said.

 “Scoot is confident that the addition of Vientiane and Luang Prabang will boost its proposition as a network carrier, offering refreshing travel opportunities for those seeking authentic experiences off the beaten track.

“Travellers can also look forward to more extraordinary travel experiences with us as we plan to add even more new destinations to our network this year.”

The Laos sale will run until Tuesday, January 22 at 1.59am (AEST) and is valid for travel before October 26, 2019.

Scoot’s Laos offer includes one-way fares from Perth for $AUD189; from the Gold Coast for $AUD199 and from Sydney and Melbourne for $AUD209. Fares do not included baggage or meals and all flights have a stopover in Singapore.

Travellers who take advantage of the new Scoot service will have the opportunity of joining enriching cultural experiences such as the alms giving ceremony at dawn in Luang Prabang – an  historic town encircled by the Phou Thao and Phou Nang mountains. 

French influence abounds here, deftly blended with local styles and traditions, and the former royal and religious capital of the Silk route, is said by legend to be where Bhudda rested and smiled on his travels.

Travellers will also be able to take a hike; go caving or trekking; or sail on a relaxing sunset cruise down the majestic Mekong River towards Vietnam. 

And, Laos also offers the opportunity of bathing in the extraordinary Kuang Si waterfalls, or visiting the elephant sanctuary where rescued gentle giants are washed in the river. 

Alternatively, travellers can Scoot to Vientiane – now the country’s administrative capital – whose French influences are seen in modern alfresco cafes, riverside restaurants and architecture. 

Take a leisurely tour around town in a songthaew (open share bus) and the National Museum will provide an insight into the city’s history.

You’ll see rice paddies on the edge of town and be able to enjoy peaceful time at Pha That Luang, the historic Bhuddist Temple dating back to the 1500’s.   

 The three-times-weekly flights operated with Scoot’s A320 aircraft are due to start on 1 April 2019 subject to regulatory approval. 

They will operate a circular route leaving Singapore for Luang Prabang, followed by Vientiane, before heading back to Singapore. 

These routes were transferred from sister airline SilkAir, making Scoot the only airline offering direct Singapore-Laos flights from April 2019.