Laos is a lush green and landlocked country in South East Asia. Popular with backpackers and tourists (although perhaps not quite as much as neighbouring Thailand), Laos is a country that should definitely be on your bucket list.
It’s long and winding roads make travel a little longer but in return you are rewarded by stunning views over the mountains and rolling countryside. Everything is super cheap in Laos too, so great for budget travel. Here are 16 reasons to visit Laos in 2019.
So Many Waterfalls!
Laos has some of the most stunning waterfalls, the most well-known being Kuang Si Falls. Other popular waterfalls in Laos include Tad Sae waterfall, 100 waterfalls, Tad Fane waterfall & Tad Yuang waterfall.
The waters are turquoise blue and you can swim at the bottom of some and jump from the rocks- a thrilling experience. I can’t even tell you how refreshing that water is- especially if you’re travelling in humid monsoon season!
The Friendly Locals
The Laotian people can be a little shy which I found very enduring. They are also so very friendly and welcoming, making travelling to this part of the world just that more enjoyable. Talking with locals, understanding their way of life and explaining to them about your own country is such special learning experience.
Majestic Mountains
The mountains in Laos are magical. From the forests and jungles to the lush rice fields, everything is so beautifully green. The mountains give off a humid steam, that rises from the tallest peaks, creating a majestic atmosphere.
Adventure Activities
For such a small country, there is a lot to do in the way of adventure sports and activities. Laos may be famous for its tubing (this is much more controlled now due to past accidents). You can still enjoy tubing in some parts. There’s also zip lining, caving, kayaking, wild swimming, hiking and rock climbing.
The Pretty Towns
Towns like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng are relaxed places with French architecture still visible. There are great night markets, cafes and temples to explore. Just wandering around the side streets, with the misty mountains as a backdrop is the perfect way to unwind and step into Laos time. Rise and shine early to watch the alms giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang- a cultural experience.
The Food
The food in Laos can be described as ‘what you see is what you get’. If the menu says chicken and vegetable- that’s exactly what it is- no extras, etc. That doesn’t mean it’s not tasty though. Head to a restaurant where you can cook your own food in the middle of the table- it’s great fun if you’re in a group (or even alone). I was also introduced to sticky rice here. A fun way to eat and you can make your own spoon by moulding the rice!
Swimming with Elephants
Swimming under a waterfall out of my depth in some parts, treading water, knowing there is a huge elephant beneath me. Yep, you don’t get that every day. Using a responsible company that treated the elephants very well, there were no chains or sticks, just me and the elephant swimming in the water. And the ellies had as much fun as me. A truly incredible day.
The Mekong River
The mighty Mekong river flows through 6 countries in Southeast Asia (Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Vietnam, Myanmar & China). I visited Laos during monsoon season, so the river was flowing fast and flooding in some places. Take in the stunning river views by hiking alongside it, kayaking down it, boat cruising along it or staying next to it in a home stay.
Observing Everyday Life
Life’s pace is just that little slower in Laos and it can take some time to adjust to this easier pace. Observe the way of life here, sit in a little café or grab a bench by the riverside walk in Vientiane (the capital) and watch the teenagers skating and hanging out. By taking some time to truly unwind, the rest of your time in Laos will be much more immersive.
The Slow Boat
Taking the Slow boat from Laos into Thailand is a great way to unwind and see a different side of the country. Drift alongside small local fishing villages and stay overnight. I stayed in Pak Beng, a small river side town with a reel local feel. Lazily making the journey between the two countries makes you feel like you have all the time in the world. Forget the day/time/week and enjoying just doing nothing and observing from the open air window.
Stunning Temples & Ruins
There are hundreds of temples and ancient ruins in Laos, situated all over the country. Check out Buddha Park, a stunning sculpture park, about 25km from Vientiane. More popular places to visit in Laos are Plain of Jars, Wat Ho Pha Bang, Pha That Luang, Wat Xieng Thong and That Luang. Visiting temples invites you to discover a different culture and to understand their way of life.
The Culture
Laos is mostly Buddhist and rich in culture. Try a Baci Ceremony where they’ll tie white strings to your wrist, which is meant to unite the 32 parts of your soul. You need to leave the strings on for good luck and wait til they fall off naturally. This is a great spiritual and learning experience.
The Markets
There are many markets in Laos. I love going to the local markets to get a more authentic view of life but there are also some great tourist markets here. Selling all kinds of things like hand stitched fabric children’s books, to handcrafted jewellery, colourful trousers, souvenir t-shirts, pots and bowls, rugs, fans, paintings and everything in between.
Chilled Out Cafes
There are so many backpacker cafes in Laos where you sit on the floor on comfortable cushions, can order delicious food, whilst they play episode of ‘Friends’ or Hollywood movies. There are western style dishes on the menu as well as ‘happy’ items which I’d myself be very weary of. Even so they’re a great place to make friends and catch up with other travellers.
Coffee!
Perhaps surprisingly there is a great coffee scene in Laos, and you can book yourself on a day tour, where they will take you to the coffee plantations, explain how the beans are grown, roasted, turning into delicious coffee. There are more and more coffee shops popping up over the country- I may have to go back!
Moto Riding
Laos is a great place to hire out a moto or hire a driver to take you around. Although I’d recommend you have experience in driving a moped as the roads can be a little tricky. That being said I didn’t have much experience but only stuck to the really small roads and drove pretty slowly! For those more confident drivers, then driving up through the mountains is a must.
Cheap Spas
There are many cheap spas and massage places around the country. I’m not a huge one for massages- they either tickle or hurt too much! But I gave in and had a foot and leg massage. After a long day of walking I felt amazing afterwards. There are many treatments to have and some nice 5* spas for those who want even more luxury.
The Nightlife
Although not huge as neighbouring countries, the nightlife here is pretty good. Along the river in the capital Vientiane there are several cocktail bars. Do be prepared to see young women out with older western men- something I found quite creepy and uncomfortable but pretty common in Southeast Asia unfortunately. In popular backpacker towns like Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang there are several bars and clubs catering party goers.
Hope you enjoyed this post on things to do in Laos. As you can see there are plenty of reasons to visit this lovely country.
More on Southeast Asia: How to Spend 36 Hours in Phnom Penh, Cambodia
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4 Comments
Hi Sam, thanks for your review. I’m going to Laos next month for the first time next month so it was good to read. I lived in Thailand for a year about 30 years ago and at that time Laos was off limits. I got as close as Nong Khai in Thailand across the Mekong. When you say you find older Western men with younger SE Asian women “creepy” and it makes you feel uncomfortable I completely understand. However, if both parties are consenting adults then perhaps we should try to withhold judgement. I understand that although the woman may be consenting, the economic disparity between the two people creates an imbalance but it’s still a personal choice. There are plenty of women in SE Asia who choose not to do that. Also in other parts of the world including W Africa and the Caribbean there are lots of older western women in liaisons with much younger local men yet we never hear very much about that side of sex tourism even though it’s exactly the same thing. Creepy and uncomfortable or is it ok for western women to do it? Anyway, enjoy your travels.
Mike
Hi Mike, thanks for your reply. I am not meaning to pass judgement, but I had to be honest about my feelings of being uncomfortable with the situation, mainly because these girls looked very young, perhaps underage. It doesnt matter where they are from, I would find this strange in any part of the world. But I do get how they need to do such things to earn a living, etc. It was just my personal opinion 🙂
Born in Laos. Grow up in the USA. Been in the USA for over 35 years. I will visit and settled down in Laos once of these days !!!
That would be so nice seeing your home country again 🙂