Laos, a small Southeast Asian gem, is nestled along the borders of the mighty Mekong River. My unforgettable journey started in the charming capital, Vientiane, a destination I wholeheartedly recommend sharing in this blog.
Right from the airport, the welcoming stares and genuine smiles foreshadowed the thrilling adventure ahead. Laotians, with their warm and simple hearts, readily posed for pictures, offering enthusiastic cheers and ensuring my comfort throughout the trip.
Engaging conversations revealed fascinating tales of their history, including memories of the French colonization, with remnants still visible in places adorned with French historical artifacts.
Navigating the country was a breeze, and I’ve compiled an exciting list of must-visit places below.
1. Swim at the Tad Sae Waterfall
The serene beauty of this waterfall is meticulously preserved, providing a tranquil oasis amid the lush abundance of countless trees and invigorating fresh air. The experience of dipping my feet into the cool water was both refreshing and invigorating.
To reach this hidden gem, we embarked on a brief boat ride across a nearly motionless river, enveloped by the surrounding forested landscape. Access to this natural wonder is limited to boats departing from Luang Prabang, ensuring its secluded allure.
A distinctive aspect of Laotian culture is their deep bond with elephants. Here, in this very location, the opportunity for an elephant ride presented itself. You might wonder if I seized the chance. I was truly tempted, but my adventurous spirit momentarily yielded to my underlying fear, a decision I don’t regret.
Although I observed a Laotian skillfully using the elephant’s tusks to guide its movements, I couldn’t summon the courage to ascend the massive creature myself.
Upon the elephant’s back, a sturdy wooden bench-like seat accommodated a maximum of three people, providing a comfortable perch. The gentle swaying from side to side as the magnificent animal ambled along the riverbanks was a mesmerizing sight.
Due to their colossal size, reaching the elephants required ascending from a small, thatched wooden house equipped with stairs.
In the pool-like area where the waterfall’s descent slowed, the intriguing greenish hue puzzled me. Regardless, standing in the water felt like a soothing foot therapy session, especially after ascending the steep wooden stairs on the hill.
2. Relax at Kuang Si Waterfall
The Kuang Si Waterfall, still within the beauty of Luang Prabang, proved to be another serene haven well worth a visit.
The pristine whiteness of the cascading falls was a captivating sight, harmoniously blending with the bluish hues of the surrounding water.
The presence of swimming areas provided an opportunity for a refreshing dive, and the falls, with their layered appearance, brought a sense of tranquility rather than the deafening rush often associated with towering waterfalls.
The peaceful ambiance of the forested surroundings offered a stark contrast to the bustling and noisy world outside, creating the perfect setting for relaxation and rejuvenation. Although I couldn’t swim, the experience was still remarkably soothing, with each breath of the fresh, unpolluted air carrying the essence of the falls.
3. Tour Savannakhet city: a unique Laos gem
Heading up to Savannakhet brought the delightful touch of the warm breeze from the Mekong River, as this city lies along its tranquil shores.
Gazing across the riverbanks, I liked the enchanting sight of Thailand’s shores, enhanced by the mesmerizing sunset and the invigorating air.
Sipping on the sweet, soft green coconut water, I couldn’t help but appreciate the distinct flavors that highlighted the uniqueness of the Laos people. Coming from a tropical country where coconuts are typically in their mature, brown state, this experience allowed me to savor coconuts in a “not quite strong” form.
Learning about a country’s historical aspects serves as a bridge to connect with and better understand its rich culture.
In this city, a stroll through the business districts reveals a picturesque blend of vintage French colonial and Sino-Franco architecture, a delightful reminder of its past.
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Once a bustling French trading outpost during the colonial era, Savannakhet still holds onto much of that historical charm, offering a glimpse into the old life that shaped the city.
A fascinating stop on my journey was the Dinosaur Museum, dedicated to prehistoric research. Within its modest walls, I discovered an impressive collection of fossils, excavated from as far back as 1930 to the present day, accompanied by detailed descriptions in both French and Laotian.
Among the treasures, I marveled at the skeletal remains of four dinosaurs and caught a glimpse of mammalian remnants dating back an astounding 200 million years.
Truly, a remarkable wellspring of history that left me in awe.
In this city, you’ll find the That Ing Hang Stupa, a revered Laotian Buddhist temple that warmly welcomes Thai Buddhists as well. Esteemed as the sacred abode of Buddha’s bone, this site holds immense significance for Laotians, who deeply honor and respect it.
It’s customary for people to offer monetary contributions to the Monks. They do it before entering the temple, although this gesture is entirely voluntary.
4. Watch the sunset at the Patuxay Park and Buddha park
Laos’ capital city is a treasure trove of experiences. It’s waiting for the world to discover it. Beginning with the splendidly crafted Victory Gate at the heart of the town, you’ll find a multitude of wonders to explore. The gate has intricate tower lighting, creating a captivating spectacle in the evening.
This historic gate bears resemblance to the iconic Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Equally, it incorporates symbols of both Buddhist and Hindu deities, a testament to the rich cultural tapestry of Laos.
A leisurely walk through Patuxay Park offers the opportunity to capture the beauty of fresh flower herbs through photographs. The long pathways and inviting benches seem to have become a popular evening retreat for many. It creates a tranquil ambiance for relaxation and enjoyment.
Exploring the Buddha Park in Xieng Khuan was a unique experience. Despite that, the sculptures did not hold immediate spiritual significance for me.
The intricate craftsmanship dedicated to crafting Buddha and Hindu deities was truly astonishing. It showcases the immense creative effort put into each piece.
While some of the sculptures were imposing in size, the attention to detail in the art was truly remarkable, making it a captivating sight.
Enveloped by towering palm trees, the meticulously maintained green grass created a welcoming environment. It’s akin to a carpet, inviting visitors to freely roam and interact with the array of statues.
If you want to visit the Buddha park in Laos, click here.
5. Shop at Laos Markets
In Laos, nearly every neighborhood boasts its own vibrant market. These bustling markets offer a diverse array of products, catering to various needs, ranging from essential food items to clothing and exquisite arts.
I found the abundance of souvenirs particularly intriguing, and their affordable prices made the shopping experience even more enticing. The local currency, the kip, is quite economical, with $5 USD translating to 58443 kip.
The prevalence of beautifully crafted elephant-themed decorations and symbols highlighting the country’s exceptional heritage caught my attention. As I explored these markets, Iabsorbed the peaceful and tranquil ambiance. I thoroughly enjoyed a relaxed and fulfilling time throughout my visit.
These five fantastic places to visit in Laos are worth a visit.
Find out what you can do in Ghana before you visit.
For general travel advice, read four lessons I learned from traveling to 10 countries.
