The undeveloped but intriguing Laos charms its visitors with ancient temples and ruins, remote jungles, mountains and caves, colorful indigenous cultures, and boat trips on the magnificent Mekong River. A mystical land called “Jewel of the Mekong”, Laos is a traditional Buddhist country with cheap markets, a slow pace of life, and a growing ecotourism industry.
Exotic & undeveloped Laos, formally known as Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is located in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Vietnam. It also shares borders with Cambodia to the south and Myanmar and China to the north. Laos is a mountainous tropical country and Mekong River Valley in the west forms its border with Thailand. There are 68 local ethnic groups living in Laos, as well as Chinese and Vietnamese people. Most of the so-called hill tribes in Laos have retained their colorful cultures. Even though Laos is a poor country with a turbulent past as the most bombed country in the world, it is a true highlight for anyone interested in seeing the traditional culture of Southeast Asia. Laos is now becoming a popular travel destination receiving over a million foreign tourists a year.
Archaeological treasures. The archaeological site of Wat Phu temple complex in Champasak area is another World Heritage Site in Laos with monumental 1,000 years old architecture and a mystical atmosphere. The famous Plain of Jars close to the town of Phonsavan is an archaeological area with huge, approximately 2,000 years old stone jars of unknown origin scattered over the plain. The area can only be visited as part of an organized tour booked in Phonsavan.
Outdoor activities. Laos hosts plenty of scenic mountain areas and tropical forests great for trekking. Most of the main areas for trekking in Laos are located in the north of the country. The hill tribe villages in Luang Namtha Province are popular for trekking, and Nong Khiaw area north of Luang Prabang has beautiful Karst cliffs and tribal villages plus possibilities for kayaking and biking. The quiet roads in Laos are great for cycling and there are companies arranging guided bicycling tours all over the country.
More Laotian destinations. The little riverside town of Vang Vieng between Vientiane and Luang Prabang has become a popular backpacker destination in Laos. It is home to caves, rock formations and quiet river scenery. Si Phan Don, the "Four Thousand Islands" in the Mekong River in Southern Laos offers some waterfalls and possibilities for biking and swimming. The second largest city in the country, Savannakhet in Southern Laos is arguably the business capital of Laos and has close connections to Thailand.
How to get there. You can travel to Laos by land or air. There are international airports in the capital city Vientiane, the historic city of Luang Prabang and Pakse in Southern Laos. There are direct flights to Laos available from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Malaysia. You can also travel to Laos by road from the neighboring countries. There are many bus connections to Laos from Thailand and Vietnam. A railroad connection from Nong Khai in Thailand to Vientiane in Laos is opening soon.
Exotic & undeveloped Laos, formally known as Lao People's Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), is located in Southeast Asia between Thailand and Vietnam. It also shares borders with Cambodia to the south and Myanmar and China to the north. Laos is a mountainous tropical country and Mekong River Valley in the west forms its border with Thailand. There are 68 local ethnic groups living in Laos, as well as Chinese and Vietnamese people. Most of the so-called hill tribes in Laos have retained their colorful cultures. Even though Laos is a poor country with a turbulent past as the most bombed country in the world, it is a true highlight for anyone interested in seeing the traditional culture of Southeast Asia. Laos is now becoming a popular travel destination receiving over a million foreign tourists a year.
Laos attractions: historical sites and outdoor activities from trekking to rafting
Laos offers plenty of interesting things to see and do, from impressive archaeological sites and great trekking possibilities to cruises on the Mekong River and bicycling tours. The capital city of Laos, Vientiane along the Mekong River is home to many temples and a relaxed small-town feeling. The old Laotian capital of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with impressive history.Archaeological treasures. The archaeological site of Wat Phu temple complex in Champasak area is another World Heritage Site in Laos with monumental 1,000 years old architecture and a mystical atmosphere. The famous Plain of Jars close to the town of Phonsavan is an archaeological area with huge, approximately 2,000 years old stone jars of unknown origin scattered over the plain. The area can only be visited as part of an organized tour booked in Phonsavan.
Outdoor activities. Laos hosts plenty of scenic mountain areas and tropical forests great for trekking. Most of the main areas for trekking in Laos are located in the north of the country. The hill tribe villages in Luang Namtha Province are popular for trekking, and Nong Khiaw area north of Luang Prabang has beautiful Karst cliffs and tribal villages plus possibilities for kayaking and biking. The quiet roads in Laos are great for cycling and there are companies arranging guided bicycling tours all over the country.
More Laotian destinations. The little riverside town of Vang Vieng between Vientiane and Luang Prabang has become a popular backpacker destination in Laos. It is home to caves, rock formations and quiet river scenery. Si Phan Don, the "Four Thousand Islands" in the Mekong River in Southern Laos offers some waterfalls and possibilities for biking and swimming. The second largest city in the country, Savannakhet in Southern Laos is arguably the business capital of Laos and has close connections to Thailand.
Laos travel information and practical tips
Laos enjoys a tropical monsoon climate with two main seasons: rainy season from May to November and dry season from December to April, during which the temperatures are generally lower and Laos receives most of its tourism. The northernmost provinces of Laos receive lots of rainfall also during April. Weather in Laos is generally hottest in March, April, and May. Temperatures and amount of rainfall also vary according to altitude. The Mekong River valley is humid and hot, while the mountain areas can be cold at night. Road travel in Laos is difficult during the rainy season.How to get there. You can travel to Laos by land or air. There are international airports in the capital city Vientiane, the historic city of Luang Prabang and Pakse in Southern Laos. There are direct flights to Laos available from Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam, China, and Malaysia. You can also travel to Laos by road from the neighboring countries. There are many bus connections to Laos from Thailand and Vietnam. A railroad connection from Nong Khai in Thailand to Vientiane in Laos is opening soon.
Photo: jmhullot, used under Creative Commons License (By SA 2.0)
You can get a 30-day tourist visa to Laos at the airports or those border crossings that are open to foreigners.
Getting around. Domestic flights in Laos by Lao Airlines are available mainly from Vientiane. Public transportation in Laos includes buses, minibuses, pick-up trucks, and boats. Local travel agencies run minibuses which are quicker but more expensive than buses or pick-ups. Laos has more than 4,600 km / 2,860 mi of navigable rivers that are important transport routes. Paved roads and bus transport have become popular, but river ferries in Laos are still well worth trying for the experience. Taxis and river taxis are available in cities and towns. Local transport is also provided by three-wheeled tuk-tuks or their larger equals, jumbos. Rental cars are available in the main cities, usually with a local driver. Light traffic makes Laos a good country for bicycling. Rental bikes are available in most tourist destinations in Laos.
Visitor services. Laos offers a large number of hotels and cheap guesthouses found in most towns in Laos. Restaurants are also available in all towns and tourist destinations in Laos with local and international cuisine. Nightlife in Laos can be found mainly in Vientiane and Vang Vieng. English is spoken mainly by people who work in tourism professions. French is also often understood in Laos.
Safety. Laos is generally a safe country to travel with low crime rates. However, theft is not uncommon and dangerous unexploded grenades and ammunition can still be found in many rural areas. Never touch such objects. Dressing modestly, respecting local traditions, and avoiding criticism about the local government will also help you to keep out of trouble while visiting Laos. There have been occasional roadside bandits and rebel groups operating in remote rural areas of Laos, and some Laotian regions are still officially off limits for tourism.
Short history of Laos
Laos was originally settled by migrating Thais and Hmong and Mien tribes. The first Lao principalities were created in the 13th century. In 1353 the warlord Fa Ngum combined a number of these principalities around Luang Prabang and formed a kingdom called Lan Xang. The kingdom prospered but split into three parts in 1694. The area of Laos later fell under control of Siam (Thailand) until the late 19th century, when it became a part of French Indochina. During the Second World War Laos was occupied by the Japanese and a Lao resistance group was founded to prevent the return of the French.Laos gained independence from French Indochina in 1953 but fell into conflict between Royalists and Communists. The USA bombed eastern parts of the country heavily in the 1960s to prevent trafficking of arms on the Ho Chi Minh Trail from North to South Vietnam. Bombings ended in 1973 and the Communist Pathet Lao Party took control of the country in 1975, ending the Laotian monarchy and starting a socialist regime. Private enterprise was allowed in late 1980s. Since then, Laos has gradually opened for foreign tourism and investment but still remains one of the poorest countries in Asia.
hint See also these nearby destinations: Luang Prabang
