Sabaidee – Welcome to travel in Laos with us! Rich in Buddhist traditions and beliefs and covered in lush jungles, steep mountains and majestic river valleys, Laos still remains a mysterious and off the beaten track destination. The landlocked country borders Vietnam to the East, Cambodia to the south, Thailand to the west and Myanmar and China to the North. It was a place that had been largely forgotten by visitors for decades after being embroiled in the Vietnam War. But this is not the case anymore, as the word has finally begun to spread of the countries pristine natural wonders, abundant adventure and ecotourism opportunities, picturesque towns steeped in spirituality and perhaps above all the irresistibly laidback attitude and charm of its people. Those who embark on a journey here will witness a fairytale scene of pristine jungles, dramatic karst mountains, majestic waterfalls, stunning limestone caves and endless waterways. as Laos continues embrace the outside world; it still retains its spirituality, mystery and charm. Those who embark on a journey here will witness a fairytale scene of pristine jungles, dramatic karst mountains, majestic waterfalls, stunning limestone caves and endless waterways. Dotted amongst the abundant nature you will discover enchanting towns and ancient Khmer ruins and be captivated by the irresistible friendliness and hospitality of the people. Most journeys to Laos will begin in Vientiane, the delightfully sleepy capital city. Situated on the banks of the Mekong River in central Laos, the former French trading post is steeped in history and represents an eclectic mix of the countries past, present and future. Tree lined boulevards, colonial architecture and sacred temples mix with a new wave of world-class boutique hotels, gastronomic eateries and stylish cafes. Moving North along the banks of the Song River leads to Vang Vieng, Laos’s adrenaline fueled adventure capital. The outstanding landscape of rivers and mountains surrounding the town make for a perfect setting for world class trekking opportunities, winding mountain-bike trails, kayaking trips and thrilling caving expeditions. To the east lies Phonsavan, gateway to the remarkable Plain of Jars, clusters of giant, millennia-old sandstone vessels, the origins of which remain a mystery to this day. As you journey deeper into the country, the feeling of spiritual ambience and mystique continues to grow and this feeling is no more evident than in the northern city of Luang Prabang, the former capital of Laos and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Situated at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Khan River, Luang Prabang is a wonderful mosaic of traditional Lao teak houses, gilded Wats and elegant Indochinese villas set against a backdrop of verdant greenery and dramatic mountains. Wonder the tranquil streets of the city, whilst saffron-clad monks pass by collecting daily alms, and discover a treasure trove of history and heritage that would awaken the imagination of even the weariest of travelers. For memorable hill tribe encounters, head further north to remote Luang Namtha. Embark on a trekking, cycling or kayaking journey into the enchanting countryside and immerse yourself in the culture of the colorful ethnic minorities during a homestay at one of the rural villages. In the rarely visited but highly rewarding south, you will find Tha Khaek, a small provincial town, base for treks and mountain biking trips into the sprawling Phu Hin Bun National Protected Area, a breathtaking wilderness area of dramatic karst topography and verdant forests reminiscent of a classic Asian landscape painting. A definite highlight of the park is a boat ride into the otherworldly Tham Kong Lo caves, a 7.5km long river cave that runs deep beneath a vast limestone mountain, considered to be one of South East Asias geological wonders. Further south you’ll reach Pakse, a relaxing regional capital that serves as a gateway to the mystical Angkor Temple Complex of Wat Phou as well as to the Bolaven Plateau, a highland region of myriad waterfalls, ethnic minority villages and coffee plantations. Approaching the Cambodian border the Mekong River widens to reveal Si Phan Don (literally Four Thousand Islands), a picture perfect archipelago of small islands scattered along the river. Whilst exploring this idyllic landscape, time seems to almost slow down to match the pace of life here, and the laidback charm of the people you come across becomes irresistible. Laos was controlled by Thailand (Siam) through most of the 19th century until becoming a part of French Indochina, a federation of French colonies and protectorates in Southeast Asia. In 1953 it declared its independence from France, civil war and internal conflict followed, which lasted for about twenty years. The country was also tragically embroiled in the Vietnam War, suffering through heavy bombing and the subsequent loss of people and infrastructure. It emerged from that conflict as one of the world’s poorest nations, economical mismanaged with little invested in the welfare of its people. Tourism was also severely restricted, further isolating the country. However, since the 90s, the countries fortunes have gradually improved as its embarked on a series of major reforms, embracing private enterprise and opening up to foreign trade and investment. Foreign tourism was also welcomed as part of the effort. Today, Laos is emerging as one of Asia’s fastest growing economies, rich in valuable natural resources and a major regional supplier of hydroelectricity. Challenges remain but the future looks optimistic for this small nation as it makes its entrance on the world stage. 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. Pakbeng lies midway between Huay Xain and Luang Prabang, where the Nam Beng flows into the Mekong River. The town is a popular stopover spot for travellers looking to take slow boat journeys down the Mekong – a lovely way to experience Laos. There are a few temples to visit and a small market in the village where you can stock up on basic supplies and soak up the local atmosphere. The main street is dotted with thatch-roofed shops selling trinkets, as well as restaurants where travellers can enjoy traditional fare. There is also a nearby elephant camp where visitors get to interact with these gentle Asian giants. Resting on the banks of the beautiful Nam Pak River, in the heart of northern Laos, the small and picturesque town of Muang La is set in an idyllic pastoral landscape of dramatic mountain peaks, lush forests, gushing rivers, tranquil farmland and traditional villages. The town’s main attraction is undoubtedly the wonderful natural hot springs where visitors can relax in the steaming waters while taking in the spectacular river scenery. Those seeking adventure will find an array of outdoor activities on offer including, among others, trekking, river cruising, mountain biking, and visits to the villages of the Khmu, Akha, Ikhos and Hmong peoples who inhabit this region. Don’t miss the town’s classically styled temple which features northern Laos’ most revered Buddha statues, the Pra Singkham Buddha. Set amidst jagged limestone cliffs on the banks of the Ou River, Nong Khiaw is a picturesque town where it is easy to get lost for a few days. Go hiking or biking along verdant jungle trails to outlying hill tribe villages where locals still dress in vibrant traditional clothing; float down the river on a bamboo raft to enjoy gorgeous views of the lush, mountainous surrounds; or take a short (2km) trek to the Pha Tok Caves, which gave refuge to Pathet Lao soldiers during the Second Indochina War. After a day out, indulge yourself with a steam bath or massage at one of the local spas. A charming town with elegant historical architecture and a distinctly French flavour, Luang Prabang in northern Laos is filled with interesting museums, bustling markets and traditional shops. There are 33 Buddhist temples dotted throughout the city. The Haw Kham Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong temple gives travellers some background on and history of the Laotian people. Beyond the city there are breathtaking nature and ancient sites to explore. Those who visit the Pak Ou Caves are lucky enough to see the hundreds of Buddha statues accumulated there through the ages. The 180-foot Kuang Si Waterfalls is an hour’s drive out of the city and one of the region’s natural highlights, with its layer upon cascading layer of turquoise pools and torrents. Phonsavan is the gateway to one of Laos’s most intriguing archaeological sites: the Plain of Jars. Here you’ll find hundreds of square kilometres of rolling hills strewn with thousands of enigmatic stone jars – some reaching up to 3m in height. Historians estimate these ancient urns to be at least 1500 years old, but have not yet been able to decipher their meaning or purpose, or identify the culture that created them. The city of Phonsavan itself has an old-world feel to it – partly since most of the existing architecture dates back to the mid-1970s, when the Vietnam War ended. A visit to the town’s two UXO information centres makes for a fascinating, if sobering, reminder of the country’s volatile past. With its mist-shrouded limestone karsts, peaceful rice paddies, fascinating caves and ancient ruins, the vibrant little jungle town of Vang Vieng is surrounded by some jaw-droppingly beautiful scenery. While new regulations have toned down the wild river party scene which put Vang Vieng on the map, the town remains an excellent destination for travellers keen to indulge in some outdoor adventure including cycling, caving, tubing, rafting, kayaking, zip-lining, and hiking, or simply relaxing and enjoying the idyllic landscape. The town center boasts some excellent international restaurants and boutique hotels making it an ideal base for visitors looking to explore the area’s exquisite natural treasures. Don’t miss the opportunity to watch a spectacular sunset from Sunset Hill, or the chance to swim in one of town’s mind-blowing aquamarine swimming holes. 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. Primarily a kick-off point for excursions to Si Phan Don or northern Laos, Pakse or Pakxe is located 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. Don Khong (Khong Island) is the largest island of the Mekong River’s Si Phan Don archipelago, but even sleepier than uber-tranquil Don Khon and Don Det. Most tourist and leisure activities are centred on the town of Muang Khong, while Muang Saen on the island’s western shore is the spot to go for sublime sunset views. A network of walking and cycling trails criss-cross Don Khong and allow visitors the chance to experience its local villages, Buddhist temples, luminously green rice paddies and spell-binding river views. WE LOVE TO HEAR FROM YOULuxury travel and tours in Laos
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HUAY XAI
PAKBENG
MUANG LA
NONG KHIAW
LUANG PRABANG
PHONSAVAN
VANG VIENG
VIENTIANE
PAKSE
CHAMPASAK
KHONG ISLAND
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