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5 Off the Beaten Path Places in Laos

December 13, 2011 in Laos by TravelReflex Team

 

As one of the lesser known countries in Asia, Laos is often overlooked as a tourist destination. As a result, it has remained an unspoilt wonderland that’s rich in culture and natural beauty. Here are five of the best off the beaten path places to visit for a truly memorable getaway in Laos.

1. Luang Nam Tha

If you’re tired of the usual tourist trail, head to the dusty town of Luang Nam Tha for a truly off the beaten path experience. Situated in the north of the country close to the Chinese border, this little town has managed to stay largely untouched by the clammy hand of tourism. Adventurous sorts can try a spot of river rafting or kayaking to get closer to nature. If you’re not a fan of the more thrilling activities you can always take a boat trip along the Nam Tha River to enjoy a more laid back experience. Culture vultures can venture back into town to explore the ethnic museum, which showcases a number of anthropological artefacts including locally made ceramics and clothing. Pick up a gift for a friend back home at one of the handicraft stalls nearby.

2. Phonsavan and the Plain of Jars

 

Situated in the small town of Phonsavan is a mysterious site known as the Plain of Jars. Scattered across the fields are a number of gigantic stone jars that are believed to have been created around 2,000 years ago. Historians aren’t entirely sure what the jars are, but locals speculate that they may be relics from an ancient form of water storage or drink fermentation. The jars are littered in such a haphazard fashion that they look as though they could have been dropped by a careless giant. Take a look and see what you think!

3. Tham Kong Lo Cave

Hidden away in the vast wilderness of Phu Hin Bun is the magical Tham Kong Lo Cave. With stalactites dangling from 300ft tall ceilings and craggy limestone formations rising ominously from the darkness, the Tham Kong Lo Cave is truly a sight to behold. With the Nam Hin Bun River flowing through it, the cave is only accessible by boat. The nearby Ban Kong Lo Village is home to some highly experienced boatmen who know the waters of the river like the back of their hand. In narrow boats they navigate the nooks and crannies of Tham Kong Lo, allowing their passengers to stop and explore the cave at certain points.

4. Phou Khao Kway National Park

Situated close to the buzzing capital city of Vientiane, this park is the perfect pit-stop on the way to the international airport. Phou Khao Kway National Park is a haven for natural beauty. Magnificent mountains tower overhead, delicate waterfalls cascade over rugged cliffs and jagged gorges threaten to plunge you into darkness. If this isn’t enough to entice you, perhaps you should know that the park is home to over 50% of the country’s wild orchid species. Take a trek to discover more about these fascinating flowers that have flourished in Phou Khao Kway’s nourishing terrain.

5. The whisky village near Pak Ou Caves

 

On the way to the beautiful Pak Ou Caves, pay a visit to the little whisky village nearby and try a cup of the local lao-lao drink. Made from a heady mixture of fermented rice, flour and water, this ‘whisky’ is the alcoholic beverage of choice for many villagers in Laos. The alcoholic content is a woozy 55%, so lao-lao is definitely not a drink for the faint of heart! There are plenty of bottles to buy if you fancy taking some for your friends back home, but be warned that there might be a preserved snake curled up inside!

Image from Flickr user Miran Rijavec

Becky is a passionate traveller who blogs about her adventures in London. She currently writes for Enjoybedandbreakfast.com, a company that showcases the unique, the unusual and the truly special bed and breakfasts from South Africa and across the world.

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How to Fully Enjoy Backpacking in Laos

November 30, 2011 in Laos by TravelReflex Team

Local kids substitute as the garbage crew - Muang Sing

Laos is one of the best places for budget travellers to visit in South East Asia. Backpacking in this mountainous country is a truly wonderful experience, something that every traveller should experience at least once.

In order to ensure you do not spend too much during a backpacking trip in Laos, learning about the currency and its equivalent is of the utmost importance. The currency of the country is the kip or Lao Kip (LAK) which is divided into 100att. One US dollar is equivalent to about 8,015 LAK, depending on the current exchange rate. On a typical day, around 7 USD are needed for food and travel expenses although more will naturally be needed for those who eat and drink more than the average person. There are ATMs around Laos where you can withdraw cash although these are mostly located in the cities so when traveling deeper into the villages, make sure that you have enough with you.

Traveling around Laos will not cost much although if you are working to a budget, there are several ways you can keep the costs down even further. One way of doing this is to research the areas in the North of the country that are of interest as the North tends to be cheaper than the South. In fact there are many areas where commodity prices have remained pretty much the same over the past three years so it works out great for budget travellers.

Instead of dining in big restaurants and cafes, it is wiser to eat at food stalls and noodle shops which tend to be way cheaper. In addition the food is often more tasty and delicious than many proper establishments. For those who are fond of hitting the bars for a few beers, however, this is definitely one country where it is not recommended as beer is relatively expensive in Laos, costing about K5000 which can eat up most of your daily budget.

Laos is a great draw for those backpackers who like to trek as the deep forests which separate different villages offer a rewarding challenge especially for those who want to experience the way native Loa live, a lifestyle which has not changed much over the decades. The following are some must visit towns and villages for all would be budget travellers:

1. One of the best destinations in the North is Phongsali which is a remote town. The town is quite different from other Laos towns as there is a heavy influence of Chinese culture mixed with the laid-back attitude and friendliness of the Lao.

2. Meanwhile in Muang Sing, you can find the most beautiful natural attractions and a very traditional way of life.

3. Luang Prabang is one of the most famous attractions in the whole country and is part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites. The town has several temples where you can join the Lao in their worshiping activities whilst admiring the spectacular waterfalls and other stunning sites.

4. Si Phan Don is one of the most beautiful sites in the whole of Asia and is a favorite among travellers. Also called the 4,000 Islands, you will find a plethora of fishing villages, waterfalls, colonial buildings and a lot more besides.

When travelling around Laos, it is best to avoid rainy days as many of the roads are not yet fully developed and can be both messy and treacherous when there is continuous rain. As such it’s best to head there during the early summer months as you will have a better time exploring the forests and other locations in general. In general you should avoid the months of July to October for this very reason. Caution should also be exercised when visiting certain areas as the drug business exerts an influence in many areas so heed the latest Foreign Office advice before travel.

Backpacking in Laos is a fun and fulfilling experience that any traveller will love. Instead of the usual shopping and dining, trek deep into the forests and visit distant villages so that you can experience the traditions and a way of life that is rooted in hundreds of years of history.

About the Author
Josh and Mulan run the travel blog www.londonlaunchpad.com which deals with their adventures around London and the world beyond as well as the site Backpacks City. Connect with them at any time for travel chat, tips and advice.

Thanks to Houston Marsh for the photo from Flickr!

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Where to Stay in Laos

November 27, 2011 in Laos by TravelReflex Team

Laos is a small country that has managed to stay somewhat off of the mainstream backpacker circuit of Southeast Asia.  The country mainly consists of forested mountains, valleys, and rivers, making it an ideal vacation destination for adventure seekers or those looking for a laid-back vacation.  There are plenty of activates for the adventurous traveler to enjoy including trekking to temple ruins among the Mekong Valley, kayaking to limestone caves in Vang Vieng, exploring the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Luang Prabang, among many other things. Laos is full of stunning natural beauty and has an enchanting Buddhist culture.  Below are some unique eco lodges and boutique hotels perfect for both adventure seekers and lounging vacationers.

3 Nagas: LuangPrabang, Laos

 

3 Nagas is located in the heart of Luang Prabang, the ancient former capital of Laos.  This boutique hotel hosts 3 buildings that are more than a century old.  With just 15 rooms and suites spread among 2 separate houses, the hotel offers an intimate setting.  There are 8 rooms in the Khamboua House, which was built in 1903 in traditional Lao style and opens onto a magnificent garden on the edge of the Nam Khan River.  There are seven rooms in the Lamache House, which was built in 1898 for the royal family.  It has recently been restored using traditional materials and construction techniques.  All rooms have a spacious private porch overlooking the street or garden.  There are 3 suites, where guests can enjoy added luxuries including a private entrance hall, spacious living room, and a dining area.  Each room has wireless internet access.

 
Luang Say Cruise and Lodge: Mekong River,Laos

 

Enjoy a slow river journey on the Mekong through Northern Laos.  You’ll pass through remote mountainous stretches of the Mekong between the northern Thai border at Houeisay and Luang Prabang.  You’ll see pristine forests, hill tribe villages, and the magical Tham Thing Caves of a Thousand Buddhas on your journey along the Mekong River.  Luang Prabang sits on the banks of the Mekong and is considered one of Asia’s best preserved ancient capitals.  You will have time to wander through the city, enjoying the architecture and serenity.  In between the 2 days on the river, travelers will stay at the Luang Say Lodge at Pakbeng, a charming riverside eco lodge situated among unspoiled scenery.

 

Kingfisher Eco Lodge

 

Kingfisher eco lodge is in Champasak Province, the southernmost province of Laos.  The lodge is a family run business owned and managed by Massimo from Italy and Bangon, a Lao native.  There are six double room stilt wooden bungalows, that each has a spacious veranda overlooking the fields where you can spot elephants grazing and a freestanding hammock.  The wooden bungalows were constructed using traditional building materials and furnished in traditional Laotian style. The shower is solar powered and the bungalow’s lighting is supplied by an individual solar system.  The lodge has a restaurant that offers traditional Laos cuisine and a bar, perfect for enjoying a drink while looking out at the scenic countryside.  The lodge owners work closely with the local villages to help promote ecotourism in the area.  Activities offered include cycling, hiking, bird watching, and elephant trekking.

 

Grand Luang Prabang Hotel: Luang Prabang, Laos

 

The Grand Luang Prabang Hotel is located on the grounds of the Xiengkeo Palace, and offers incredible views of the Mekong River and the surrounding mountains.  The hotel consists of 78 luxury rooms and suites designed to represent Luang Prabang’s colonial past.  The hotel offers a buffet breakfast in the restaurant that overlooks the Mekong. The restaurant serves delicious international cuisine, including western, Thai and Lao.  There is also a Sunset Bar that is ideal for an evening drink.  The lounge bar features live music and karaoke.  The hotel’s business center offers state of the art equipment and services for any type of meetings, conferences, and exhibitions.

 

Global Basecamps is a specialty travel company that helps independent travelers research and book locally owned boutique hotels, off-the-beaten path lodges and multi-day excursions all over the world.

 

 

 

 

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