Laos

Laos is undergoing a bit of a revolution of late and is fast becoming a Mecca for adventurous travellers. One of the world’s best preserved, most pristine environments is rapidly shaking off its war-torn image and welcoming travellers in their droves.

Whilst you may not come across a fully fledged tourist market or hordes of travellers all following the same well-worn route, you are sure to bump into a few like-minded explorers who like you, have decided to check this place out for themselves. Famous as the most heavily bombed country in history, Laos, on the western border of Vietnam, is largely unspoilt (if you discount the thousands of unexploded American bombs still scattered beneath the surface!) with most of its traditions and cultures thankfully still intact.

Of course, this is predominantly thanks to the underdevelopment of the country as a whole and the lack of fancy hotels, shiny skyscrapers and jam-packed tourist resorts that so many of Asia’s beauties have been tarnished by. Until 1988 tourists were not even allowed access to Laos, something that has actually helped it retain its natural beauty over the centuries.

The Lao wilderness is paradise for travellers looking for nature and adventure. Action-packed activates such as kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and biking are available up and down the country in its mountains, forests, caves and rivers. The best way to soak up the scenery is by boat, ensuring that you stop off at the towns and villages along the Mekong, Nam Song and numerous other rivers which criss-cross the country. The spectacular natural beauty of Laos is without a doubt the main attraction to visitors from the west, but coming a close second is the extraordinary warmth of the country’s local people.

Vientiane

Laos’s capital Vientiane, is much more reminiscent of a big town than a city and like the rest of the country has remained much the same for over a century. Here, you can take in the sights and smells of its flower-lined streets, noodle stalls and markets. In fact you may be pleasantly surprised at the richness of the food available here, many of it with a French influence and a welcome change from the somewhat ‘unusual’ grub found elsewhere in Laos!

Luang Prabang

The former capital of Laos is Luang Prabang, probably the most appealing city of all with a rich sense of culture arising from its collection of over 30 temples and monasteries. At dawn, watch the hundreds of robed Buddhist monks conduct their silent commute among the monasteries – truly a serene sight to behold.

Vang Vieng

Another ‘must’ for travellers looking for adventure is Vang Vieng, nestled beside the Nam Song River and surrounded by stunning gothic limestone karsts. These cliffs conceal several undiscovered (and supposedly haunted!) caves and tunnels just begging for exploration and the river itself has fast become a draw for kayakers.

If you are hoping for an insight into one of the oldest, most beautifully preserved countries in Asia, or perhaps even the world, Laos is a good place to start. A unique place that many travellers are yet to discover, Laos is quickly becoming a hot favourite, so make the most of it now before developers from its giant neighbour to the North cotton on and transform it beyond all recognition.

More great pictures from Laos…

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