The reality of travelling is that we all try to visit the country that most intrigues us. I visited Laos because I was curious to see what the government had to offer. I knew nothing. About Laos, I was ready to share my Laos experience, having led tours in SE Asia for 18 months.
After an overnight train from Bangkok, we reached the border and filled out our visas to enter. From there, we hopped on a van and arrived in the capital, Vientiane. Pronounced Viangchan in Laos, the capital has a small population of about 230,000, compared to Bangkok’s 10 million.
As soon as we walk along one of the main streets in Vientiane, Setthrathirath Road, you will understand why Laos is known as the most relaxed, chilled-out country in the region. It seemed like everyone was slowing down and going slower than the already slow pace of Asia, in general. So, this gives you the perfect tempo to soak it all in. So please put on your flip-flops and ensure you visit these places when you visit Laos; you don’t want to miss them.
As the capital, cultural, and economic centre, you should visit the National Museum, which exhibits most of the country’s historical and current state. This will help you understand how Laos became what it is today after the French left after World War II. You should also not miss seeing Patuxai, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe, built in the 1960s with the US cement provided for a runway at the local airport.
You can climb Patuxai for less than $1 and get a good view of the Presidential Palace.
Vientiane also has a grand promenade where you can enjoy the view of the Mekong River and, across the way, its neighbour, Thailand. Here, you will have some restaurants with makeshift outdoor lounges, a simple carpet with cushions to admire the sunset while sipping fruit juice or a La Beer.
Lastly, Vientiane’s most crucial wat (temple) is the Phra Thatluang (Great Stupa), built sometime between the 9th and 14th centuries. The gold-covered stupa stands 45 metres high, and it’s the national monument where most Laotians gather on an annual basis to celebrate the festival of the same name.
Phra Thatluang with King Saysetthathirath
A nice little side trip worth the hour of the tuk-tuk journey is to visit Buddha Park. Yes, a Buddha park. It’s an outdoor park with several large concrete sculptures of Buddhist and Hindu deities. The largest of them is the Reclining Buddha.
You can hire a bike from Vang Vieng for $3-5 and head to the Blue Lagoon, an outdoor swimming hole, especially on a hot day. The bikes available range from coasters and single-gear to wells, mountain bikes, and Laos style.
One of the bridges you’ll cross
The views on the way are spectacular, with limestone formations and loads of chances for amazing pictures.
One of the rest stops.
If more adventure is in your blood, you’ll be pleased to know that you can kayak through different caves and go dirt biking, rock climbing, or hot air ballooning to get a panoramic view of this stunning place.
My favourite is the last stop in Laos, the stunning city of Luang Prabang.
Upon arriving in this UNESCO World Heritage city, you will see breathtaking temples in this former French colony. You will also see many remains of great colonial architecture and traditional Lao wooden houses.
Panorama of Luang Prabang
With many things to do, you can easily spend a week here seeing most of this area and still not do it all. One of the highlights is the unavoidable and ever-tempting (nightly) Night Market. Here, you can do all your shopping under many roofs. You can buy clothes, jewellery, paintings and loads of unique Laotian handicrafts.
The next day, get on a tuk-tuk and ride to the popular Kuang Si waterfalls. Here, you will have an opportunity to swim, have a picnic and meet some Asian black bears housed in a conservation centre to keep them from being poached.
It is a memorable trip that completes the Laos experience. Locals will surround you, and you will stay in an off-the-beaten-track small village. You will sample more local cuisine while taking stunning pictures and have a chill time reading your book and soaking up life in true Lao style.
When I left Southeast Asia, I felt a genuine connection with Laos and its peaceful ways, culture, and beautiful people. The neighbour doesn’t get all the press, attention, or tourists. But I can assure you that no one leaves this wonderful country disappointed. It is a true gem in this wonderful region. Kob jai lai, thank you for showing me your beauty, and I hope everyone gets to see it for themselves.
Spread the love
