When people talk about travelling to Southeast Asia, whether for a gap year or a holiday getaway, our minds usually immediately jump to the classics: Thailand. Although Thailand is a wonderful country to visit (check out our 3-day Bangkok guide!), it’s not so well-known neighbour is just as enticing. We’ve picked out the top 6 reasons why Laos should be at the top of your bucket list.
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Incredible waterfalls
One of the biggest selling points of Laos is its spectacular waterfalls. Most famous of all is Kuangsi Falls, located just outside of Luang Prabang in the north of the country. With three tiers of crystal clear, turquoise waters cascading into swimming pools, a visit here is an absolute must. Take a hike through the jungle and cross wooden bridges to get here, you’ll feel like you’ve entered into another world!
Top tip: Entrance to the waterfall opens are 8am every day. Aim to arrive as close to opening as possible to enjoy the area virtually to yourselves! By lunchtime, the crowds will have well and truly arrived.
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Delicious food
Much like the rest of Southeast Asia, Laos is home to some delicious cuisines which is packed with chillis, herbs and fermented meats and fish. Sticky rice is eaten with virtually every meal in Laos, in fact, Laotian people eat more sticky rice than anyone in the world! With dishes and flavours varying from north to south, top Laotian dishes we would recommend trying are:
• Tam Lao – a spicy papaya salad made with black crab, dried shrimp, tomatoes and padek
• Laap Naam Tok – a diced meat salad commonly made with beef
• Jaew – dipping sauces usually made from chilli peppers, grilled vegetables and fermented fish
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Beautiful architecture
Much of Laos’ architecture has been heavily influenced by Buddhism, featuring a mix of hard corners and straight edges, with smooth curves and sweeping roofs. Luang Prabang is home to some of the most incredible Buddhist wats (monasteries), but it also combines the influences of European colonial authorities during the 19th and 20th centuries. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a visit to this well-preserved town is a must!
If you find yourself in the capital, the Pha That Luang stupa, a gold-covered stupa located in the centre of Vientiane, is the nations most important Buddhist monument.
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Breathtaking viewpoints
When you’re backpacking around a country, it’s easy to get caught up in non-stop activities. It’s always worth taking a step back and enjoying a moment to enjoy your surroundings and there’s no better way to do that than watching the sunset or sunrise over gorgeous landscapes. In the heart of the country’s rural areas, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng have numerous viewpoints which offer spectacular panoramic views of the rolling countryside, including Phu Si Hill and Pha Ngern viewpoint.
Top tip: If you’re hiking to the top of a viewpoint to catch the sunrise or sunset, be sure to time it right so you reach the top 30 minutes to an hour before. That way, you can ensure you don’t miss it and get the best seat in the house!
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Adventure activities
After relaxing by waterfalls and watching gorgeous sunsets, you’ll probably be looking for a bit of adventure during your backpacking trip. But you won’t have to look far! From hikes to ziplining, quad biking to tubing, Laos has an abundance of activities on offer for the thrill-seeker in you. Whether you want to face your fears rock climbing or explore the surrounding area by bike, there’s something for everyone.
Top tip: If you’re planning on taking part in adventurous activities while backpacking in Laos, be sure to invest in some good travel insurance to cover you while you’re away. World Nomads offers insurance specifically for trips like this. If you’re planning on joining a backpacking tour, you’ll need to show proof of your travel insurance purchase.
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Big Brother Mouse
When visiting a new country, we believe it’s important to give back to the culture you’ve explored and community that welcomed you during your travels. Big Brother Mouse is a not-for-profit, Lao-based business licenced by the government, which has been publishing books and providing education for locals since 2006.
Their new learning centre, Big Sister Mouse, is located in the countryside near Luang Prabang, and invites travellers to join them for a day to help the locals with their English. From children to young adults, Lao locals are full of enthusiasm when it comes to learning the language, so if you can speak English, you can help!
Want to visit Laos for yourself? Check out our 14-day Thailand and Laos tour or our full 31-day Southeast Asia adventure! Alternatively, drop us a message in the chat box below or send us an email at info@thedragontrip.com to find out more!
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