Laos, Land of a Million Elephants, is diverse and rich in scenery and activities, catering to the needs of most adventurers, culture seekers, Buddhist aficionados, and even the foodies!
Laos used to be known as Lan Xang, meaning “The Land of a Million Elephants”. After years of war and loss of habitat, there are not many left.
Come along as we find out what makes Laos such a special destination to travellers. Here’s my Top 9 recommended
Table of Contents
1. Visit the Hill Tribes of Luang Prabang
The lowlands and hills surrounding Luang Prabang are home to several ethnic minorities such as the Khmu, Hmong and the Yuan people. Just go for a hike outside town and into the hills, or better yet, book a full day or even a night or two homestay in a village with a local guide. The guide will skillfully direct you to the most interesting villages, be a much-needed translator to assist in communicating with the locals, and obtain permission from the village chiefs to enter the village.
Meet the shaman of the village and get invited into his home to hear about the tasks he performs for his village.
It is an eye-opening experience to visit these tribes and experience a day in their life. Trekking from one village to another through rugged jungle and hills is a thrilling experience not to be missed.
Hilltribes outside Luang Prabang, Laos
2. Meet Local Rice Farmers Outside Vang Vieng
The major attraction of Vang Vieng is the beautiful natural setting of the rice paddies among the tree-covered limestone karsts jutting into the sky.
Rent a bicycle and head into any direction in the towering landscapes. One of the most beautiful settings can be reached by crossing the small bridge to the west of town. A short ride later will place you amongst the rice paddies and incredibly beautiful scenery. Often you need to put down the bike to talk to local farmers tending their muddy rice paddies.
The area offers dozens of caves to explore and cool turquoise swimming holes. Continue further west to the village of Ban Na Thong and its nearby Tham Phu Kham cave and a beautiful bluish lagoon. It is easy to spend a full day here!
Rice paddy workers, Vang Vieng, Laos
3. Luang Prabang Monks Collecting Alms at Sunrise
It is a humbling experience to be part of the daily ”tak bat” ritual when barefooted saffron-clad monks walk single file, oldest first, carrying their orange, copper and silver alms bowls in front of them as they receive alms from the local devotees making merit. Get up before sunrise to head into the streets of the town. Ask beforehand which streets are best to see the monks.
Please be invisible while you attend. Bring your longest lens while leaving your flashgun behind. Sit on the other side of the street and pretend not to be there. Watch in silence as the monks walk in meditation and the almsgivers respect this symbiotic relationship by not disturbing their peace. And neither should you disturb their meditation. It is a daily religious ritual not to be missed.
Monks receiving early morning alms, Luang Prabang, Laos
4. Laze Around the Mekong islands
If you are interested in island life, as in river islands, where the motto is “do nothing”, then this is the place for you. The reason to come here is to drink, eat, drink, sleep – on the bed, in the hammock, at the restaurant, anywhere. Then repeat!
If after a day you find this a boring ritual, cycle around the islands to waterfalls, beaches, old French ports, and old French locomotives. Then when tired, get back into the ritual you came for: drink, eat, drink, sleep, repeat!
Don Det Island in the Mekong River, southern Laos
5. Action Outside Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a lot more than tranquil landscapes and rice paddies. While the extremely disorganized river tubing has been tamed down, there are many more natural discoveries to indulge in.
Some of the many activities around town include hiking, cycling among the rice paddies, climbing the sheer limestone cliffs, exploring the caves, kayaking, hot air ballooning, and swimming in the small lagoons. And if you really want to tube down the river, you may still do it.
Scenery outside Vang Vieng, Laos Cave outside Vang Vieng, Laos
6. Travel Along Nauseating Roads
Travelling from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang, in particular via the “old road” that winds through the mountain passes, is truly a nauseating experience. While most people can tolerate this exhilarating ride, some people get dizzy and sick.
The narrow winding mountain road passes through small hill tribe villages, often shrouded in fog, where you can stop to stretch your legs and fill your belly with local staples such as boiled duck egg with an embryo, and steamed catfish in banana leaves.
The road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang Food in the mountains on the road from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
7. Boat Rides on the Mekong River
Join a full-day kayaking tour that will take you past many islands and stop at a few waterfalls. Alternatively, hire a longboat with a skipper and just sit back and go with the river-flow.
There are 4,000 islands waiting to be discovered! Even some sandbanks are worth visiting if you see a small shack set up to serve the local fishermen. They eat simply, noodles and tea, and may even order a cold beer from the shore that will take about 5 minutes to arrive. Slow rides on the Mekong are so magical.
Boating on the Mekong River around Don Det island, southern Laos
8. Monasteries of Luang Prabang
If you appreciated the early morning ritual of barefoot saffron-clad monks walking down the streets to collect alms, visit them in their temples and monasteries.
Luang Prabang has more temples and monasteries that you can manage to visit in a single trip. Each unique in their own way. Many temples have a monastery that is home to the monks. Don’t be afraid to ask the monks to show you their living quarters. Visit the monks inside the “Cave Shrine” known as Wat Tham Phu Si.
Monks at a monastery in Luang Prabang, Laos
9. Vientiane Markets and Sunsets Over the Mekong
While the Lao capital of Vientiane is not the most exciting capital city in Southeast Asia, one of the not-to-be-missed experiences is the colourful night market and sunset BBQ dinner at the Mekong River.
The night market offers delicious, albeit a bit oily, fried dishes. If the food does not attract you, try a BBQ dinner right next to the Mekong River. The area comes alive just before sunset when red and blue plastic tables and chairs are spread out on the grass. The food is good, and the beer cold.
Sunset along the Mekong River, Vientiane, Laos Dinner along the Mekong River, Vientiane, Laos
☛ Read more: Laos – Land of a Million Elephants
☛ Read more: Island-hopping the Mekong River’s 4,000 Islands
Blog post and photos by Peter who has been travelling almost full-time since 2005 and has been to over 122 countries. He visited several countries, such as Japan, more than 20 times. Peter is Editor-in-Chief and Publisher of GlobeRovers Magazine, an independent travel magazine focused on intrepid destinations.