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.
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.
Phonsavan is the gateway to one of Laos’s most intriguing archaeological sites: the Plain of Jars. Here you’ll find hundreds of square kilometres of rolling hills strewn with thousands of enigmatic stone jars - some reaching up to three metres in height. Historians estimate these ancient urns to be at least 1500 years old, but have not yet been able to decipher their meaning or purpose or identify the culture that created them. There are several theories; some that they were used as urns, some think burial chambers, and locals think they may be places for lovers to consummate their love. The city of Phonsavan itself has an old-world feel to it - partly since most of the existing architecture dates back to the mid-1970s, when the Vietnam War ended. A visit to the town’s two UXO information centres makes for a fascinating, if sobering, reminder of the country’s volatile past.
Remote and peaceful, Xam Neua is the capital of Laos’ northeastern Hua Phan Province, set in a verdant valley surrounded by emerald green rice paddies and mountainous rainforests. It is rarely visited by travellers and, as such, has retained its cultural authenticity and old-world ambience. It is famous for its exquisitely crafted fabrics, as well as its pivotal history: The area was a stronghold of communist Pathet Lao forces during the Second Indochina War, from the mid-1960s to mid-1970s. Among the most prominent area attractions are the Vieng Xai caves, which served as a refuge for some 20 000 Pathet Lao officers, soldiers and supporters during this time. There’s also a lovely waterfall off the road between Xam Neua and Vieng Xai, and the mysterious Hintang archeological site, where collections of spindly vertical stone pillars reaching up to 3m high are interspersed with ancient burial sites, forming a kind of Asian Stonehenge.
From the remarkable beauty of Sam Mountain and Halong Bay to the numerous sacred temples and pagodas, Vietnam has a lot to offer. It is a country that features everything from exotic culinary delights to breathtaking scenery. Seemingly endless, tranquil rice paddies stand in stark contrast to bustling cities such as Ho Chi Minh City and Hanoi which embrace all the technology and conveniences that the modern world has to offer. The well-preserved colonial buildings of Hoi An play host to a slew of charming boutiques and tempting cafes while, further north, the local hill-tribe people of Sapa sell a wide variety of exquisite crafts and handmade trinkets. Beyond the urban areas, this diverse country is characterised by vast, verdant jungles and lush mountainous regions as well as an enticing coastline peppered with golden sand, palm-lined beaches.
The isolated rural district of Mai Chau lies tucked away in an idyllic valley in northern Vietnam. The area is known for its excellent hiking and biking opportunities as well as its picturesque pastoral landscape and laidback village lifestyle. The district’s capital city, also known as Mai Chau, is commonly used as a springboard for exploring the area’s many traditional villages which are famous for their stilt houses featuring palm leaf roofs, bamboo-slat floors, and large, patterned windows. For a wonderfully authentic Vietnamese experience, visitors can enjoy an overnight homestay in one of these stilted houses where they can interact with the locals and learn about their traditions and customs.
Situated just an hour outside Hanoi, Ky Son rests in an idyllic rural setting. This picturesque hamlet is part of the historic Duong Lam Village, home to a collection of ancient traditional houses, some over 200 years old. Surrounded by farmlands and lush paddy fields, this is the perfect setting to enjoy a leisurely cycle or hop on a fascinating tea-harvesting tour. Visitors who venture to Ky Son can enjoy a truly authentic Vietnamese cultural experience, from the local food and scenic landscapes to the heritage buildings that line the streets. The undeniable highlight of this village is the Moon Garden Homestay, a unique establishment that preserves the architecture and culture of traditional Vietnamese villages, where visitors can enjoy traditional rural activities, including learning how to cook Vietnamese food.
With its wide boulevards, ancient pagodas and tree-lined lakes, Vietnam’s capital is also the country’s most atmospheric and beguiling city. There is an energy and charm here arising from the genteel mix of French colonialism and Asian grace and tradition. Enjoy a showcase of synchronised t’ai chi at Hoan Kiem Lake; stroll around the lively Old Quarter with its narrow streets with traders and hoards of scooters weaving in and out, and don’t miss the chance to see a water puppetry show at the Thang Long Puppet Theatre. Other places to visit include the Imperial Citadel of Thang Long, the Perfume Pagoda temple complex and the Hanoi Opera House in the heart of the French Quarter.