Until 1988 tourists were not allowed
access to Laos, but the country has now opened up and it is perfectly
feasible to travel all over the country, preferably with a recognized
tour company. The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing
over the next few years.
Vientiane & Northern Laos
Vientiane
One of Asia’s most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane is
nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River. Many
buildings reflect the country’s past links with Europe, such as the old
French colonial houses and the capital’s
Victory Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity
to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument is the
16th-century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises Buddhist and Lao
union. Other interesting sights include the Lao Revolutionary Museum;
Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple; Wat Sisaket, one of the capital’s
oldest temples; Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15
miles) south of the city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu
structures.
Xiang Khouang
Xiang Khouang province in the northeast of the country is characterized
by lush green mountains and Karst limestone. The capital, Phonsavan,
enjoys a favorable climate being at an altitude of 1200m (3937ft). The
unusual Plain of Jars is accessible from the city and offers the
mysterious sight of hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 6 tons,
scattered over the landscape. The jars are over 2000 years old and
legend says that they were used to ferment rice wine in the sixth
century in order to celebrate a victory in battle. Some 52km (32 miles)
north of Phonsavan, visitors can enjoy bathing in two hot springs: Bo
Noi and Bo Yai.
Luang Prabang
This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since
1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is the cultural and
religious center of the country, boasting 32 large temple complexes. Wat
Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive temples, decorated with
colored glass and gold. Testament to the fact that it had been the royal
capital until 1975, the royal palace there contains fine artwork and
gifts made for former kings. Nearby, in the town center, visitors can
ascend Mount Phousi for a panoramic view of the city and surrounding
rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum (the former royal
palace), easily recognizable by its golden-spired stupa, which houses an
impressive collection of artifacts from old rulers of the Kingdom of
Lane Xang.
Excursions
Close by is Ban Phanom Village, famous for its weavings, which offers
the opportunity to visit a traditional community and to purchase
bargain-priced silk and embroideries. Around 25km (16 miles) along the
Mekong river lie the fascinating Pak Ou Caves, that can be easily
reached by speedboat from Luang Prabang. The two caves, Tham Ting and
Tham Phun, are full of Buddha images that have been left there over
hundreds of years by worshippers. Further downriver is the small village
of Ban Xang Hai, famous for its production of rice whisky. Also worth
seeing are the Kuang Si Waterfalls, situated 30km (19 miles) from Luang
Prabang. Visitors can swim in the lower pools.
Luang Namtha
Situated in the far northwest of Laos, Luang Namtha province is a
mountainous region, with areas of tropical rainforest and over 39 ethnic
minority groups. An ecotourism project for the region has been proposed
by UNESCO. Muang Xing is a small town on the river plains which used to
be an outpost for an ancient southern Chinese empire. A number of guest
houses can offer hiking trips starting from here.
Southern Laos
Khammouane
Khammouane province is accessible from Vientiane by bus. The region is
currently being explored for its potential as a place for ecotourism,
and its amazing limestone formations, caves, rivers and jungle make it a
unique environment. Its capital, Tha Kek, is a good place to reach
other sights, such as the Tham Xieng Lap Caves and the That Skihotabang,
a stunning stupa built by King Nanthasen in around the 10th century.
Savannakhet
Within easy reach by bus from Khammouane is Savannakhet province.
Positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, the province acts as a useful
trading junction between the two. Most of the town’s architecture is
French colonial, including a large Catholic church, although there are
several buddhist temple buildings worth seeing, such as Wat Sainyaphum.
It is possible to walk the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a former clandestine route
used by the North Vietnamese Army to transport military gear to South
Vietnam. The trail was bombed by the USA during the Vietnam war and
parts of this devastation can still be viewed. However, the trail must
be seen with a guide as large parts of the route still contain
unexploded bombs.
Champassak
Pakse, capital of Champassak province, is easily reached by air from
Vientiane. Pakse is home to many ethnic minority groups, much of the
Bolaven Plateau and the famous, although relatively unvisited, Wat Phu
temple. Wat Phu was constructed around the fifth century on a mountain
top near fresh spring water by the Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle
their empire at its former capital – Ankor Wat (Cambodia). There are
breathtaking views across the Mekong valley from the temple. The complex
can be reached by chartered boat along the Mekong river. Other
excursions worth making are to the Bolaven Plateau, where visitors can
enjoy elephant riding and trekking, and to Sii Pan Dan (Four Thousand
Islands), where islands are formed during the rainy season on the Mekong
river. There is the opportunity to see spectacular waterfalls and the
endangered irriwaddy dolphins.
Link partners
Laos Tourism
http://www.luangsay.com
Mekong cruise between the Thai border and Luang Prabang, The Luang Say
Mekong Cruises welcomes you in Laos … 2 or 3 days to discover life in
this unique region of the world, spend the night in the famous Luang Say
Lodge…
Accommodation Luang Prabang
http://www.vatphou.com
Welcome to Laos for an ecotouristic journey on our cruising hotel on
the Mekong River. We offer a very comfortable Mekong cruise, a cultural
journey and an opportunity to understand a bit more about life on this
legendary river…
Luxury Hotels Laos
http://www.luangsayresidence.com
The Luang Say Residence is located within easy reach of the main
heritage area, where golden temples are decorated with mosaics and
murals depicting the life of Lord Buddha, located under the balconies of
19th century shuttered windows
