Laos
Laos is the quiet one in Southeast Asia. While Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia draw the crowds, Laos remains relatively undiscovered, and that is exactly what makes it special. The pace is slower here, the people are gentler, and the landscapes, dominated by the Mekong River winding through jungle covered mountains, have a serenity that the busier countries in the region have lost.
Luang Prabang, the former royal capital, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is arguably the most beautiful small city in Asia. Gilded temples sit alongside French colonial villas on a peninsula at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. Every morning at dawn, hundreds of monks walk silently through the streets collecting alms from kneeling residents. Every evening, a night market fills the main street with handicrafts, textiles, and food. It is a place that moves at a pace that makes you realize how fast the rest of the world has become.
Where to Go
Luang Prabang is the essential stop. Beyond the morning alms ceremony, the city’s temples are magnificent: Wat Xieng Thong with its sweeping roofs and glass mosaic tree of life, Wat Mai with its gilded facade, and the hill temple of Phousi with 360 degree views of the city and surrounding mountains. The Kuang Si Waterfalls, about 30 minutes south of town, cascade through a series of turquoise pools surrounded by jungle, perfect for swimming.
The Mekong slow boat from Luang Prabang to the Thai border at Huay Xai (or the reverse) is a two day river journey through remote jungle, stopping at villages and the Pak Ou Caves, filled with thousands of Buddha statues. It is one of the great river trips in Asia.
Vientiane, the capital, is one of the most laid back capitals in the world. The That Luang stupa, the most important monument in Laos, is the national symbol. COPE Visitor Centre tells the story of the millions of unexploded bombs dropped on Laos during the Vietnam War and the ongoing efforts to clear them. The riverside promenade at sunset is peaceful and atmospheric.
The Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is coffee country, with waterfalls, ethnic minority villages, and some of the best coffee in Southeast Asia grown on volcanic soil. The Plain of Jars in the northeast is a mysterious archaeological site of giant stone jars scattered across the landscape, dating to the Iron Age.
Where to Stay
Amantaka in Luang Prabang is the most luxurious property, occupying a restored French colonial hospital with suites, a pool, and a spa. Sofitel Luang Prabang is set in a beautifully restored 1909 governor’s residence surrounded by gardens. The Rosewood Luang Prabang, opened in 2018, brings contemporary luxury to a hillside above the Nam Khan River. For a more intimate stay, Villa Maly and Satri House are charming boutique options in restored heritage buildings.
Let Us Plan Your Laos Trip
Laos is best experienced slowly and ideally combined with neighboring countries for a broader Southeast Asian itinerary. We will help you plan the logistics, choose between the regions, and build a trip that captures the tranquility, spirituality, and natural beauty of this remarkable country.
