The mystical land of Laos has only recently been accessible to visitors and if you’re thinking about traveling there you should do so as soon as possible before it becomes like its more touristy neighboring countries. Parts of the country heavy with backpackers have already begun to deteriorate, for instance Vang Vieng with its crazy whiskey bucket-fuelled tubing adventures. However, there are still plenty of attractions to see that are exactly as they were, and you will feel like you are stepping back in time.
Luang Prabang
This charming old city with French colonial streets dotted with temples and markets is a mishmash of cultures that come together perfectly to make a place you can’t help but be enchanted by. Enjoy traditional Laos street food on the banks of the Mekong or a croissant and a coffee on one of the meandering cobbled streets. Get up at dawn to see the procession of orange-cloaked monks collecting alms from the people.
Wat Xieng Thong
If you visit just one of the many beautiful temples in Luang Prabang, you should make it this one. It’s sweeping roofs and shimmering gold decadence dates back to 1560 when it was built by King Setthathirath. Inside you can marvel at the golden Buddha images, elaborate mosaic of the Tree of Life and rare reclining Buddha temple.
Si Phan Don
The name means 4,000 islands but most travellers head to one of just a few which have accommodation available, whether it’s a charming French colonial villa or a rustic riverside hut with hammock swinging in the breeze. Take a boat trip to see the powerful Li Phi waterfalls and if you’re lucky you might catch a glimpse of the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin on the way.
Wat Phu
Still in use as a Buddhist temple today, Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer temple dating from the 11th to 13th centuries. You can easily spend half a day wandering around this overgrown jungle temple complex situated next to the impressive Phu Pasak Mountain.
Vieng Xai Caves
These caves were home to up to 23,000 communists during the Vietnam War and contained everything to enable day-to-day life to continue including a hospital, bakeries and a theatre. You can take a bike tour to discover the ‘hidden city’ as it covers quite a large area so it’s the best way to take in all the highlights.
The Plain of Jars
A modern mystery, this area near the town of Phonsavan has huge jars between one and three metres in diameter and made of rock. These strange jars of unknown origin are scattered liberally around the countryside and researchers have suggested that they may have been part of prehistoric burial practices.
Pha That Luang
If you make it to the sleepy capital city Vientiane, it’s definitely worth visiting this temple which is a national symbol and the most sacred monument in the whole country. It has an interesting past as it was built on top of the ruins of a Khmer temple in the 16th century but then got smashed to pieces during a Siamese invasion in 1828. The French rebuilt and restored it in 1931 and now you can take in its golden allure and learn about the different stages of Buddhist enlightenment which the levels of the temple represent.
The recommendations above are just a few of the many historical attractions that Laos has to offer. There are so many beautiful temples, colonial towns, charming hill tribes and breath-taking natural wonders to enjoy on your trip to the diverse and ethereal country of Laos. You can also view the short video below for a glimpse of Laos.
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