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.
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.
Ban Houayxay - also Huay Xai or Houeisay - lies on Laos’ northeastern border with Thailand. Although many simply use the city as a transit point, those who linger longer in Houayxay will be richly rewarded by its collection of sights and attractions. Foremost of these are the bustling Muang Keo (Morning) Market in the suburb of Ban Muang Keo and the evocative ruins of the French-colonial Fort Carnot. Nature lovers will relish trips to the nearby Bokeo Nature Reserve, which can only be accessed through The Gibbon Experience, a conservation project run by Societe Animo, and those looking to get a taste of traditional Lao life and culture can get involved in programmes and projects at Daauw Village, where all volunteer efforts and proceeds contribute to the upliftment of the local community.
Primarily a kick-off point for excursions to Si Phan Don or northern Laos, Pakse or Pakxe enjoys a wonderful location at the junction where the Mekong and Xe Don rivers meet. It is one of the largest towns in Laos and the most populous city in the southern province of Champasak. Worth visiting are the scenic temple grounds of Wat Tham Faian and the Buddha Sandstone Carving Center at Wat Chomphet. The largest and most impressive temple is Wat Luang, now used as a training facility for monks. Travellers use Pakse as a base to explore Tad Lo and Wat Phu, as well as the rest of Champasak province, with its pre-Angkorian temples, coffee plantation and remote islands.
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.
