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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Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Laos
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La Residence Phou Vao
Luang Prabang
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Laos
Things to do
- All things to do (359)
- Activities (46)
- Entertainment (41)
- Restaurants (128)
- Shopping (46)
- Sights (71)
- Tours (27)
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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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Looking for Luxury in Laos
Blog: Landlopers - 25 May 2012
Laos is a lot of things. It’s one of the few remaining single party Communist countries in the world. It’s completely landlocked. It’s one of the 50 poorest countries in the world where the average person makes about $2 per day. It’s also one of...Copyright LandLopers All Rights Reserved. Unauthorized use prohibited.
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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.
