Laos – land of million elephants
Out of all the international destinations I’ve visited, Laos is the most peaceful as well as the most budget friendly destination of all. A trip to Laos is nothing short of a meditative experience. Life moves mindfully, the cuisine is soulful and the ambience is pure bliss. Temples, caves, forests, waterfalls, mountains, and adventure sports are some of the unique features of a holiday in Laos. The country has a wild terrain which is home to around 49 ethnic groups. Laos can be visited anytime because the climate is tropical throughout the year in laos. However, a river cruise is possible when the water levels are higher, so the period between November – January is apt.
With its breath-taking scenery, fascinating history and welcoming, friendly locals it’s easy to see why Laos was named World’s Best Tourist Destination by the European Council on Tourism and Trade in 2013. The country received a record 3.1 million foreign visitors in 2012, which is equal to half of Laos’ population, and was then given ‘Simply Beautiful’ as the official tourism slogan. We couldn’t agree more with the slogan.
View this post on Instagram
Among the most touristy places to visit in Laos, Luang Prabang offers all the casual sights such as temples, palace museum, souvenir shops, and multi-cuisine restaurants. Travellers can explore the city on a rented bicycle. You will also notice that a lot of restaurants are built inside French colonial buildings. Vang Vieng is another fascinating place which can be described as the party hub of Laos and your Laos travel isn’t complete without it. In the past, the place was notorious for its rave bars and alcoholism. But after a government intervention, the place has undergone a makeover. There are a lot of adventure activities such as mountain climbing and tubing. Of course, Laos has many beautiful waterfalls, but one of the best Laos destinations to see a waterfall is Kuang Si. The waterfall is unique because the water is turquoise and the area is gorgeous, not to mention the swarm of butterflies which make the place magical. A great place for a swim and locals say that the fish offer a foot treatment as well!
Being the capital, Vientiane is more urbanized and a lot busier than the rest of the country. A good place if you want to take a break from being close to nature and want to return to the urban world for a few days. The city has a decent number of restaurants that serve western food, which makes it one of the best places to visit in Laos for foodies. Much like most parts of Laos, Nong Kiau too is known for its beautiful scenic views. This tiny town is only a couple of hours drive from Luang Prabang. Aerial adventures, boating, kayaking, mountain hikes and nature park visits are some of the popular activities to experience in this tranquil town.
If you ever get a chance to visit such an amazing country, don’t forget to experience the cave lives there. Also known as the Konglor Caves, this mysterious cave is located in Central Laos. The limestone formations, 300 feet tall ceilings and the Nam Hinboun River that flows through the cave leave travellers feeling mesmerised. Travellers can access the cave on boats but make sure you plan a visit when the water levels are high.
Popularly also known as the 4000 islands, Si Phan Don is a group of small islands in Southern Laos. Some of them stay submerged during the rainy season whereas some of them are inhabited and have beautiful villages, forests and mountains. Don Dhet is the frequently visited island where travellers enjoy the evenings with music and wine. If you are lucky enough you could get to see the snub-nosed dolphins from the island.
In conclusion, I’d suggest you guys travel to such a peaceful and breathtaking place at least once in your lifetime. Land of paddy fields and mountainous terrains, Laos is truly a heaven for those who love Southeast Asian culture, climate, and landscapes.
0 Comments