Laos Travel Destinations
Despite being the capital and largest city of Laos, Vientiane is really no more than a small town sitting on the northern bank of the Mekong River. The trick here is to slow down to Vientiane's laid back rhythm and take in a few of the sights at a leisurely pace, breaking up the day with a meal, snack or drink at one of the city's many cafés or restaurants. Among the sights to see is Pha That Luang, The Great Stupa of Vientiane, built in the 16th century. The golden temple is Vientiane's most important religious building and one of the most important in Laos. Small villages around Vientiane best detail the growing process of small towns and the approach in a peaceful life of Laotian people. Let's start from Vientiane, your Laos vacation will be going at a joyful and peaceful pace.
Vang Vieng, surrounded by the Nam Song River, sits quietly near the capital. The dramatic landscape of Vang Vieng is the major attraction here, and also something fresh for your Laos tours. Caves of Tham Jang, Tham Chang and Tham Sang Triangle are precious gifts from Mother Nature. And it's easy to explore these spectacular caves with local people who are going in for devotion. Religious sites include Wat Si Vieng Song (also know as Wat That), Wat Kang and Wat Si Suman, and they all picture the faithful daily life of local Laotians. Religious, cultural and natural, one can't miss Vang Vieng if he wants to experience the full dimension of Laos' beauty.
425 km north of Vientiane is Luang Prabang. Until the communist takeover in 1975, this was the capital of Laos and today it remains its spiritual centre. The small city is a mixture of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples with monks in their colorful robes. The former Royal Palace is home to the Lao kings until 1975 and now the Laos national museum. The palace is a curious mixture of traditional Lao style mixed with a strong French influence all overlaid with Buddhist symbolism. Wat Xieng Thong is placed within easy reach of the Mekong, and gold-leaf votives inside line the upper walls of the sanctuary, giving an excellent shoot for your camera from both the outside and inside. Luang Prabang is not only about royal ruins and temples. Kuangsi Waterfalls nearby consist one 180 foot main waterfall and several smaller ones. Pak Ou caves 25km away are filled with around 4,000 Buddhism figures. As one of the destinations enjoying a worldwide popularity, Luang Prabang sure plays an important role in your Laos holiday.
Phonsavan in Xieng Khouang Province, is home to the jaw-dropping wonder of the Plain of Jars. This area is marked by contrasts, cultural and geographical, as the evidence of the Plain of Jars which is undisputedly one of the biggest impression during your Laos tours. The plain is divided into 3 major sites, together they have achieved a high position on the UNESCO's World Cultural Heritage List. Besides, two lovely hot mineral springs are worthy visiting near Muang Kham. It's surprising enough that this area manages to stay calm and peaceful as piles of tourists pouring in for the uprising heat of Laos travel.
In the hidden hill tribes of Luang Namtha, Moung Sing and other remote districts, you can encounter those Laotians of the most culturally colorful life. A warm welcome invites you to their private houses. The time with these hospitable minority ethnic groups will make your Laos holiday even more memorable and joyful. Some unseen places in Laos wait for your visit, too. Ban Nam Yang, Muang La and Nong Khiaw, you can pave the way of some unique experience with these friendly and smiley tribes people.
Laos is the most recent of the SE Asian countries to open its doors to tourists and now is an ideal time to arrange your Laos tours as the country remains relatively unspoiled. Today, Laos travel is on the rise, but despite of pouring-in tourists, its beauty luckily remains in every corner of the country. You'll understand what happiness is really about if you're willing to take your time in Laos tours.
Not sure where to go or What to experience in Laos?
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