Tailor Made Holidays in Laos: Highlights

Visit Wat Phou in Champasak

The pre-Angkorian ruins of Wat Phou are some of the region's best kept secrets; a fascinating introduction to the skills of the Khmer inhabitants without the crowds of Angkor Wat. Located along a beautiful stretch of the Mekong at its widest point, this World Heritage designated site is a great excuse for a trip to the lesser-visited south of Laos.

Read more about: Champasak
 
Cruise along the Mekong from Luang Prabang

This relaxing cruise up the mighty Mekong to the Thai border provides arguably the most captivating river journey through this enchanting country. Dramatic mountainous scenery and stops en route to chat with friendly local villagers make for a journey that really encapsulates the charm of the nation.

 
Drift around the 4000 Islands at sunset

The Mekong is at its widest and most peaceful in the south of the country towards the Cambodian border. The pace of life here is even slower (if that is possible!) than anywhere else in Laos. The tranquil waters are bathed in colour at sunset and this is the perfect time to glide amongst the islands in a traditional longtail boat.

Read more about: 4,000 Islands
 
Drive along the scenic highway between Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng

This must be the most spectacular drive in Laos, if not in all of Indochina. The fantastic limestone mountains tower above the steep valleys as the road winds its way through the centre of this tiny land-locked country. Villages cling to the edges of the road and villagers watch as the few vehicles of each day make their way past.

Read more about: Luang Prabang
 
Enjoy a cup of rich aromatic Lao coffee

The Bolaven Plateau is a wonderful, lush land of waterfalls and coffee plantations whose fresh air, cool climate and fertile soil produces some of the world's finest Arabica beans. Most of the coffee produced here is exported to France and the French seem content to keep this secret to themselves! Make sure you sample a few cups whilst in Laos and buy some to take home with you.

Read more about: Bolaven Plateau
 
Explore the enigmatic Plain of Jars

No one really knows who made the hundreds of huge stone jars that are now scattered around this remote upland area. How old are they? Why were they made? What were they used for? Why were they then left lying outside on the plain? This is a place full of mysteries still waiting to be answered...

Read more about: The Plain of Jars
 
Learn to look after your own elephant for a few days

If you tire of temples and towns, why not make an appointment with an elephant at the Lao Spirit Lodge in the mountains outside Luang Prabang. During your stay you will get to know your elephant, help with her bath, feed her, learn about her health and take a wonderfully relaxing walk along the river. If you are lucky you may even spot monkeys and wild cats.

 
Stroll around Luang Prabang night market

The night market is a great place to purchase souvenirs and gifts. The large market takes place every night on the main street, the lanterns and colours from the stalls provide a great atmosphere for an evening stroll.

Read more about: Luang Prabang
 
Sample a bottle of Beerlao

Beerlao is the national lager of Laos and widely regarded as one of the finest produced in the region. Definitely worth a taste with a plate of laap; a typically Lao meal made with meat or fish, lime and chillies.

 
Go trekking in Nam Ha National Park

Not only is this densely forested, mountainous area of northern Laos stunningly beautiful, it is also home to the widest variety of ethnic minority groups in the country, including Hmong, Akha and Khamu. Very few tourists visit this area and as such, a trek through the national park to a local village can be an extremely rewarding and authentic experience.

Read more about: The Far North
 
Visit Pha That Luang

This magnificent golden stupa in Vientiane is the most revered national monument in Laos. According to legend, Indian missionaries built a stupa on this site as early as the 3rd century BC to house a piece of the Buddha's breastbone. The current monument has been designed to represent different aspects of Buddhist ideology and a visit is an essential aspect of a trip to the capital city.

Read more about: Vientiane
 
Watch monks collecting alms in Luang Prabang

Well worth the early morning start, this daily ritual is a wonderful insight into the Buddhist culture of Laos. At dawn in Luang Prabang, a colourful stream of orange robes pours from the temples as the monks collect alms from the local people, who provide a constant daily source of food for them.

Read more about: Luang Prabang
 
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