Laos Travel Guide

Capital City:  Vientiane Municipality
Major Cities:  Luang Prabang, Champasack, Savannakhet
Bordering Countries:  China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam 
Inhabitants:  5,500,000

Laos has one of the most pristine ecologies in South East Asia. An estimated haft of its woodlands consist of primary forest, in particular the tropical rain forest. Unlike the vegetation, which grows in the climate Europe and the United States, tropical rain forest is composed of three vegetative layers. The top layer features single-trunked, high-reaching tree called dipterocarps. The middle canopy consists of hardwood such as teak. Beneath, small trees, grass and sometimes bamboo can be found.

Laos is the country where travelers can really escape from the stress of the modern world and get into the tranquility of the world dominated by Buddhism. The country is still mostly still untouched by tourism. One of the highlights of Laos is Luang Prabang nestled in the northern mountains. The ancient city is recognized as one of only a few World Heritage sites by UNESCO.

In the south of Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River. While many species of wildlife are shy and can rarely be seen, spectators will generally be able to spot the dolphins in spring when the water level of Mekong is lowest. Laos is also rich in resident and migrating birds. One of the more notable ones is the tare Green Peafowl.

Laos Attractions
Buddhism is the dominate religion throughout the country, which results in a plethora of temples and stupas in every city and town, with the most popular being in Luang Prabang Laos. As a UNESCO World Heritage City, Luang Prabang beckons travelers to visit its many temples and experience its rich past and present. Begin your day early enough to observe the alms-giving ceremony at dawn. No trip to Luang Prabang Laos is complete without a trip up Phousi Mountain to see the sunset, after which, one should certainly experience the night market.

Most of the attractions in Laos, such as found in Savannakhet Laos , Bokeo Laos , Champasak Laos , and beyond are rooted in either religion or nature. Wherever one's journey in Laos takes them, no matter the duration, photographers will be in heaven as there are enchanting scenes waiting to be captured at every turn. 
 
Vientiane Attractions
For many, Laos is the highlight of their Southeast Asia trip as it has been saved from the mass tourist trail that has led to her neighbours –Thailand and Vietnam. This relatively undeveloped nation is located between rugged mountains and the fertile low lands of the Mekong, and is touched by both European and Asian cultures. The city’s man-made structures are as distinctive as the areas of natural splendor.

Modernity has yet to infiltrate this sleepy capital, where temples and religious affiliations blend with the rural foundations of the city. The majority of the city's sights are situated within relatively close proximity of each another due to the fact that an urban sprawl has yet to materialize within the city. 
 
Luang Prabang Attractions
For reasons that are soon become apparent, Luang Prabang Laos is often described as the 'Jewel in Laos Crown'. Even though the town is well and truly on the tourist trail, it has nonetheless managed to preserve its natural splendor and inherent charm, exuding a missed-out-on-modernization vibe.

The majority of the city's sights can be reached on foot, so getting a map and making your way to the many temples (33 to be exact) is a good way to soak up the surroundings and observe the way of the Lao people, and the large monk community. The wonder of the ancient temples is apparent at first glance; the gentle and unassuming nature of the locals, given the chance, will also leave a lasting impression.
 
Bokeo Attractions
All tourist attractions around Huay Xai can be seen on foot within a day. Observe the view from the top of the Chinese-styled temple, Jom Khao Manilat, the most important local sacred place. It's not to be missed and why not have a look at the stunning French-built Fort Carnot. Both sitesare located near the ferry crossing pier Huay Xai Chiang Kong.

Besides temples, markets, and other site attractions around the town, Huay Xai offers several interesting villages, where traditional ways of life can be observed and where you can learn how villagers earn their living. Sightseeing through villages in the city should take approximately half a day. Some of the hill-tribe villages can be found within walking distance and others can be reached with an open taxi or 'songteaow'. Hill-tribe villages in Bokeo are rather traditional and more conservatyive than those found in northern Thailand. Visitors are suggested to see the Village Headman (or phuu nyai baan) before strolling around the villages.

Xieng Khouang Attractions
Xieng Khouhang in Laos consists of six districts Muang Khoune, Muang Phonsavanh, Muang Nong Hai, Muang Kham, Muang Mork, and Muang Phou Koud. Situated in the southernmost remote provinces of Laos, the area was part of the Ho Chi Minh Trail, where troops, supplies and artillery were smuggled out of northern Vietnam and through the mountains on the eastern edge of the country, and subsequently into southern Vietnam.While the vast majority of people reading this will be aware of the Vietnam War fought between 1963 to 1974, fewer know that a large part of the war was fought in Laos, giving the country the dubious title of being ‘the most bombed country in the world’.

Savannakhet Attractions
Savannakhet in Laos is easy to explore on foot but tuk-tuks are also available around the city, taking you quickly to attractive sites. Savannakhet’s Vietnamese temples and Catholic churches located around the city are worth visiting. Some more fascinating sites to check out include: The That Ing Hang Stupa, the ruins of Khmer at Heuan Hinh (Stone House), Wat Xayaphoum, and the Dinosaur Museum. All are highly recommended and not-to-be-missed sites.

Visitors are recommended to drop by the Savannakhet Tourist Office. In addition to picking up a free map of the city and getting help from the efficient English-speaking staff, the Tourist Office also offers a wide variety of local walking tours and eco-tours. The office is located on Khantabuli Road, just before the Post Office. 

Champasak Attractions
One of the most visited provinces of Laos; Chamapsak in Laos has a population of around 50,000 and is formed by Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau, Paksong, Champasak and Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands). Bordering Thailand and Cambodia, Pakse sits at the confluence of the Mekong and is the province's capital, as a result of the Lao-Japanese Bridge spanning the Mekong, the town has quickly grown as an area of trading importance and is a popular tourist destination.

The Mekong River flows past the ancient Khmer religious compound at Wat Phu Champsak, before dispersing at Four Thousand Islands, an area of utter tranquility. The Bolaven Plateau is renowned for its production of coffee, rattan, fruit and cardamom, while the vast number of wats (temples) across the terrain make for interesting viewing.

The Champasak cultural landscape, including the Wat Phu Temple compound, is a well-preserved planned landscape more than 1,000 years old. It was shaped to express the Hindu belief of the relationship between nature and humanity, using an axis from mountain top to river bank to lay out a geometric pattern of temples, shrines and waterworks extending over some 10 km.