Laos

Advertisement

Calm river, Vientiane

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.

Advertisement

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:

Last updated: Jan 19, 2012

Tips & articles

  1. 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...

    Read more

  2. 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...

    Read more

  3. 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 ...

    Read more

See all tips & articles for Laos

Thorn Tree forum discussion

Recent posts

  1. westwood avatar
    RE: What can I do in 45 days?

    by westwood 16 May 2012

    You could also swing through Laos and Cambodia.
  2. nautilus306 avatar
    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…
  3. nathalie2 avatar
    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…

See all Thorn Tree forum discussions for Laos

In our shop

See all shop products

Travel Insurance

Going to Laos? Make sure you're covered.

Get a quote

See all travel services

Advertisement