Laos is a country that will enchant you with its authentic charm and culture. As a Laos travel guide, I can show you how Buddhism and nature blend in this peaceful land. You will marvel at the Mekong River, which feeds the people and the soil with its riches. You will also taste the delicious products of Laos, such as rice, coffee, tea, and cashew nuts. A Laos tour is ideal for anyone who wants to explore a hidden treasure of Asia. And with My Way Travel, you can customize your itinerary and enjoy Laos at your own pace.
Things to do in Laos, my selected highlights
Watch monks collecting alms in Luang Prabang.
Buddhist monks go on a morning food collection trek with a monk bowl.
As the first light of day graces the enchanting streets of Luang Prabang’s, the ancient royal capital of Laos, a mesmerizing spectacle unfolds. A serene procession of saffron-clad monks weaves through this picturesque town, where bustling cafes, vibrant markets, and glorious golden stupas silently witness this timeless ritual. Among the monks, many are young novices, and their journey begins at the venerable Wang Xieng Thang temple, a majestic tower adorned with gilded figurines and walls adorned with intricate mosaics.
In the quiet dawn hours, the residents patiently await the monks' procession, their offerings carefully arranged on woven mats. This age-old Buddhist ceremony unfolds in profound silence as the alms-givers humbly contribute to the daily sustenance of the monks. The food they collect during this sacred ritual is indispensable to the monks' nourishment.
For those eager to partake in this meaningful tradition, make an offering or observe the alms-giving, I recommend straying from the bustling main thoroughfare of Luang Prabang. Instead, explore the quaint side streets, where you can join the gracious residents in offering your food parcels to the passing monks. It's an experience that immerses you in the heart of Luang Prabang's spiritual and cultural tapestry, a moment of connection with the timeless traditions of this remarkable city.
Create local dishes during a cooking class
Vegetarian buffet selections are available in Luang Prabang, Laos.
Laotian cuisine dances at the crossroads of Vietnamese, Cambodian, and Thai culinary traditions, igniting a sensory journey that captivates your taste buds. The heart and soul of Laotian gastronomy, known as Laap, is an artful blend of minced fish, beef, or chicken, intermingled with vibrant notes of mint and chili, enlivened by the harmonious ensemble of fish sauce and zesty lime juice, all gracefully accompanied by a side of sticky rice. Simplicity is the essence, yet every dish boasts a tantalizing complexity, with chili's fiery embrace, though milder than its Thai counterpart, weaving through the flavors.
In the enchanting realm of Luang Prabang, one finds the ideal sanctuary to master the secrets of authentic Laotian cooking. Tamarind, a charming restaurant nestled along the picturesque riverside, unveils its culinary wizardry through an open-air cookery school ensconced within thatched pavilions that offer breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
The morning cooking classes set out at the crack of dawn on a journey that includes visits to Tamarind's lush vegetable garden and the bustling morning market in Luang Prabang. This bustling market, concealed amidst the labyrinthine side streets, unfurls before your senses with a symphony of scents—crisp mint and fragrant lemongrass waft through the air. The local vendors, characterized by their easy-going charm, engage in cheerful banter as they graciously offer delectable samples and vie for your attention.
Armed with an array of carefully selected ingredients, you return to the sanctuary of the cookery school to craft your culinary creations, a prelude to a sumptuous lunch that will be a testament to your newfound skills. For those who seek a more enchanting experience, Tamarind extends its offerings to evening cookery classes, complete with an excursion to Luang Prabang's vibrant night market, where you can savor the delights of street food, including the piquant allure of spicy papaya salad.
Get to know Laos' emerging capital, Vientiane
Vientiane's Patuxai Arch memorial
Vientiane is experiencing a renaissance, fueled by the opening of new trade routes with Thailand and a surge in airport traffic. The transformation is evident: opulent hotels are sprouting up, and its dining establishments are gaining global acclaim.
Yet, amidst this change, Vientiane manages to retain its serene charm. In contrast to the cacophony and congestion found in neighboring Southeast Asian metropolises like Bangkok, Laos' premier city exudes a more tranquil and unhurried vibe.
While other Indochina cities have aimed to erase their colonial heritage by demolishing its vestiges, Vientiane treads a different path. Its avenues, shaded by lush trees and the enduring French colonial architecture, transport you to a bygone era. Many brick structures, adorned with grand entrances and expansive shuttered windows, are painstakingly undergoing restoration and refurbishment.
Take a night safari in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park.
Boating in Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park.
Nestled in the enchanting northeastern corner of Laos, you'll uncover the hidden gem that is Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park. Cloaked in the embrace of a mystical cloud forest, this place rests beneath the awe-inspiring presence of the romantically named Mount Forever. It's a haven for avid hikers seeking to tread these verdant trails. Yet, what truly beckons adventurers like me to this secluded haven is the park's captivating night safari, a journey that delves deep into the heart of the untamed jungle.
As the day gracefully yields to twilight, the hum of the boat's engine surrenders to the tranquil serenity of the river. Drifting downstream, the world around you awakens. Creatures concealed along the riverbanks stir from their daytime slumber. A torchlight reveals nature's secrets under the expert guidance of your wilderness guide. In the velvety darkness, I had the privilege of encountering elusive wildcats and even the sinuous grace of a python. Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park, where every moment unveils the mysteries of the jungle, awaits your exploration.
Discover the secret caves of the Pathet Lao.
During the Vietnam War, the Vieng Xai cave system was widely utilized.
Just a stone's throw away from the enchanting Nam Et-Phou Louey and tucked amidst northeastern Laos's majestic, mist-draped karsts lies a hidden treasure - the Vieng Xai caves. These mystical caverns serve as a poignant reminder of the nation's tumultuous history.
In the 1960s, these caves became the sanctuary for the Pathet Lao, a formidable communist force. They found refuge from the relentless bombardment that the United States had organized in support of the Royal Laos Government inside the intricate network of tunnels.
Once the clandestine nerve center during Laos' Secret War, these caves were more than hideaways. Thousands of souls called them home, their existence shrouded in darkness during the day, emerging only under the cloak of night to tend to their fields. It's said, with a hint of whimsy, that farmers painted their cows to blend seamlessly into the surrounding landscape.
Yet, beneath the surface, the scale of the Pathet Lao's achievement is nothing short of staggering. These caverns weren't merely shelters; they housed hospitals, schools, exhibition halls, theaters, and even an army barracks. The Vieng Xai caves, hidden away in their emerald embrace, are a testament to the resilience of the human spirit in the face of adversity.
Trek through Nam Ha National Park
A picturesque view of a Gibbon Experience tree home in a Laotian national park called Nam Ha.
To the western fringes, nestled near the borders where Thailand, Burma, and China converge, lies the enchanting Nam Ha National Park. Venture into its heart, and you'll tread along the very trails carved by generations of locals through the lush embrace of pristine rainforests, across rugged mountain terrain, and over undulating hills.
For practical considerations, your journey often weaves through quaint villages, presenting you with serendipitous encounters with the warm-hearted locals while you indulge in refreshments at makeshift stalls. Here, amidst the aromatic wafts of regional delicacies, you have a golden opportunity to engage with and immerse yourself in the captivating stories of the indigenous hill tribes dwelling in these lands, such as the H'mong and Akha communities.
Distinguishable by their distinctive black tunics adorned with whimsical pom-poms, intricate beadwork, and glistening metal disks, the Akha people possess a unique charm that leaves an indelible mark on your senses. In contrast, the Hmong tribe's elegant black dresses are a canvas for exquisite embroidery, a testament to their rich cultural heritage that beckons you to explore further.
Cruise the Mekong and the Ou Rivers
A boat excursion is the greatest way to experience the Mekong River.
As the Mekong meanders its way through Laos, it gracefully forms a natural border with neighboring Thailand. Along its sinuous course, a diverse array of vessels ply its waters, ranging from longtail fishing boats and sturdy barges to elegant cruisers, all bustling with the comings and goings of passengers and cargo.
Beyond its practical utility, navigating these aqueous pathways unveils enchanting snapshots of everyday Laotian existence. Here, you'll witness fishermen deftly casting their nets, children frolicking in playful abandon, and noble buffalo seeking respite from the sweltering embrace of the sun.
For those seeking an unhurried sojourn along the Mekong's embrace, consider embarking on the captivating two-day Luang Say cruise. It embarks from the Thai border, providing a leisurely respite at the unassuming yet cozy Luang Say Lodge nestled in Pakbeng before resuming its journey to the enchanting destination of Luang Prabang.
Alternatively, adventure-seekers may explore the far reaches of Laos' northern frontier by water. As you venture upstream along the Ou River toward the Nong Khiaw Valley, leaving behind the lush foliage for sheer cliffs and rugged mountainous terrain, a landscape transformation unfolds before you. Few intrepid travelers venture this far north, but those who do are rewarded with an unspoiled, untamed wilderness—a hidden gem in the heart of Laos and one of its most treasured secrets.
Discover the Wat Phou temple and the Bolaven Plateau
Ruins of a worship pavilion may be seen in the Wat Phou pre-Angkorian Khmer Hindu temple.
Nestled in the tranquil embrace of Champasak's tropical expanse in southern Laos lies the mystical relic known as Wat Phou, a Khmer Hindu temple some believe to be the blueprint for Cambodia's iconic Angkor Wat.
The three-tiered wonder emerged from vast rice paddies as I ascended weathered stone steps that were bowing under the weight of previous centuries. This architectural marvel, taking its name from the guardian Mount Phou Kao, is said to trace its origins back to the enigmatic Chenla kingdom, which once held sway over these lands during the 6th to 8th centuries.
My journey to the pinnacle unveiled the temple's true splendor. Its façades, weathered and crumbling, revealed their timeless beauty best from this vantage point. The steep tiers offered an awe-inspiring perspective, with the Mekong River glistening like a silken ribbon in the distant haze.
This UNESCO World Heritage Site seamlessly harmonizes with a visit to the nearby Bolaven Plateau. Higher elevations and fertile soils create a haven for coffee and tea plantations. The lush jungle, cascading waterfalls, and vibrant tribal villages add an enticing layer of exploration to this captivating region.
Enjoy the slow pace of life in the 4,000 Islands
Laos's Li Phi or Somphamit Waterfall - 4,000 Islands
Traveling further south along the meandering course of the Mekong River; you'll find it stretching to its broadest embrace, weaving its way through the enchanting Si Phan Don Archipelago, aptly known as the 4,000 Islands. The charming island's residents, whose relaxed way of life harmonies with the gushing waters of this majestic river, embrace a different rhythm in which time gracefully dances.
Although there are a lot of tourists in the 4,000 Islands, those who set out on a leisurely boat trip under the guidance of the river's secrets will have a wonderful day of exploration. With a touch of luck, you might be graced by the presence of the elusive Irrawaddy river dolphins, gracefully navigating these azure waters. And if your adventurous spirit beckons to Khone Falls, a breathtaking spectacle that proudly boasts the title of Southeast Asia's mightiest waterfall. Here, amidst the thundering cascades, the Mekong makes its grand exit from Laos, its mighty waters colliding with the embrace of Cambodia's land.
Start planning your trip to Laos
Start thinking about your experience. These itineraries are simply suggestions for how you could enjoy some of the same experiences as our specialists. They’re just for inspiration, because your trip will be created around your particular tastes.
