Laos Travel Guide
Landlocked Laos a mountainous gem surrounded by the countries of Burma, China, Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand and an emerging, promising new destination for adventure holidays. Tours to Laos normally focus on the capital of Vientiane and Luang Prabang offering anything from elephant trekking in the jungle to cave tours along the Mekong. Luang Prabang is probably one of the most perfectly preserved historic towns in Southeast Asia and a former royal kingdom. The capital Vientiane, different to most other Southeast Asian capitals, holds one of the most important and magnificent stupas in the country, Pha That Luang, as well as the towering Patuxai Victory Gate.
Visit our comprehensive Independent Travel Guide to Laos below
Vientiane - the capital of Laos and very different from most other Southeast Asian cities. There’s plenty to see in and around Vientiane. Visiting the local temples, which have had abit of a rocky history, is a great way to start. But if you want to get a real feel for the city then you should head down to the banks of the Mekong, take a slow casual walk and enjoy an amazing sunset view from one of the many restaurants adjacent to the river.
Vang Vieng - Although still a relatively small town, being not much more than three streets and a bus station, it still has a constant influx of backpackers all year round. Most visitors now go for the partying atmosphere it is well known for. Partying isn’t the only reason people visit Vang Vieng. There are a number of trekking tours exploring the karst limestone mountains and hidden caves.
North Laos - The north of Laos is one of the truly adventurous destinations in South East Asia. Due to the lack of facilities and infrastructure travel in the remote region is arduous but ultimately rewarding. Stunning mountains with spectacular views, villages that can hardly be found and endless opportunities for river trips.
South Laos - South Laos see’s even less travellers than North Laos, according to some, this helps to give the south more of an authentic feel than the north.
Laos has become popular with tourists for its relaxed style of living and for retaining elements of the “original Asia” lost elsewhere, the official tourism slogan is “Simply Beautiful”. While it has a reputation for being relaxed and laid-back, it still offers plenty of things to do. It is a land full of enchantment and charm, it can cater for almost any type of traveller, from the person who just wants to chill and glide along the overwhelming Mekong River and enjoy life as it passes u by, to the adventurer ready to explore and discover remote areas in the mountain ranges, caves and countryside.
