Laos | The Adventure Travel Site

Underrated and Wild: An Escape to Laos

Laos is Southeast Asia’s well-kept secret—a land where untouched nature, ancient traditions, and relaxed vibes create a truly immersive escape. Here are four must-visit destinations, each offering a glimpse of Laos’s soul – from well-trodden paths to hidden corners where culture and wild beauty intertwine.

Luang Prabang
While this city is popular for hotels like Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel, many visitors are also taken up by the city’s colonial architecture and spiritual serenity. Saffron-robed monks walk the streets by sunrise to collect alms while the rest of the day brings in the cacophony of riverside markets. Exploring ancient temples and waterfalls that seem like they came right out of a dream is one of the best things to do in Luang Prabang.

Vientiane
Laos’s laid-back capital exudes gentle charm rather than urban hustle. Wander along the Mekong promenade, shop at its lively night market, and immerse yourself in French-flavoured avenues and historic temples like That Luang. With a population under 800,000, Vientiane offers big-city history in a small-town format.

Thakhek
Taking you all the way to the edge of the Mekong, Thakhek offers visitors a chance to explore karst landscapes, hidden caves, and lush forests via the famed Thakhek Loop. Discover Tham Kong Lo, a cave lit up by natural light and accessible by boat and even find photo-worthy lagoons.

Tham Pa Fa

High in the limestone cliffs near Savannakhet, Tham Pa Fa is a mystical Buddhist cave sanctuary filled with 229 bronze statues. Discovered only in 2004, the ancient site invites explorers to climb to its entrance and pause in contemplation among centuries-old icons.

A Handy Laos Travel Guide – Useful Tips & Insights for Travellers

In the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos offers unforgettable adventures where you can discover a rich cultural and natural heritage; here’s a guide to help plan your trip.

When to Visit

Laos is a great destination to visit year-round; that said, the most popular period is from October to February due to the cool weather. Temperatures rise in March and April, while from May to September there’s a greater chance of rain; showers won’t be throughout the day though and you can still enjoy sightseeing.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and has some of the best hotels in Laos too. Those staying here including at the property of Avani Hotels & Resorts, have ample opportunities to explore this town, home to French-Indochinese architecture, ancient temples like Wat Xieng Thong and the sacred Mount Phousi.

Other Highlights

Amongst the best things to do in Laos include visiting the Pak Ou Caves with its Buddha images, embarking on a Mekong River sunset cruise and taking in the stunning Kuang Si Falls. You can also enjoy tubing in Vang Vieng, exploring the Buddha Park near Vientiane and trekking and cycling amidst the countryside.

Tips on Attire

Since the weather can get humid, pack light cotton clothing as well as a light sweater or jacket for travel in the cool season. If you’re visiting during the rainy season, a rain jacket or poncho will come in handy. Keep in mind that at sacred sites and temples, you need to dress conservatively, covering bare shoulders and legs.

The World Heritage Town of Laos: Luang Prabang

The colonial architecture seen at the Buddhist temples, which are surrounded by the forested mountains is the main attraction. The Mekong River that borders the west side of the town is another alluring feature.

Temples

There are 34 temples dotting the town of Laos, and why they hold interest for tourists comes down to the amazing architecture. The temples are designed in the Chinese style, and they draw thousands to the town.

Allie Caulfield, Wat Mahathat temple (Laos2009), CC BY 2.0

Artwork

Laos is all about ancient art. The wood carvings, murals and pottery work hold the town above other destinations as a fetching travel destination. The town’s cultural features caused the town to be listed as a World Heritage Site in 1995.

Accommodation

The town is a magnet for tourists. Thousands of history and cultural enthusiasts visit the town all year round. Finding lodgings at a hotel Luang Prabang will not prove to be challenging, not with the likes of Avani+ Luang Prabang at your disposal.

Transport

There are direct routes between Laos and other major cities like Chiang Mai, Bangkok and Vientiane. You can travel by air or opt for boat services; both options are in full availability.

Fritzjames Stephen is a travel writer, who writes content based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life. Google+

The Vieng Xai caves

The Vieng Xai caves are a widespread network of caves that were home to about 23,000 people during the Vietnam War. It was virtually a hidden city and is now open to the public as a tourist attraction.

The city of Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is located on the banks of the Mekong River. It is also within close proximity to the Vieng Xai caves. If you are travelling to Laos, staying in Vientiane, serviced apartments would be a good option to consider as your accommodation. The Somerset Vientiane has been a popular choice among those touring the region and making a day trip to the Vieng Xai caves.

The Vieng Xai caves are located in the northeast of Laos in the Hua Phan province, right next to the border of Vietnam. The region that comprises of the caves is renowned for being the headquarters of the Communist Pathet Lao forces during their struggle with the Lao Royal family in Vientiane. This was also the same time that the Vietnam War was underway.

The caves were home to the Communist army during the period. Comprising of a hospital, military barracks, markets, living spaces, bakeries, shops and theatre, the Vieng Xai caves, functioned as a mini city during the war. The caves even had printing presses and government offices. Even the Pathet Lao force’s leaders were housed in the caves, from where they commanded the final stages of the war.

Eight caves are open to the public. Of these the most important ones are Kaysone’s, Red Prince Souphanouvong, Theatre Cave and the deepest cave, Tham Xieng Muang.

Other attractions in Vientiane include the enormous gilded stupa (Pha That Luang), the Buddha Park, crumbling French colonial buildings, street markets, noodle shops and a number of Buddhist temples.

Nigel Walters is a travel writer, who writes under the pen name, Fritzjames Stephen. His content is based on the myriad of experiences and indulgences that the world has to offer travellers across all walks of life.

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