Innovative Travel in Cambodia, Vietnam, Laos & Thailand with Travel Loops
Laos >> Travel Guides
Laos suffered from years of fighting during the Vietnam War, and is perhaps the most isolated country in Southeast Asia. However, this isolation means that Laos still has a mostly pristine natural environment, and unspoiled ethnic cultures. Life in villages here is unchanged, and even in the capital, Vientiane, a relaxed, riverfront lifestyle still exists. Of course the jewel of Laos is the ancient royal city of Luang Prabang, with its centuries-old temples. Seeing the hundreds of monks in their saffron-robes in silent procession moving about the city is unlike anything else in Asia.
Away from the cities, there is also much to see and do. There is the remarkable Plain of Jars in Xieng Khuang Province, the market town Pakse, and in the south, Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) in the Mekong River. For trekking and camping there are the forest covered mountains of Northern Laos, where community-based trekking combines spectacular natural beauty with a village home-stay, and the chance to experience village life first-hand.
In the area of Vang Vieng with its quiet flowing rivers and towering limestone karsts, you can enjoy kayaking, rafting, rock-climbing and cycling.
Laos is developing to be sure, but it still retains much of what has been unfortunately lost in other parts of Southeast Asia. Among travelers, Laos is gaining a reputation as a destination for those seeking nature and culture.
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