Top 5 reasons to visit Laos

18, October, 2017

Spectacular countryside, romantic cities & temples await

Laos is a country with many hidden depths and is often overlooked by its closer and more popular neighbours; Thailand and Vietnam. Laos is landlocked between some of the most beautiful landscape in South East Asia.

Its relaxed Buddhist way of life and laid back French-inspired culture makes Laos a fascinating country to visit and spend time touring.

Tour in Laos is growing in popularity and are the perfect way to see a country. Laos tours can give you a unique insight into the many hidden depths a country has to offer and Laos travel agencies are affordable and always have your best interests at heart.

We have put together our top 5 reasons as to why you should visit Laos.

Beautiful cities

Vientiane - The walker's city
The name alone is reminiscent of a quaint small French village. However, this beautiful city will leave you experiencing tradition and culture. The city is home to almost 800k people and as you walk around its many wonderful sights, you will be warmly welcomed.

Our top place to visit:
Patuxai - You will feel like you are walking through Paris. A long avenue flecked with greenery and impressive buildings, you will simply love perusing this thoroughfare.

Vientiane is a laid-back city with a traditional vibe and some incredibly interesting sights and architecture.

Luang Prabang - The city of romance
A city listed as a world heritage site, Luang Prabang is a fantastic city to walk around. It is home to temples and colonial style buildings and is surrounded by green, lush countryside.

A spiritual city with heart and soul.

Our top place to visit:
Wat Xieng Thong - For when only a traditional Buddhist temple will do. This ornate terracotta building is truly beautiful. With over 20 buildings to peruse, you will be suitably impressed with the most important spiritual home in Laos. A short trip from the city and easy to walk around.

Your Laos tour operator will be able to organise food tours, city bike tours, and even a cookery class.

2. Impressive Temples, monuments & Museums

Our top two destinations:

Wat Phu
A UNESCO world heritage site perfectly located in a stunningly beautiful countryside location. The temple is situated on a hillside and is surrounded by the Mekong River. Imagine a huge temple which has slowly fallen down over time, it is not believed to be one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos, dating back to 13th century. Every year the locals hold a festival at the temple and celebrate its spiritual significance. A ‘must see’ on any tour in Laos.

The Plain of Jars
A very cute name for a sight of beauty. The plain of jars is an impressive far stretched range of stones all uniquely formed like jars. At nearly 2000 years old, you will be walking amongst history. The stones are spread over a huge landscape and with over 250 to walk around, it really is a sight to behold. A tour will often ensure you arrive before the crowds too.

3. Cuisine - Food, food, food!
The French certainly left a legacy of delicious food behind. The Laos diet is typically made up of rice; sticky rice to be exact. Sticky rice is what the essence of being from Laos is all about. Walk any street and you will be offered some of the best and freshest baguettes - bread inspired by the French. Street food is huge in Laos and you will be faced with some of the freshest and most delicious food in the world.

Our top Laos dish:
You have to try the most famous dish ‘larb’. Larb is a spicy mixture of marinated meat or fish that is served with fresh herbs, greens, and spices. It is all served raw and is truly delicious and fresh.

4. Experience River life on the Mekong Delta
Laos is kissed with the Mekong Delta and Nham Khan rivers. Your tour will undoubtedly take you alongside the secrets of what both have to offer.

Our top Mekong river experience:
Si Phan Don is a group of islands nestled on the Mekong River. There are so many tiny islands to explore and it is an area yet to be discovered by tourists. You will be able to sit back and relax in a local coffee shop and watch the sunset over this extraordinary place. Your Laos tour operator could organise a trek into the local countryside too and you will experience true river life as the locals have built their community around its heart.

5. Thrill-seeking adventures!
In a country with so much diverse countryside, there are so many opportunities to experience thrill-seeking adventures. One day you could be trekking through rainforests and the next you could be rafting along the wonders of the Mekong River. Vang Vieng is a destination which draws in many tourists and has a varied and interesting nightlife. However, if you are looking for thrill seeking adventures this is definitely the place for you. Surrounded by perfect mountains for abseiling and local villages to mountain bike around, you will be spoilt for choice.

Our top pick in Vang Vieng:
Tham Phu Kham - A trek to these impressive caves is a fabulous way to explore the local area. Cross the river, climb a few steep steps and be greeted with a cave which hides a plethora of wildlife and blue lagoons. Take a swim and enjoy the magical views around you. Your tour operator will be able to organise a trek for you.

Laos is a beautiful country with so much to offer any intrepid traveler. Using a tour operator will ensure you get the best out of your holiday, so what are you waiting for?