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.
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.
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.
Once a stronghold of power in the Mekong River basin, Champasak is now a sleepy province that encompasses the beguiling Si Phan Don (4 000 islands) archipelago on the Mekong River, as well as several key conservation and biodiversity areas. Champasak city itself is a small, laid-back town dotted with French colonial architecture and glittering Buddhist temples. It provides access to the evocative archaeological site of Wat Phu - a crumbling but still majestic Khmer temple complex and UNESCO World Heritage Site that dates back to at least the mid-5th century. A stone stairway dotted with fragrant Frangipani trees leads to the highest point of the wat, and the climb is well worth it for the incredible views over this ancient architectural wonder. An adventure seeker and nature lovers playground, Champasak Province boasts 178 named mountains that are waiting to be explored.
Far larger than its adjoining Don Det, Don Khon is a peaceful riverine island with fantastic walking and cycling trails. A number of old colonial buildings peppered around its expanse are reminders of Laos’ French connection and add to the island’s old-world charm. Don’t miss a boat trip to see the region’s freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins, as well as a visit to the Li Phi waterfalls, which rush down the Mekong in a powerful set of cascading rapids. The French bridge that runs between Don Khon and Don Det is an excellent spot to watch the sun dip into the horizon at the end of the day, turning the river shimmering shades of gold, pink and red as it falls.
