Laos – the often-overlooked jewel in Southeast Asia – has an entirely different travel experience to offer. Just by virtue of being lesser known than other locations, the crowds will be far less than you would find elsewhere. Laos is incredibly tranquil; the beauty of the nature, the charm of the culture, and the friendliness of its people, combine to give it an unparalleled intrinsic beauty. But if you’re seriously looking for a place to slow down, breathe, and actually experience life at a different level, Laos will be a travel guide for you. There are so many things to do in Laos that you will fall in love with this “Simply Beautiful” country.
Vientiane: Calm Capital with French Inflections
Your visit to Laos likely begins in Vientiane, the capital city that offers a unique blend of tranquil culture and nature. Calling Vientiane a “pedestrian’s paradise” is no exaggeration; you should spend your time wandering through the pleasant cobble-stoned paths that wind through the city. You will enjoy unexpected details of French architecture adorned along sidewalks lined with bougainvillea blossoms. And the most important national monument in Laos, That Luang, a giant gilded stupa, is approximately 5 km from the international airport, just southeast of the city centre. That Luang is a national symbol and was first completed in the 3rd century and renovated in 1566 as Vientiane was being made the capital of Laos.
For more of a cultural experience, Wat Si Saket is a beautiful, exotic 19th century temple that will provide lots of opportunities for aesthetic photos! Another cultural site I recommend you check out is Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park) where you will see many deeply meaningful stone sculptures of Buddha and Hindu deities, including the famous Sleeping Buddha and Giant Pumpkin. You can also take photos at Patuxay – Victory Monument, a stunning memorial monument that is surrounded by Patuxai park which is a great place to relax and take in the ambience of the city. In the evening, you can check out the Vientiane Night Market – a foody paradise that also has many unique souvenirs for friendly prices! Vientiane is a city that has many cooking classes which will teach you how to cook delicious Laotian dishes. With Vientiane’s relaxed atmosphere and diversity of influences, it is definitely worth your time to check it out on your trip to Laos!
Luang Prabang: Cultural Center and UNESCO World Heritage Site
Traveling further North, you will find Luang Prabang, the most beautiful city in Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This ancient royal capital combines regal and rustic charm. Red-roofed Buddhist temples and French colonial relics evoke a unique city full of wonderful and alluring sites.
Visiting Laos, witnessing the Alms Giving Ceremony in the early morning has to be one of the most iconic things to do in Luang Prabang. There you can find hundreds of monks in colorful robes collecting offerings and it is a storey to eye a part of the culture. Although it is a popular tourist destination now, the ritual is a must do. It would be a shame to not take part in the beautiful things nature has to offer around Luang Prabang, such as the Kuang Si Waterfalls. The tiered waterfall is stunning to look at, and the waters being blue green in colour make it a splendid swimming and relaxation spot. Another magical location to visit would be the Pak Ou Caves, containing thousands of Buddha figures. For the most stunning views of the sunrise or sunset, the Mount Phousi will not disappoint as it has jaw dropping views of the city and the Mekong River. For vibrant local cuisine and handcrafts shopping, Luang Prabang is also famous for its markets.
Vang Vieng: The Center for Nature Activities
Vang Vieng is for you, if you are looking for some good adventures. This region is famous for its natural attractiveness ranging from stunning karsts to caves, pools, and even waterfalls. Set in misty jungles, the area is picturesque and offers adventure activities such as rock climbing, tubing, kayaking, and even caving. Swimming in the crystal clear waters of Blue Lagoon swimming is also very popular. Although it used to be a “party hub”, now Vang Vieng is much quieter and a lot more focused on nature activities.
Dive into Laos: Southern Treasures and More
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Traveling to southern Laos can offer a unique experience unlike any other and in Pakse, the gateway to southern Laos, you can enjoy the remarkable Tad Fane Waterfalls. The Tad Fane Waterfalls’ are a sight to behold, being one of the best in the region. Besides, you can also experience the highest zipline in laos, 300 meters above the twin waterfalls.
Do not skip the Bolaven Plateau, as well as its neighboring mountains are filled with deep jungles, refreshing hidden waterfalls, and villages filled with different ethnics groups who maintain their ancient customs. While not a traditional tourist hotspot, the region also boasts some of the best coffee in the world. This part of the country is considered off the beaten path in a positive way.
As you go further, you will find Si Phan Don, also called 4000 islands, a river archipelago in the Mekong river where you can completely unwind. While there, you can also visit donkey and donkey islands, Don Khong, and Don Det to look at the serene rural life. If you are lucky, you may even spot a few rare Irrawaddy dolphins by boat.
For history lovers, Wat Phu Temple, located in Champasak, was recently made a UNESCO World Heritage Site with temple ruins dating back 1000 years or longer and was said to have inspired Angkor Wat in Cambodia. The whole experience is often more personal with fewer people visiting than many other sites.
Laos also has Kong Lor Cave which is a beautiful limestone grotto that is 7.5 km long and can be explored by boat through the cave, with spectacular stalagmite formations. There is also the Plain of Jars which is located near Phonsavan; it is an interesting plain scattered with stone jars (which are dated back thousands of years) that we don’t really know what they were used for.
Costs and Essentials for Travelers to Laos:
- Cash: Take care to have adequate cash on hand, as most operations in Laos still revolve around cash transactions. If you prefer international debit cards, we highly recommend Jenius Visa as its options make it an effective and efficient way to get cash from ATMs in Laos.
- Transportation: Besides using the common forms of public transport such as tuk tuks, songthaews, and sleeper buses, you can also travel by slow boats on the Mekong river and even high-speed trains. Take care when planning your rides as taxis/ ride hailing app options are limited to larger city areas.
- Language: Some service providers in tourist areas may have some understanding of English, but it is helpful to have a translation app, especially in rural areas, where this might not be the case. It is better to have a SIM card/e-SIM on arrival but SIM cards can be hard to find in smaller towns or if you cross the border overland.
- Respecting Customs and Traditions: To show site traditions and customs and to be respectful. Modest dress (covered shoulders, legs) is needed at temples. Distance is to be kept away from monks (to be avoided being touched!) Photography is best to be asked for permission first and/or be kept at a distance. Steps should not be taken over someone who is sitting. Feet should not be resting on furniture as feet being the lowest part of the body, and head is sacred.
- Best Time to Visit: The rainy season follows by a period of cool weather in Laos. This means between October to March is ideal to visit for travel.
- Length of Stay: Most travelers, will be encouraged to stay for 10 days where the days spent travelling and attending activities of Laos such as in Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfalls, or Vientiane. Nature lovers, and especially those who wish to take part in retreats, could stay longer.
Laos is a country that is known for bringing its visitors a travel guide that might be considered off the beaten path. It is known for its untouched mountains, history, and diversity of culture. Every inch of the nation has a story, as well as a good deal of natural beauty it has to offer. Make Laos your next travel destination and see the magic of the country first hand.
