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To help you decide on your itinerary and give you an idea of what is available in Laos we have highlighted some of the major places of interest throughout the country. Once you have chosen where you would like to go, and what you would like to see, we can advise on the most appropriate routing and tailor an itinerary to meet your requirements. If you would like further information or would just like to discuss the various options that are available please contact us.
We have also put together a selection of sample itineraries to show you what is possible over varying durations. Again any of these suggestions can be tailored to accommodate your desires and ideas. For further information please click here.
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One of the brightest stars in Asia, Laos is emerging from the shadows |
Vientiane
With barely half a million inhabitants Vientiane is the smallest capital in Southeast Asia and as a result has a very relaxed feel to it. The city became the capital of the Lan Xang kingdom in 1563 and under its royal patronage also became the major religious centre in the land. The city’s two most important Wats, Wat That Luang and Wat Phra Kaeo date back to this time. Later Vientiane was sacked by the Siamese army and was left to ruin until the French arrival in the 19th century heralded an age of renovation and renewal. The city’s architecture therefore combines influences from Laos, Thailand and France and this coupled with its wonderful location on the banks of the Mekong River give Vientiane a unique charm. A great day trip from the capital takes you to Lake Nam Ngum, which is surrounded by hills and where boats weave around picturesque islands and you can dine at any number of small restaurants that overlook the blue-green waters of the lake.
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Vang Vieng
Situated 100 miles from Vientiane (around 3 hours by car) you will find the enchanting landscapes of Vang Vieng. The karst landscapes here are reminiscent of those found in Guilin in Southern China. Increasingly visitors prefer to travel overland from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, overnighting in Vang Vieng in order to sample the fabulous scenery. Although the town itself is small it is worthwhile staying a few days in order to soak up the atmosphere and enjoy the activities that get you out into the countryside. Kayaking on the Nan Song River, trekking or cycling around the region are some of the various ways you can make the most of this well preserved natural area.
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Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang perched on the banks of the Mekong, 300m above sea level, is the oldest town in Laos that is still in existence. For centuries the city was the seat of kings and Luang Prabang’s importance is reflected in the wonderful array of ancient temples that are dotted around its charming streets. Now a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is wonderfully well preserved colonial town with a unique blend of French villas and Laotian temples which can be visited as you walk or cycle around. A laid back atmosphere, some fine hotels and a great position over the looking the confluence of the Mekong and the Nam Khan rivers mean that is worthwhile spending a few days here enjoying the culture and the local cuisine. Around Luang Prabang there are plenty of opportunities to discover magnificent landscapes and discover the rural life of Lao or hill tribes’ people.
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Hua Phan province
The remote province of Hua Phan close to the Vietnamese border offers visitors some beautiful mountain landscapes complete with lush forests, narrow valleys and terraced paddy fields. The region, which only became part of Laos during the colonial era, boasts 22 different ethnic groups and this colourful variety of hill tribes, in their traditional villages, is one of the main reasons for visiting. Otherwise the province is famous for the Vieng Xai caves, which were home to the Pathet Lao during the Indochina War, and the quality of the local hand-woven fabrics.
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Luang Nam Tha province
Luang Namtha province, in the northwest of the country, is home to a multitude of hill tribes and some spectacular landscapes. It is one of the most beautiful provinces in Laos and offers plenty of opportunities to engage with the local folk. Near the province’s Burmese border lies Muang Sing which at one time was an independent Kingdom. It became part of Laos in the 19th century, after discussions between British and French negotiators who were establishing the border between Burma and Laos. Prior to this the town had been a meeting place for traders from China, Vietnam, Burma & Laos and today’s colourful market keeps this tradition alive.
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Plain of Jars
Northeast of Vientiane and 6 miles southeast of Phonsavan, lies the mysterious Plain of Jars. Scattered over the plain are hundreds of enormous clay jars, the legacy of an ancient civilisation and allegedly over 2000 years old. At the present time there is no satisfactory explanation as to how the clay jars found their way onto the plain, nor what purpose they served. Archaeologists have come up with some wild theories, among them a claim that the jars were used for brewing purposes, however it is more likely that they are enormous burial urns. Many of the jars were destroyed or damaged during the Vietnam War, when American planes bombed communist Pathet Lao positions, but thankfully enough still remain to intrigue today’s visitor.
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The Bolaven Plateau
The Boloven plateau is a very fertile plain to the north of Pakse that is renowned for the quality of its coffee and durian. It is also famous for the large number of distinctive tribes that inhabit this picturesque part of the country and for some beautiful natural features such as the waterfalls at Tat Lo and Tat Fan.
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Wat Phou
The most important attraction in southern Laos, this pre-Angkorian temple has recently been listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO. It was founded in the first decades of the 9th century by Jayavarman II, the first king of an independent Khmer nation, and for some time Wat Phou served as the Khmer capital. Though Jayavarman II soon moved his government to the Angkor plain, Wat Phou remained an important pilgrim's destination for the entire Angkor era (about 600 years).
Wat Phou is often compared to Angkor, not only because it was built in the same style but because it too was lost to the jungle for centuries. Whilst the structures themselves are thrilling, it is the jungle overgrowth that creates the atmosphere. The Wat stood unused for centuries because it is a Hindu temple in what became a devoutly Buddhist land.
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Four Thousand Islands
In the middle of the Mekong River near the Cambodian border lies a stretch of water than in the dry season is home to thousands of islets, or islands, and hence its name. The largest of these islands are inhabited and are a wonderful place to relax, view the unique environment and observe a fascinating way of life. Khong Island is the largest inhabited island in the region at 10 miles long, and visitors here can enjoy cycling, walking through paddy fields and past old wats or just mingling with the locals. You might even see the rare Irrawaddy dolphin if you are lucky.
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