Fondly known as 'the land of smiles', Thailand is commonly associated with gorgeous golden sand, palm-lined beaches, warm aquamarine waters, glorious temples and verdant jungle-clad mountains. With sixteen million foreigners flying into the country each year, Thailand is the primary travel hub of Southeast Asia, offering a diverse range attractions and activities to suit all tastes and budgets. Whether exploring the teeming metropolis of Bangkok, relaxing on the tropical beaches of the southern islands, scuba diving in the underwater wonderland off the coast of Koh Tao, jungle trekking in the North, or discovering the ancient cities of Chiang Mai, Thailand is filled with attractions to satisfy any interest.
This charming, sleepy city is the more laid-back alternative to bustling Chiang Mai and the capital of Chiang Rai province. Besides its beguilingly slow pace, friendly locals and beautiful setting amidst rolling rainforest-covered hills, Chiang Rai also encompasses a treasure chest of cultural and historical gems. Don’t miss a visit to Wat Rong Khun (The White Temple) – a contemporary architectural highlight with an exquisitely ornate, snow-coloured façade – or to the historic Wat Phra Sin, with its traditional Lanna-style interior. There are also several interesting museums to explore, including the quirky Oub Kham Museum, with its collection of fascinating and often bizarre historical relics from the wider Lanna region, and the Hilltribe Museum and Education Centre, which provides excellent insight into the various hilltribe ethnicities in the area.
Wedged between a number of larger neighbouring countries, Laos is often overlooked in favour of tourism giants such as Thailand and Vietnam. But these travellers are missing out on an extraordinarily scenic and culturally rich destination. Laos boasts a reputation as the least visited, least Westernised, and most untouched of all Indochinese nations. Only time will tell how long this will last, but while it does, visitors who choose to explore this nation’s remote areas will be richly rewarded. Laos’ primary drawcard is undoubtedly the mighty Mekong River which traverses the length of the country and is considered the second most biodiverse river in the world. In the north, the landscape is characterised by little-explored jungle-clad mountainous areas where visitors can witness the intriguing cultures of the various hill tribes that populate this region. Travellers on the hunt for cultural interest should head for the bustling capital of Vientiane, with its innumerable temples and Buddhist monuments. It is this variety of exotic wildlife, remote wilderness and remarkable cultural treasures that make Laos a truly unique and unforgettable holiday destination.
The small but charming village of Pakbeng lies midway between Huay Xai and Luang Prabang, where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong River. The town is a popular stopover spot for travellers looking to take slow boat journeys down the Mekong – a lovely way to experience Laos. There are a few temples to visit and a small market in the village where you can stock up on basic supplies while soaking up the local atmosphere. The main street is dotted with thatch-roofed shops selling trinkets, as well as restaurants where travellers can enjoy the traditional fare. There is also a nearby elephant camp where visitors can interact with these gentle Asian giants.
Oudomxay is a naturally beautiful and relatively undeveloped province in the northwestern part of Laos. Aside from its forest-clad mountainous landscapes hidden in the clouds, the region is well-recognised for its rich cultural life, with a number of indigenous tribes calling the area home. The province's capital city of Muang Xay, which is also frequently called 'Oudomxay', is the central traffic hub for the north of Laos and serves as a popular base for those eager to trek around the surrounding wilderness. Other highlights include exploring Oudomxay's numerous caves and waterfalls, visiting the 600-hundred-year-old Phouthat stupa, the Sacred Phachaosingkham temple, Nam Hin Lake, and meeting the locals during trips to the province's many traditional villages. For a more easy-going option, the town features a popular night market with a range of products, including food, drinks, handicrafts and clothes.
A charming town with elegant historical architecture and a distinctly French flavour, Luang Prabang in northern Laos is filled with interesting museums, bustling markets and traditional shops. 33 Buddhist temples dot the city.; the Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong temple give travellers some background on and history of the Laotian people. Beyond the city, breathtaking nature and ancient sites await. Those who visit the Pak Ou Caves can see hundreds of Buddha statues accumulated there through the ages. The 180-foot Kuang Si Waterfalls, an hour’s drive out of the city, is one of the region’s natural highlights, with its layer upon cascading layer of turquoise pools and torrents.
Vientiane is the largest city in Laos, but surprisingly uncrowded and relaxed for its size. Travellers can look forward to an elegant, laid back destination with lovely historical architecture and a riverside setting. 'That Luang' (also known as 'The Great Stupta') is the most sacred monument in Laos and this impressive golden temple complex dates back to the 16th century. There are numerous restaurants, riverside markets and pavement cafes from where you can experience the serene atmosphere for which the city is known. The Laos National Museum is another of the city’s cultural highlights, where some fascinating exhibits reveal the history of Laos through the ages.
