Indochina- Laos
Laos
Ancient treasures, exotic intrigue & saffron-robed monks; this is authentic Asia
Landlocked between Thailand and Vietnam, the long forgotten backwater of Laos is startlingly beautiful with rolling mountains, jagged limestone cliffs, brooding jungles, remote tribal villages and not forgetting its lifeline, the mighty Mekong River. The pace of life is slow, centuries-old traditions are lovingly retained and the Lao people are wonderfully welcoming.
In the sleepy capital, Vientiane, tree-lined boulevards brim with frangipani and tamarind, ancient ruins, gleaming stupas and graceful colonial buildings. When it’ s time for refreshments, you’ ll find an enticing number of cafés and patisseries, a tasty legacy of French rule.
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Southeast Asia’ s most alluring places and considered to be the religious heart of Laos. Wander the palm-lined riverbanks and tranquil streets, absorbing the sights of gilded wats and traditional wooden houses. For a truly picture-perfect snapshot of bygone Asia, set a 4am alarm and, with luck, you’ ll catch Buddhist monks as they wander the city to collect alms from the locals. Just outside the city are the popular Kuang Si Falls where it’ s possible to enjoy a refreshing swim in the pools.
Other places of interest include the spectacular scenery and outdoor pursuits in Vang Vieng; whilst in Champasak you can see Khmer ruins including Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; and the small rustic town of Nong Khiaw which is ideal for absorbing rural Laotian culture. In the southeast see the incredible Plain of Jars, some 300 manheight stone jars which are strewn across the hills.
Much of the rest of Laos remains carpeted by green and punctuated only by small backwater towns as well as the Mekong River and its slow-flowing tributaries. There is perhaps no better way to discover this stunningly scenic and culturally distinctive land than a river cruise with Heritage Line or Pandaw Cruises. See pages 134-135 for details.
Kuang Si Waterfall •
Jayavarman
• Nong Khiaw Pak Ou •
LAOS
Vang Vieng •
Luang Prabang
• Phonsavan
• Muang Khoun
Vientiane Hin Boun •
THAILAND
VIETNAM
Mekon g Rive r
South China Sea
• Pakse
• Muang Champassak
• Don Khone
Getting there: Vientiane and Luang Prabang are about 13½ hours by air from the UK( via Bangkok or Singapore).
Best time to go: Laos is always hot and humid. November-January are the cooler months; the wet season is June-October, while February-May is drier and very hot. River travel is best between November and January due to high water levels.
Sleeping Buddha, Vientiane
Nong Khiaw
162 Indochina
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