Untouched Laos

To give you a rough overview of the country, we have compiled some interesting facts to prepare you for a journey through Laos.

Laos is gradually becoming a more popular travel destination, especially among backpackers. Fortunately, the country has so far been largely spared from mass tourism, allowing for a wonderfully untouched land that boasts a history of 10,000 years, along with Asian and European cultures.

The landscape is characterized by steep mountains and deep valleys that gently frame wide, lush fields. The Mekong River flows through the country with its tributaries, enhancing the fact that Laos has no access to the sea.

About half of the country is covered with lush forests, which are home to wildlife like tigers and leopards. Although Laos translates to 'The Land of a Thousand Elephants,' these magnificent creatures have lost the battle for habitat in recent years. It is said that there are only about 350 wild specimens left in the country. So if you see elephants being misused for tourist elephant rides in cities, please do not support this cruelty for a souvenir photo and instead visit one of the reserves where former working animals are taken in.

Traveling by land from Thailand or Vietnam is particularly inexpensive and popular. If you want to save money and have some time, you can travel overland from Bangkok or another major airport towards Laos. This way, you can reach just behind the border and continue to your destination by bus or boat on the Mekong River. You can reach the land of a thousand elephants similarly from Vietnam.

For entry, you need a 30-day visa, which can be issued at airports or border crossings for a fee of $30 - very simple, indeed.

In Laos, you have two options for getting around. By bus over mostly poorly developed roads or by slow boat on the Mekong. Both options are not the fastest, but we would always prefer the boat, as the ride is significantly quieter and safer, and you can simultaneously enjoy the nature of Laos from the water. If you're short on time, you can also fly directly from Bangkok or Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang and save yourself the slow progress.

Guru Tip:

If you're traveling independently through the country, you'll need to pay a small fee to cross many bridges. This can happen even on smaller day trips. Always have some cash on hand.

The map shows that Laos is rather elongated, and travel distances between different cities can be significant. If you're planning a shorter stay in the country, we recommend planning your time well and possibly deciding in advance between the north or south. However, if you have plenty of time (more than two weeks), you can explore the entire country at a leisurely pace without rushing and missing something important. Since most sights are in close proximity to the larger cities, it makes sense to orient yourself around these when traveling through Laos.

Your journey through Laos will likely lead you to the capital of the country. Since 1975, Vientiane has been the capital of the Lao People's Democratic Republic and also serves as the economic and cultural center of the country, with about 350,000 inhabitants. The city stretches along the banks of the Mekong River amidst lush greenery. Vientiane is especially known for its relaxed atmosphere, which allows you to experience this city without much stress. As in all other cities in Laos, tranquility and serenity dictate everyday life here. It is no coincidence that the Lao people are considered a very relaxed folk. Take a few days to explore this beautiful city and its sights without haste.

When staying in the city, several important sights should be on your list. Here, you will find many beautiful colonial buildings that clearly show a French influence and contribute to the interesting cityscape.

Guru Tip:

You can best get to know the capital by renting a bicycle and exploring the area.

There are also many beautiful and richly decorated temples that are all worth seeing. We particularly recommend the large stupa Pha That Luang from the 16th century and Wat Si Saket, which impresses with its many Buddha statues. The 45-meter-tall stupa should definitely be on your must-see list as a national symbol of Laos. With its radiant golden adornment, it is even considered one of the most beautiful stupas in the country. For a quick and delicious refreshment, you should make a small detour to Noy's Fruit Heaven, where you can enjoy super tasty smoothies as well as fresh dishes like salads and baguettes.

You should not miss Patuxai Park with the Patuxai Victory Monument. This 'small' Arc de Triomphe appears massive even from a distance with its nearly 50-meter height and is beautifully adorned with small towers and ceiling paintings internally. It was built in the 1960s to commemorate Laos' independence and has since impressed the tourists of the city. If you want to enjoy a wonderful view, you should climb to the observation deck for just under one Euro and admire the city from above. It's worth it!

Night owls and shopping enthusiasts will find plenty to enjoy at the Vientiane Night Market. As you may have experienced in other Southeast Asian countries, you can find all sorts of products here from food to fabrics to electronics.

Guru Tip:

Definitely try the meat salad Laap (also Larb). This salad made with meat or fish and many spices is Laos' national dish and super delicious.

Stroll through the market in the evening, which, unlike those in other countries, has a more cozy and relaxed atmosphere that makes the visit truly enjoyable. Sample the various (and sometimes quirky) dishes the country has to offer, available at the food stalls. One specialty you might want to skip is the snakes, insects, and scorpions soaked in alcohol. This drink is said to preserve youth and beauty.

For a little break from sightseeing, Buddha Park is just the place. Located about 25 kilometers outside the city center, along the Mekong River, it features many artistic statues beautifully set in a well-maintained park, making it a great spot for a relaxing visit. For a small entry fee, you can wander among the nearly 200 religious statues and discover new details everywhere. Your day in Vientiane will be perfectly rounded off if you head to the banks of the Mekong River in the evening to witness the sunset in a magical setting.

Of course, Laos can offer you beautiful nature, especially around Vang Vieng. The town itself doesn't have much to offer, but it is surrounded by lush nature of verdant rice fields and towering limestone mountains that create a breathtaking backdrop. It's hard to believe that just a few years ago, it was home to wild party life among backpackers. Since the government has cracked down on excesses and drug use, only the many bars and hotels remain as a testament to the past turmoil of young travelers. Fortunately, one of the 'main attractions' from that party era still exists today: You can float down the Nam Song River on large tubes and let your soul unwind. Simply delightful!

Nature lovers and hikers among you will be particularly pleased, as there are countless caves around the village, all of which are still very pristine and call for little adventures away from the tourist paths.

We would particularly recommend one cave: the Tham Phu Kham Cave, which is right next to the popular Blue Lagoon. Here, you can swing into the water with ropes and enjoy the pleasantly cool waters. Since this spot is very popular among tourists, we advise you to arrive early in the morning when the lagoon is still not crowded. There are also two other blue lagoons in the area that are less known, where you are likely to find more peace and even water with an even more beautiful color. Simply explore the area on your own and find your favorite spot.

Instead of spending the evening in a bar, we recommend heading to the viewpoint on Mount Pha Ngeun. The climb in the humid heat may be sweaty, but on the summit, you will definitely be rewarded with a view over the vast landscape. Especially at dusk, the sight of the shimmering fields and mountains slowly bathed in warm red hues is simply priceless.

Do not underestimate the distances: Due to the poor road conditions, you won't be able to travel as quickly as you might be used to in Germany.

Since the town itself doesn't provide much, we recommend renting a scooter or bicycle to explore the area on your own. The often poorly developed dirt roads lead you past vast meadows filled with cattle and large waterfowl. A ride through this area is particularly dreamy, as you will always have the silhouettes of the mountains in view.

The small town of Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos amidst mountainous scenery. It was the capital of the historic kingdom of Lan Xang for a long time. The old town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995 and delights visitors with its many French colonial buildings and charming French cafés where you can enjoy baguettes and warm croissants.

Although this city is even more popular among tourists than the capital Vientiane, Luang Prabang manages to retain the original charm of Lao culture, which is still beautifully evident here. It's best to stroll through the city and also a bit outside the old town, where most tourists are found. We recommend the Utopia bar, where you can relax during the day on cozy cushions by the riverside and at night toast with other backpackers over a cold beer.

Impressive for us Europeans is the large monk culture, which is very present here.

This tradition of the almsgiving ceremony dates back to the 14th century.

For us, it was particularly exciting to participate in one of the daily almsgiving ceremonies, to which visitors to the city are also invited. This ritual begins on the city's main street at sunrise. It is customary for locals and foreign participants to kneel on the sides of the street and then offer gifts, usually food like meat or rice, to the approximately 200 monks. It's best to buy your gifts the day before and arrive early to avoid disturbing the ceremony. Remember to behave extremely respectfully throughout, stay behind the kneeling people for photos, and wear closed clothing.

One thing you should not miss when visiting the city is Mount Phou Si, located in the center of Luang Prabang. It's best to conquer the nearly 150 steps in the early evening to experience the sunset over the city.

The city is bathed in a warm glow as the sun sets behind the mountains.

There are two ways to reach the mountaintop via stairs, and the path is lined with various Buddha statues. It's best to take a small break along the way to enjoy the beautiful view from different points. At the top of the mountain sits a 20-meter stupa, but most visitors come for the sunset. Because it can get quite crowded here later in the evening, make sure to arrive early to secure a good spot. After the sun has disappeared below the horizon, sit for a few more moments as most tourists make their way back and watch as the lights in the city are gradually turned on.

Outside of Luang Prabang, nature has several spectacular highlights in store for you. One of them is the Kuang Si Waterfall, which at 50 meters is the largest in the area. The park in which the waterfall is located opens daily at 8 AM.

Luang Prabang is also referred to as the crown jewel of Laos.

We recommend visiting at this time because the pools of the waterfall are not yet crowded, allowing you to enjoy the beautiful nature a bit more privately. It's definitely impressive to see how the torrents of water cascade down the mountain and over the years have formed small swimming holes where you can swim.

These cascades, set amid the stunning green landscape, are definitely worth a visit! If you're at the waterfall and forgot your snacks at the hostel, you can recharge at the Carpe Diem restaurant, enjoying fabulous views and the refreshing spray.

Although not as high, the Tad Sae waterfall is equally beautiful, rushing through the nature across various levels. Find a comfortable spot at the edge and enjoy the roar of the water or cool off in the natural pool.

A province that has totally captivated us and which you must not miss in Laos is the tranquil Champasak. You'll find it in the southwest of Laos, on the border with Cambodia and Thailand. In addition to small sleepy towns, you'll encounter wonderful nature with the Bolaven Plateau, the Mekong Falls, and the 4,000 Islands. It's a shame that this region is so far removed from the other highlights of Laos and thus connects both parts of the country with a longer journey.

Since traditional methods for producing local products like coffee, rice, and textiles are still used in the Champasak region today, you can join a tour that brings you closer to the production process. This will give you an excellent insight into traditional Laos and allow you to learn something new. Especially around the small town of Pakse, there are many workshops where you can participate and make your own products.

If you find yourself in the south of Laos, you should not miss out on the Bolaven jungle, as here you can have real adventures. One of the items on your list should be a night in a treehouse, and also zip-lining through the dense tree canopies of the forest, passing by thundering waterfalls promises lots of fun and a uniquely beautiful view as you soar through the air. The Bolaven Plateau features numerous rivers that intermittently cascade as waterfalls throughout the area. You will soon find that especially hiking enthusiasts will be perfectly at home here.

Along the Mekong, another special feature awaits you. The UNESCO World Heritage Site Wat Phu, also called the Mountain Temple, is located near Pakse among rice terraces and lush woodlands. These ruins of a former Khmer temple are even older than the magnificent temple complex at Angkor Wat in Cambodia. In the province, you should also take enough time to thoroughly explore the nature.

Stress is a foreign word to the Lao people.

The 4,000 islands found scattered across the Mekong are a true highlight. Some of them are even inhabited, such as Don Det and Don Khon, which are very popular with tourists. Most of the smaller islands are often just trees and bushes peeking out of the water, creating a breathtaking backdrop. Around the islands, besides dozens of waterfalls, you can also watch dolphins frolicking in the waters.

On both inhabited islands, life is very peaceful, even more so than in the rest of Laos. Don Det is the more relaxed of the two islands - nobody feels stressed here!

Those among you seeking a little paradise in Laos have likely found it in Don Det. Unlike most other Laos towns, Don Det is at least as beautiful as the nature it is located in.

Guru Tip:

As there are no ATMs on the islands, make sure to bring enough cash with you.

Laos itself is one of the few Southeast Asian countries with no direct access to the sea, so the many swimming opportunities in Don Det are very welcome in the hot temperatures. You'll have a particularly beautiful view from the bridge connecting Don Det and Don Khon. The sunset over the serene Mekong, visible from here, bathes the landscape in a warm glow, making for a delightful evening.

Once you feel well-rested and have indulged in the numerous sweet restaurants and cafés, rent a bicycle and visit the neighboring island of Don Khon with its beautiful waterfall, where you can relax on a small beach. You might almost forget that you're not at the seaside...

In Laos, there are several festivals that are especially beautifully celebrated by the Lao people. You might be lucky and your visit coincides with one of these celebrations. There's a big festival with various traditional ceremonies during the full moon in February around the temple ruins in Pakse; be sure to experience it if you can.

Another highlight is the new lunar year in mid-April, which captivates and enchants the entire country. The Rocket Festival Bun Bang Fai is celebrated in May with a lot of music, dance, and of course, hundreds of bamboo rockets lighting up the sky.

The Lantern Festival Lhai Heua Fai is especially celebrated in the cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. It always takes place at the end of the monks' fasting period and is so beautiful that it even attracts many people beyond Laos' borders. The beautiful highlight during the festival is the countless small light boats set adrift on the river by the residents, which then beautifully sail towards the horizon. The handcrafted boats made from wood and banana leaves are decorated with incense sticks, flowers, and candles. The residents light the candles and incense at the water's edge and say prayers as they set their boats on the water. You must not miss this uniquely beautiful sight.

In Luang Prabang, there are also parades with glowing figures like dragons, and lanterns illuminate the dark night sky, carrying the wishes of the residents into the air.

Are you as fascinated by Laos as we are? Here, not only a beautiful and diverse nature awaits you, but also the relaxed and always friendly Laotians. Although Laos is not yet as tourist-oriented as its Southeast Asian neighbors, isn't that precisely what gives it its charm and appeal? We can promise you, you will definitely not regret a stay in Laos!