Laos

Laos is a landlocked country steeped in nature, food, history, and Buddhism.

Laos is wrapped in a mountainous landscape, making it one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, even if it lacks the beaches of other countries. Adventure travel is big here. You can go zip-lining, kayaking, hiking, and cave tubing all in one day.

It used to be a popular destination for partying but, since the wild tubing days have been curtailed, it’s turned into a more relaxed, outdoor-oriented country.

Backpacking Laos is something you have to do, especially if you’re exploring Southeast Asia. I loved the country a lot more than I thought I would!

1. Explore the Vieng Xai Cave City

Located close to Sam Nua (near the Vietnamese border), Vieng Xai Cave City served as living quarters for Laotian soldiers during the 1960s. You can see the living quarters as they were — the Kaysone Phomvihane Cave even has a working air-circulation pump. Guided tours are found at the Vieng Xai Caves Visitor Centre. Admission is 60,000 LAK ($6.90 USD). The bus there is 20,000 LAK ($0.25 USD) while a tuk-tuk (no matter how many people) is 150,000 LAK ($0.75 USD).

2. Trek to the Kuang Si Falls

This huge waterfall near Luang Prabang is breathtaking. Turquoise waters flow over rock ledges into dramatic pools perfect for swimming. The picture at the top of the page? Kuang Si! Definitely do not miss this place. Be sure to find the secret pool for a swim too! (My blog post has info on how to find it.) Admission is 20,000 LAK ($2.50 USD), and a tuk-tuk from Luang Prabang will cost 30,000-40,000 LAK ($3.50-4.60 USD).

3. See the Great Stupa (Pha That Luang)

The Great Stupa in Vientiane is a 148-foot gold-covered stupa (a dome-shaped Buddhist shrine) and is considered the greatest monument in the country. Its exterior looks like a fortress with high walls, but the inside has many Buddhist, flower, and animal imagery throughout. You can admire the stupa from outside for free (which is what most people do). If you want to enter, admission is 10,000 LAK ($1.15 USD).

4. Head to Vientiane

The capital and largest city in Laos is full of important national monuments and temples, like the Great Stupa and the Sisaket Temple. While there, be sure to check out Buddha Park, a sculpture garden full of giant Buddha statues. It’s the most cosmopolitan city in the country, and you’ll find an up and coming foodie scene here.

5. See the waterfalls at the Bolaven Plateau

Located in Southern Laos close to the city of Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau is part of a crater that formed from an ancient volcano. Trek around the area and explore several of the waterfalls. The Bolaven Loop cuts through the entire crater and takes you close to all the falls. Each waterfall has its own entrance fee (usually between 5,000-10,000 LAK/$0.60-1.15 USD) as well as a parking fee for your bike (3,000-5,000 LAK/$0.35-0.60 USD).

6. Visit the Elephant Conservation Center

Located in Sainyabuli, the ECC was launched in 2011 by a team of elephant specialists working towards protecting the elephant population in Laos. It’s the best way to see elephants in a responsible way that doesn’t harm them. Prices start at 1,822,680 LAK ($210 USD) for a two-day visit while a seven-day volunteering session costs around 3,905,740 LAK ($450 USD).

7. Slow boat on the Mekong

Drift down the Mekong River on a long, narrow boat with comfortable seating, home-cooked meals, and a unique view of the countryside. You can find a ride typically from the border at Huay-Xai that will drop you off in Luang Prabang. Slow boats take two to three days. Prices will vary depending on the quality of your tour company, but an average tour will cost you around 1,000,000 LAK ($115 USD).

8. Phou Hin Poun Conservation Area

Mountains, a limestone forest, rivers full of rapids, and caves await you in the protected Phou Hin Poun area of Laos. The entire area is filled with unique species of flora and fauna, including macaques, tigers, and gibbons. (Yes, tigers.) A two-day guided trek will cost around 1,000,000 LAK ($115 USD) with everything included.

9. Get outdoors in Nong Kiew (Muang Ngoi)

Life in this quaint village on the Nam Ou River is slow and peaceful, but Nong Kiew is a popular draw for outdoor lovers. The towering limestone cliffs are ideal for experienced climbers, and there are many hiking trails leading to nearby waterfalls and caves. To get there, you can take a bus from Luang Prabang to Pak Mong and then a tuk-tuk the rest of the way.

10. Chat with a monk

On the first Sunday of every month, monks gather at the Sangha College in Vientiane to chat with tourists. You’re able to ask them about their practice and daily life, and in return, they’ll practice their English.

Vientiane

Meandering along the banks of the Mekong, Vientiane is surely Southeast Asia's most languid capital. The wide streets are bordered by tamarind trees and the narrow alleys conceal French villas, Chinese shophouses and glittering wats.

Si Phan Don

Laos’ hammock-flopping mecca has been catering to weary travellers for years. While these tropical islands bounded by the waters of the Mekong are best known as a happy haven for catatonic sun worshippers, more active souls are spoilt for choice.

Luang Prabang

Bordered by the Mekong River and the Nam Khan (Khan River), this timeless city of temples is the stuff of travel legends: rich in royal history, saffron-clad monks, stunning river views, world-class cuisine and some of the best boutique accommodation in the region.