Though often overshadowed by other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Vietnam, and even Cambodia, Laos has its own culture and natural splendour which makes visitors feel like they´re in another world. Here are eight excellent examples.
Marvel at Pha That Luang in Vientane
Considered the premier national symbol of Laos, this Buddhist temple (top) has its central stupa - said to enshrine a relic of the Buddha - covered with authentic gold leaf. Built in 1566 and reconstructed several times, it also has the unique feature of smaller towers inside. The combination of lacquered doors and gilded walls create this magnificence and make it shine brightly under the sun. It also hosts Laos´ most important Buddhist festival, Boun That Luang, which takes place every November.
Scope Out the Statues of Buddha Park
Situated 25 km away from Vientiane, this park - also known as Xieng Khuan - was built in 1958 by a priest-shaman who integrated Buddhism and Hinduism is home to some 200 reinforced-concrete statues supernatural figures and deities from both religions - the Buddha (including one 40 meters high) and celestial gods majestically depicted and imaginative demon statues are quite grotesque and eccentric. Bizarre examples include a god with 12 faces and five arms, a three-headed elephant, and a three-story pumpkin decorated like Satan’s mouth (and also provides a panoramic view from its top).
Experience Gibbons and Treehouses in Nam Khan National Park
Located in the country´s northwest near the border with Myanmar/Burma, a little over four hours from Vientane, this 1,360-square-kilometer (525-sq-mile) forest reserve is a magical eco-experience - feel like a character in a jungle or Tarzan movie, hiking through the woods, sleeping in the tree houses, and especially meeting the reserve´s marquee wildlife species: the Laoatian black-crested gibbon, via The Gibbon Experience, opened in 1996. The park is also home to 15 km (more than nine miles) of zip lines, including one of the world’s highest and longest - 1,870 ft across a forested valley (in fact, those who stay in the tree houses can zip line in and out of them).
Take a Dip (and a Leap!) at Tad Lo Waterfalls
One of several wonderful waterfalls in Laos, Tado Lo in southern Salavan province - a nine-hour drive or four-hour flight from Vientane - actually consists of three cascading waterfalls: Tad Suong, Tad Lo, and Tad Hang. Surrounded by rocky cliff and surreal jungle, it´s an ideal stopover for travellers who want to explore the majesty of nature. You can enjoy the stunning views, take some highly Instagrammable pictures, and even jump right in. There are also plenty of places to stay and eat in the nearby town of Salavan.
Attend the Luang Prabang Film Festival
Located in central Laos a four-hour drive or 90-minute flight from Vientane, Luang Prabang is an atmospheric town considered the country´s cultural capital and whose old quarter is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. And if you´re a cinephile, try to visit in December for this annual outdoor festival held to showcase Southeast Asian films. Besides screenings, there are events including talks with famous directors and actors and workshops on the process of making films or how to advertise a movie. And admission is free! (More on Luang Prabang on Tripatini, click here.)
Go Climbing in Thakhek
The limestone karst landscape near the charming town of Thakhek, in south central Laos a five-hour drive from Vientane, attracts climbers from all over the world because of its grandeur and more than 300 routes which pose a true challenge for adrenaline junkies, with a large number of vertical and overhanging routes. Visitors can plan a day trip from town or stay overnight in a local house or bungalow up in the hills. And don´t worry if you´re a newbie, because climbing classes are available daily.
Go Floating in Vang Vieng
Situated an hour and a half north of Vientiane, the town of Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers, also surrounded by karst hills and is well-known for tubing and kayaking on its Nam Song River, flanked by pristine greenery as well as riverside bars where you can sip Beer Lao and try your hand at local games (plus during the May-to-October wet season, parts of the river become rapids, making your float even more exciting).
Laos Buffalo Dairy
Enjoy Buffalo Ice Cream and Milking Near Luang Prabang
At the Laos Buffalo Dairy on the road which connects Luang Prabang to Kuang Si Falls, products include not just ice cream (in traditional as well as local Laoatian flavors) but also yoghurt and cheese (including mozzarella, feta, ricotta, and blue cheese) made from the milk of local buffalos whose use is contracted from local families. Come for a tour, score some tasty treats, and even bathe and milk a buffalo!
More info: TourismLaos.org.
Read more: 9 attractions which prove that Laos is a "must-see" destination
Check out tours:
Vietnam - Laos Family Tour from Sai Gon 16 days
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