Introducing Laos
After years of war and isolation, Southeast Asia’s most pristine environment, intact cultures and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth mean destination Laos is fast earning cult status among travellers. It is developing quickly but still has much of the tradition that has sadly disappeared elsewhere in the region. Village life is refreshingly simple and even in Vientiane it’s hard to believe this sort of languid riverfront life exists in a national capital. Then, of course, there is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, where watching as hundreds of saffron-robed monks move silently among centuries-old monasteries is as romantic a scene as you’ll experience anywhere in Asia.
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Away from the cities, there is so much more to see; the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts around the backpacker-haven Vang Vieng and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the mighty Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken.
The Lao wilderness is drawing travellers looking for nature, adventure or both. Kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are all available, but it’s the community-based trekking that is most popular because it combines spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the ‘real Laos’ with a village homestay – while spending your money where it’s needed most.
There is undoubtedly a growing tourist trail in Laos, but that just means there’s plenty of roads off Rte 13 where you can make your own trail. After all, half the fun of travelling here is in the travel itself – the people you meet, chickens you share seats with, wrong turns you take and lào-láo you drink with the smiling family at the end of the road less travelled.
Ready to go? Our recommended tours make it easy:
- Cycle from Luang Prabang to Hanoi
- Travel through China and Laos on a voyage of discovery
- Discover Thailand and Laos at handlebar level
Last updated: Jan 19, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Costa Rica Ticabus Scam?
by SoloHobo 14 September 2011
Like Laos, Cambodia and Thailand, border scams, by both officials, handlers and touts, are common place in poor developing countries where…
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by isaragof 14 September 2011
Montyman, thanks for the good advice. My kids will be ten and twelve. And, indeed, it will be an education in itself. And Herbie 47, thank…
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RE: BKK to Laos train...which 2nd class seat?
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Laos
Things to do
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Our Top Picks For Laos
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1 Vieng Xai
Historic former Pathet Lao headquarters, housed in huge caverns in a hidden valley
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2 Phu Khao Khuay Npa
Forested nature reserve with waterfalls and a herd of wild elephants
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3 Phonsavan
Mysterious Plain of Jars & Indochina War relics
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4 Luang Prabang
World Heritage–listed former royal capital with 32 temples
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5 Nam Ha Npa
Nature reserve specialising in cultural and environmental tourism
Fast Facts about Laos
- ATMs one in Vientiane with international facilities
- Area 236,800 sq km
- Capital Vientiane
- Population 5.6 million
- Official language Lao
- International telephone code 856
- Phrases sábqai-dĭi (hello), sábqai-dĭi (goodbye), khàwp jąi (thank you)
- Border countries Cambodia, China, Myanmar/Burma, Thailand, Vietnam
- Original name Lan Xang Hom Khao (Million Elephants, White Parasol)
- Number of elephants in Laos today around 2000
Our favourite Laos Blogs (beta)
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5 Incredibly Relaxing Destinations in Southeast Asia
Blog: GoBackpacking - 7 February 2012
or all the wild, action-packed mega cities Southeast Asia is so famous for, there’s an equally opposite number of places that are quiet, nature-oriented, and extremely relaxing. Here are 5 destinations I recently visited where relaxation is the local way of life. 1. Sangkhlaburi, Thailand Waking up at 5 am is something you’ll love doing when you’re [...]
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Travel Inspiration – Cycling through the Countryside in Vang Vieng, Laos
Blog: Canada's Adventure Couple - 2 February 2012
Vang Vieng in Laos is one of those places that you hear mixed reviews about. Some people have the time of their lives while others can't wait to get out of there. The general apprehension is that if you're a twenty year old backpacker wanting to get drunk and go tubing down a river, you'll love it. If you fit into any other category, you'll hate the place. I wanted to find out for myself.
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A Little Photoessay…Life on the Mighty, Mighty Mekong River
Blog: A Little Adrift - A RTW Travelogue - 31 January 2012
Originating high in the Tibetan Plateau, the Mekong River is the life-blood of activity throughout the history of southeast Asia. Locally known as the Mae Nam Khong, the literal translation is Mother of Water River.
