Why Laos is an Ideal Travel Destination for Nomadic Travellers

Often overshadowed by the allure of the well known neighbours like Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, Laos remains one of the least visited nations of Indochina. However, this is something that has served as a boon in disguise for the country. Being isolated from the rest of the world has helped Laos to successfully retain its slow paced lifestyle and old-fashioned charm. And, this is what makes it an ideal hideout for nomadic off the track travellers.

Top 4 Reasons to Pay a Visit to Laos

Laos is one of the least populated countries in Southeast Asia. Though, it is a landlocked and mountainous nation, it is really worth to visit. There are many tour agencies that offer the family and adventure trips to this country. The hilly roads are best for cycling and mountain hiking. It is one of the peaceful nations of Southeast Asia. It offers numerous tourist opportunities to the travelers.

It is a must-see destination for the backpackers with ancient temples, golden pagodas, and French colonial buildings. The visitors can see orange-robed monks walking on the street in the early morning for alms. There are numerous reasons why the travelers like this country. Let us see some of them in brief.

Explore the Historical City Of Luang Prabang

We all know that northern Laos is the home to the wonderful and ancient city of Luang Prabang. It is one of the World Heritage sites as declared by UNESCO. It is famous for ancient French colonial architectures, ornate temples, golden shrines and vibrating night markets. It is the former capital of the country. This town is situated on the plateau between the Mekong and Mae Kok River. Traveling to this city is incomplete if you miss the Vat Xieng Thong monastery. It is a much loved place for the spiritual travelers. Mountain climbing can be best done on the Mount Phousi hill. Other significant sites to visit are Royal Palace Museum and elephant centaury. Travel in Laos to get the best travel experience in between the nature and wonderful landscape.

Get Fresh In the Chilled Water of Kuang Si Waterfalls

This famous waterfall is situated just at the southern part of the heritage city of Luang Prabang. The surrounding area is too good. The main body of the waterfall is surrounded by small water cascades. The visitors come to this spot to bath in the cool waters of the waterfall. They swim in the crystal blue water and explore the area by walking on the wooden bridges over this waterfall.

Discover the Sleeping Capital City of Vientiane

The capital city of Laos is located in the central region of the country. The travelers who are bored by the hustle- bustle of other cities, they can surely visit this city. The travelers can experience a pretty slow lifestyle after coming here. This town is located on the banks of the Mekong River. This place is famous for the ancient Buddha temples, spectacular sunset and sunrise view points and the golden Buddhist monuments. Some of the important must-see places in this city are Wat Sisaket Temple, Lao National Museum, Wat Muang Temple, Buddha Park and Revolutionary Museum.

Explore Southern Laos Starting From Pakse

The beautiful city of Pakse is situated in the southern part of Champasak. The former town is a gateway to the wonderful four-thousand islands and Wat Phu ruins. After paying a visit to this place, the visitors can move forward to the colorful markets, coffee factories and waterfalls of Bolaven Plateau. This area is quite near to the Vietnam border.

These are a few reasons that most of the visitors love to visit Laos for. The tour operators offer classic adventure tours to Laos. Though Travel Laos is not so easy for its geographical location, the government is encouraging tourism for the convenience of the travelers.

A Guide for Your Adventure Trip to Laos

Travellers visit Laos for experiencing and discovering the mysterious and magical Mekong River, remote villages, tribal crafts and rolling mountains. The country leave them with so much precious and incredible memories of the smiling villages, floating markets and saffron wrapped monks that they feel like coming back to this land again and again. If you are looking for a place that is both beautiful and adventurous, then Laos will not leave you disappointed. 

You can also add a twist of adventure to your trip, by exploring the entire country on a bicycle or motorbike. Discovering the secrets of a foreign Land, that too on a cycle is really a unique and incredible experience. 

Mountain Biking In Luang Prabang:

Head out, stay close to Mother Nature and explore all the hidden secrets and facts about Laos. Nature around the ancient city Luang Prabang is outstanding and thus, cycling is one of the best ways to experience the beauty. Exciting bicycle ride in a wonderful setting around this city will surely make you spell bound. Take Laos Adventure Tour for adding a twist of thrill in your trip.  

Exploring the Northern Part of Laos:

You can get yourself involved in the regular activities of Lao people living in the northern parts. People who want to travel actively will love this adventure trip. In this trip, you get an opportunity to interact with the local people and know their culture and actual lifestyle. You will also get a chance to live in their houses and spend few hours in their way of lifestyle. 

Revealing the Secrets of Luang Prabang:

As mentioned earlier, Luang Prabang is one of the most ancient towns of Laos. It is a blend of French and local architecture, but constructed in the rule of Khmer dynasty. The city is well preserved and still reminds the old Khmer culture to the visitors. UNESCO has recognised the entire town as world heritage site. Everything in this town deserves a notice and thus, cycling is the mode of transport in here.

Pak Ou Cave Tour with Mekong Cruise:

The Mekong River and all the landscapes surrounding it are known as the most outstanding attractions in and around Luang Prabang. Explore the entire Luang Prabang town and then take a cruise on the Mekong River for discovering the Pak Ou caves and holy Buddha temples. You can return back to the town by using your bicycle or use the cruise again. This is one of the most magical and mysteries trip in your visit to Laos.

These are some adventurous trips that you can take in your visit to Laos. Apart from these, there are various other destinations that can make your trip an adventurous one. Laos tours gives you an opportunity to experience and witness all the beautiful attractions and historical places of the country.

Introducing a Few Popular and Common Lao Dishes

Lao food is quite similar to the Thai cuisine because most of their dishes are cooked using fresh ingredients. These fresh ingredients include pork, vegetable, beef, chicken, duck, fish, etc. You can also find weird ingredients in this country and that is house meat. 

As the country is land locked, most of the fishes come from the fresh river water and most meat come from the wild animals of the jungle like squirrels pheasants, jungle fowl, deer, wild pig, etc. apart from these wild animals, villages also fed upon the domestic animals like cattle, pigs, chicken, duck, etc. dishes are salted by using the fermented anchovies and are mostly imported from the neighboring country Thailand.

They add flavors to their dishes with juice or flesh of coconut, lime juices, tamarind, ginger, chilies, lemongrass, mint and many more. 

Here Are Some Common Lao Dishes That People Can Try In Their Trip To This Country: 

Rice Ball Salad: 

Rice ball salad is one of the most popular dishes in Laos and every people must try this at least for once. This is actually a mixture of shallow fried rice balls made with coconut, rice and spices smashed and tossed with lime juice, fresh herbs, green onions, peanuts, and little bit of pork that had been preserved. The dish is great because it contains various type of textures in it like the crunch fried rice, slightly crispy herbs, chewy pork and tantalizing aroma of fish sauce and lime juice. 

Consult tour operator who conducts various tours across Laos for numerous other Lao dishes that can make you fall in Love with it.

Lao Sausages: 

Lao Sausages are one of the most wonderful snacks in Laos that you can enjoy with your friends with chilled beer. This dish is a little spicy, but will really make you its fans once you take a bite from it. Its recipe is quite simple, people make it with cured pork mixed with fish sauce, lemon grass, ginger, shallots and garlic.

The Papaya Salad: 

Papaya Salad is very popular in Thailand, but its Lao version is a little different and also has some twists in them. Lao chefs use shrimp paste in place of fish sauce and fermented fish. This gives the dish a funky pungency and intense smell. Just because of these ingredients, this sauce looks very dark with some unknown mysteries.

The Famous Laotian Style “Larb”:

Laotian Larbis made by using lime juice, cilantro, onions, and fresh mint. It will look for appealing to you because they add chewy tripe served with minced beef. This dish also comes with chicken, which is again topped with the crispy fried “Chicken Crackling”.

These are some of the most commonly found Laos dishes. Apart from these, the country has various other dishes that can excite your taste buds to have more and more. Tours and travels across Laos not only offer you great attractions, but also give you an opportunity to taste the most delicious dishes of the country.

Four Stunning Locations of Laos that Deserve a Visit

The beauty of Laos lies in its exquisiteness and isolation. It is a landlocked country and this has helped the country to successfully conserve its native cultures and traditions along with its rich natural diversity. When compared to the neighbouring countries like Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand, Laos does not stand a match when the tourist count is taken into account. However, when it comes to natural attractions and unspoiled destinations; Laos will surely give a tough fight to the neighbours. 

Owing to the presence of untouched country sides and mesmerizing locations, Laos works as an ideal hideout for newly-wed couples and travellers who seek off the track travelling experience. This country shelters some of the most mind boggling natural wonders that work as real treat for the eyes. Now, let us have a quick look at the top five stunning locations of Laos that deserves a visit. 

  

•          Si Phan Don 

Si Phan Don is located in southern Laos where the Mekong River flows into Cambodia. It is popularly referred to as the “four thousand islands”. This location is effortlessly cut off from the mainland and it presents some of the incredible natural sights in front of the tourists. The tourists can explore the watery terrain of this location in various modes of transport like bicycles, four wheelers, and kayaks. A memorable holiday of Laos is not complete without a visit to these destination and the tourists can contact renowned travel organizers to visit a splendid day out in this location. 

Si Phan Don

•              Luang Prabang 

There are several aspects that make Luang Prabang an ideal touring destination of Laos. It is a beautifully preserved city that gives a “lost in time” feeling to the tourists. Luang Prabang features a multitude of ancient Buddhist temples and mesmerizing lush landscapes. This city is strategically snuggled between the popular Mekong River and Nam Khan River of northern Laos. The travellers visiting this location can witness the simple lifestyle of the natives and enjoy staying in the local villages. 

Luang Prabang

 

• Kuang Si Waterfall

The Kuang Si waterfall is located close to Luang Prabang and it presents a magical collection of beautiful waterfalls that are sure to charm the tourists right away. What makes this waterfall different is the set of smaller pools and falls that continue to follow downstream making it an idyllic for swimming. 

Kuang Si Waterfall

•           Vang Vieng  

For the travellers who desire to soak in the feeling of adventure, visiting Vang Vieng is a must. With breathtaking green mountains at the background and picturesque villages, this place proves to be worth of visit. The travellers can opt for a guesthouse and spend an evening in the town or can consider hiring a motorbike to travel around the place. 

Vang Vieng

 A holiday in Laos becomes largely convenient and hassle free one opts for a credible and competent tour operator. Since, extensive regions of this country are largely undiscovered, opting for a competent guide is always sensible.