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
Tips & articles
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World’s best slow travel
3 May 2012
Vacations are always too short, even if we have the luxury of more than a few weeks a year. So...
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Two-wheeled adventures in Southeast Asia
1 May 2012
Southeast Asia is home to some of the greatest adventures on earth. Throw a motorbike into the mix and you’ll...
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World’s best festivals: Bun Bang Fai (Rocket Festival)
26 April 2012
Location: Throughout Laos and northeastern ThailandDate: Usually on the May full moonLevel of participation: 1 – join the ...
Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: What can I do in 45 days?
by westwood 16 May 2012
You could also swing through Laos and Cambodia.
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southasia June/july 2012
by nautilus306 16 May 2012
I plan to travel there from the begining of June till middle end of July. Still finalising final list, but I expect to: - Fly from…
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RE: 4/5 Month Trip around SE Asia - Thailand, Laos, Vietnam, Cambodia
by nathalie2 16 May 2012
i'm really frustraded because i just wrote a answer for at least half an hour, and after posting it, it dissapeared into nothing :-( so…
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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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Around Luang Prabang in Five Courses – Learning About Lao Cuisine
Blog: Landlopers - 15 May 2012
While there are some similarities with other Southeast Asian countries, Lao cuisine definitely has its own unique qualities. To best share them with you, here are some of my favorite meals we found while exploring Luang Prabang. Appetizer Dried Mekong River Weed with Sesame...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
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Thousands of Buddhas in the Pak Ou Caves, Laos
Blog: Landlopers - 14 May 2012
Pak Ou Caves Laos Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
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Question: Is Poverty Tourism OK?
Blog: Landlopers - 10 May 2012
I touched on this issue briefly when I discussed my travel guilt after leaving Laos. Since then I’ve been thinking a lot about the issue and have read a couple of additional blog posts that have influenced my thinking. The first was a blog post...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
