Laos is a stunning country that is beginning to attract visitors. It is a landlocked country bordering Myanmar (Burma), China, Vietnam and Thailand . There are about 60 ethnic groups is Laos though it has one of the lowest populations in Asia. Its culture is strongly Buddhist. The Laos people are gentle and peaceful people.
Much of the country is dominated by forested mountains, valleys and large rivers and is therefore the perfect destination for nature lovers and those seeking to visit a land rich in culture. It is for those who would like to visit at this stage, an unspoilt Asian destination. Its infrastructures are in its infancy and thus provides its attraction!
Laos has a tropical monsoon climate with two distinct seasons.
May – October: Rainy season Average temperature 30 Degrees Celsius
November – April: Dry season and can be quite cool at night – Lowest temperature
about 15 Degrees Celsius
March – April: Hottest months - temperatures can reach as high as 38 Degrees Celsius
Luang Prabang is a beautiful UNESCO World Heritage town. It is set amid lush mountains and has many golden temples and saffron robed monks.
The Mekong River – the lifeblood of Laos
Sacred Pak Ou Caves. Since the 16th century, local people have brought images of the Buddha to place in the caves
Visit a local village like the village of Ban Xanghai, where they make the local rice wine or the village of Ban Phanom, a village well known for its crafts, pottery and hand weaving.
Wat Pa Phon Phao is a forest temple famous for the teachings of Ajahn Saisamut. This large golden stupa contains three inside levels plus an outside terrace with a view into the countryside and Luang Prabang. The inside walls are painted with many Buddhist stories and moral admonitions.
Take a dirt road through teakwood plantations and rice fields up the Nam Khan valley.
Trek into a Khamu village where you get an insight in everyday life and culture of this hill tribe minority. The village is nestled on the foot of a big mountain range set in amazing landscape. This village offers some interesting aspects of the rural life in the Lao countryside. Take your time to wander around and learn from these people.
Why not add Laos on to your trip to Vietnam?
