Loas
Laos is the most pristine country in Southeast Asia. Hiding its spectacular charm from the outside world, its beauty lies in intact culture, century-old traditions and heritage, graceful landscapes and quite possibly the most chilled-out people on earth. Visitors to Laos get away from the modern demands and stressors of the day-to-day life while once in a lifetime living an unusual laid-back lifestyle. The peaceful riverfront capital city of Vientiane is famous for its delightful rural life while the historic royal city of Luang Prabang is a sacred place where saffron-robed monks spending their lives in ancient monasteries. Away from the city life, there is so much more to see; the tree-laden mountains of Northern Laos, the enchanting limestone karsts in Vang Vieng, which established itself as the exception to the rule that Laos doesn't have nightlife. and in the deep south, past the market town Pakse, is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), where the Mekong spreads out and all the hammocks are taken. As the country opens up, the tourist map is expanding, making the previously hidden treasures of Laos more accessible to travelers seeking far to the end of the road less travelled.
Near Pak Ou (mouth of the Ou river) the Tham Ting (lower cave) and the Tham Theung (upper cave) are caves overlooking the Mekong River 25 km from Luang Prabang, Laos. They are a group of caves on the left side of the Mekong river, about two hours upstream from the centre of Luang Prabang, and have become well known by tourists. The caves are noted for their miniature Buddha sculptures. Hundreds of very small and mostly damaged wooden Buddhist figures are laid out over the wall shelves. They take many different positions, including meditation, teaching, peace, rain, and reclining (nirvana). Pak_Ou_Caves. Photo by: 松岡明芳
LUANG PRABANG – HERITAGE EXPLORER
3 Days/ 2 Nights
Luang Prabang is best known today for its protected, unique juxtaposition of temples, traditional architecture, and colonial buildings and for the natural beauty of its surrounding province. And even as the city warmly welcomes visitors from all over the world, it remains a vital political, educational, and trade hub for the diverse cultures of Northern Laos.
VIENTIANE – LUANG PRABANG
4 Days/ 3 Nights
Considered by many seasoned travellers to be the untapped gem of Southeast Asia, the diverse landlocked country of Laos is full of surprises. From the mountainous northern highlands to the 4,000 Islands of the Mekong, this nation of just six million has an incredibly diverse geography to match its colourful culture.
Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos Photo by Aaron Smith