Due to the Indochina war and the isolation of the subsequent communist regime, Laos. has lived for decades with its back to tourism. Although this situation may have had certain negative consequences, it also allowed an optimal conservation of the towns and nature, thus becoming a true paradise hardly explored by mass tourism.
With Vietnam incorporated into the routes of the large tour operators and Cambodia about to follow the same path, the so-called 'land of a million elephants'is the last great secret of Southeast Asia.
Those who travel to Laos will not find a wild nightlife, exotic beaches, or lavish monuments, but they will find a country full of misty green hills, cities that masterfully mix Buddhist architecture with French colonial architecture and Asian spirituality, the perfect remedy. to find yourself.
Vientiane
Vientiane represents the first contact with the country for many travelers. At first, its streets can be somewhat gray due to the Soviet-style architecture that abounds in the capital but is worth visiting for several servings. The first is that Vientiane is the closest thing to a big city in Laos in terms of shops, bars, restaurants and monuments. After all, here are the Pha That Luang, Wat Si Saket and Haw Phra Kaew temples, which for a time housed the famous Emerald Buddha. In addition, the surroundings of the city offer opportunities for the more adventurous to practice ecotourism since only twenty kilometers away are the Tad Leuk and Tad Xay waterfalls as well as the oldest forest reserve in Laos.
Luan prabang
Declared a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995, the country's former capital is the best-preserved city in all of Southeast Asia. This city is the religious and tourist center of Laos and in it the crowds and traffic jams are almost non-existent. However, Luang Prabang has enough charm not to be boring.
The offer of hotels and restaurants is wide and of quality. Antique shops, handicrafts and street markets attract hundreds of tourists and Laotians every day. If you plan to visit Luan Prabang you will need a travel plan as you will get lost among its attractions: more than thirty impressive Buddhist temples (Wat Xieng Thong from 1560 is possibly the most beautiful in Laos), almost intact colonial architecture and the Mekong River , source of life and communication channel in Asia.
The Mekong
Navigating the Mekong is the best way to discover the country: discover its history, the way of life of its people or some of the most beautiful landscapes of this huge river. It is 4.000 kilometers long and passes through Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. Its rich flow has been essential for the cultivation of rice to be another of the livelihoods of this part of the world, providing up to three crops a year. Therefore, it can be said that this river is the soul of Laos since it crosses it from north to south and gives it its own identity.
The Plain of the Pitchers
This area has a certain historical-war interest as it still preserves the marks of the Indochina war. Laos holds the record for being the most bombed country in the world. During the Vietnam War, bombs that had not been dropped on Vietnam were dropped in eastern Laos with the excuse that North Vietnamese troops were taking refuge there. It is estimated that the United States dropped two million tons of bombs on Laos, killing more than one million people. A quarter of the bombs dropped in the XNUMXs by the United States on Laos fell on the Plain of the Pitchers.
Wat Phu and the Bolaven Plateau
A getaway to the south of the country will allow you to discover Wat Phu, the best preserved ruins of Khmer culture outside Angkor (Cambodia) and the Bolaven Plateau, a very pleasant place that can be explored on elephant tours from the village of Tat Lo.
Laos is the perfect destination for nature lovers, adventurers, and those seeking a relaxing vacation and rich cultural experience.
Interesting facts about Laos
It is always a good idea to inform yourself before traveling to any country. Laos deserves to dedicate a little prior preparation to be able to enjoy a few days of rest in this wonderful country with complete tranquility. Just collect some practical data like these:
- Population: Laos has around 5,5 million inhabitants.
- Language: Lao. In French, the peoples who lived where Lao is today were called "les laos," a misnomer that endured.
- Currency: Kip (one euro equals about 13 kip)
- Vaccines: Hepatitis A and B, cholera, tetanus, malaria and typhoid fever. Mosquito repellent is necessary.
- Religion: Theravada Buddhism, a branch of traditional Buddhism.
- Time: GMT + 7 or Madrid +5 and Madrid +6 depending on summer / winter time.
- Gastronomy: Traditional Laotian food is dry, strong and delicious. Two of the most popular dishes are Laap and Tam Mak Houng.
- Clothing: We advise visitors to wear comfortable, lightweight clothing that is easily washed.
Laos Tourism Website: www.visit-laos.com