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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.
Make it happen
Ready to go? These recommended tours make it easy:
- cycle from Luang Prabang to Hanoi
- travel through Laos then overland into Cambodia
- explore Laos, Vietnam and Cambodia
- see all our recommend trips for Laos from GAP Adventures
Last updated: 22-Oct-2009
Tips & articles
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Laos elephant festival
4 November 2009
“Well he was hopeless, wasn’t he?” she complained. “Couldn’t steer straight, kept veering...
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Pioneering territory: the Chom Ong caves
4 November 2009
It’s always exciting visiting somewhere that’s not yet on tourist itineraries, particularly somewhere...
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Sustainable tourism in the Nam Ha NPA
4 November 2009
The Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA) is the most visited park in Laos, but efforts by local operators...
Laos
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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Lao Food in Luang Prabang Laos
Blog: Malaysia Asia - 13 November 2009
Lao Food in Luang Prabang Laos
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Luang Prabang Temples and Monks
Blog: Malaysia Asia - 7 November 2009
Luang Prabang Temples and Monks
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Lao Airlines at Luang Prabang Airport
Blog: Malaysia Asia - 5 November 2009
Lao Airlines at Luang Prabang Airport
