Laos Travel Guide - Introduction

Friendly locals, stunning countryside and a warm tropical weather system are just a few of the reasons why Laos has become popular with travellers. Add in the fact that it’s also as cheap, or at least similarly priced, as its neighbouring countries and you can appreciate why backpackers flock there in their thousands every year. Laos also has a rich culture based around influences such as Buddhism and its unique relationship with its environment.

Buddhism plays an integral role in the lives of Laos’ citizens and evidence of this can be seen around the country in everything from the small spirit houses that sit outside businesses and residences to the ornately decorated temples in the cities. The people of Laos are devoted Buddhists and this translates into their everyday behaviour through a distinct lack of aggressiveness and a level of calm rarely witnessed in the people of western nations. Tourists are attracted by the both the mystique of Buddhist traditions and friendly and passive demeanour exhibited by the followers of it.

Luang Prabang in the north of the country is perhaps the most tourist friendly city and one which receives a large number of visitors throughout the year. The visitor infrastructure, while still developing, is relatively good and whether a backpacker or a package holidaymaker, you’ll find accommodations and facilities to suit your requirements. The town is only small but has a unique charm created by an interesting blend of typically Lao culture and heritage mixed in with French influences left behind from France’s colonisation of Indochina which came to an end in the mid 20th century.

Around the centre, you’ll find noticeable examples of French architecture as well as obviously French aspects present in the local businesses such as baguettes and good wine. Lao culture meanwhile is focussed on the temples, traditional local markets and typical eateries around the town. Luang Prabang has its own airport and maintains connections with Vientiane as well as with Bangkok in Thailand and Siem Reap in Cambodia.

You certainly don’t come to Vang Vieng looking for Lao culture however what you will find is stunning mountain scenery and the opportunity to have some genuine fun and enjoy the company of like-minded travellers for a few days or a week possibly. Favourite pastimes in the town include taking a rubber tube down the river for hours, visiting the caves and jumping from the rope swings into the local waterhole. Hanging out in any of the local bars and drinking the fantastic Beer Lao is also very popular with tourists.

Many visitors don’t make it down any further than Vientiane and because of this, miss out on the spectacular Si Phan Don or Four Thousand Islands. This is a scenic part of the Mekong River which is home to a large number of small islands (the exact number viewable is dependant on the season and the height of the water) spread out across an especially wide stretch of the river. Travellers can head for Don Det and Don Khong, both of which offer accommodation options and have opportunities for swimming, biking and visiting waterfalls.

Laos is a country with a developing tourist infrastructure and as such it may not meet the expectations of high-class tourists, indeed some destinations are simply not designed to appeal to them. Backpackers however will find the country well geared to meet their needs with prices to match. Luang Prabang is perhaps the exception to the rule as it is now classed as a World Heritage site and is home to some expensive hotels and more classy eating establishments.