• By Liz

1. Authenticity

Even in the main tourist area, you can still find some unique sights exclusive to the country while being envelopment in the hospitable genuineness of the Lao people.

Vientiane, being the capital of the country is undergone a huge face-lifting in the recent years but they still retain many of the old French-influenced structure with various chic cafés and restaurants tucked along the alleyways and narrow streets.

Small stores on the street with French signs

Luang Prabang is certified as an UNESCO Heritage Site for a good reason. This town is incredibly poetic as small villas with the typical French architecture make its peaceful settlement between the small lanes. There are absolutely no towering buildings in the area so the skylines are clearly visible from all directions. The people here though are very much used to the tourists, they still maintain their positive outlook to all visitors.

Luang Prabang main street at sunset

Furthermore, if you travel with one of the cruises on our website, you will have the opportunity to visit some of the most remote areas of the country where only tribes reside and rarely encounter any foreigners. Due to their religion background – Buddhism – the Lao people always believe in harmony and sharing. They are always happy to share a story, a drink and a smile to anyone.

2. Sceneries

In the town of Luang Prabang, asides from the gorgeous buildings,

Not far away from Luang Prabang is the famous Kuangsi Falls with its unusually turquoise color. The water color is not the only extraordinary thing here, but there are also a sun bear conservation center and a butterfly park nearby.   

The pelicular color is said to be originated from the mineral upstream

Pakse and the surrounding area of 4000 islands are one of the stunning natural wonders of the country. Like its names, there are around 4000 isles and islets that float on the Mekong River. It is also the home to the Niagara Falls of South East Asia.

4000 slands

Off the beaten track, you can make your way to Phonsavan to discover the strange yet inciting plain of jars. Before, there were numerous conspiracies surrounding them like alien and an act of god. However, the researchers long concluded that it was an important historical site.

Plain of Jars

3. Affordability

Still a developing country, the cost of living in Laos is marginally lower compared to the first world destination such as The United States, Franch or Italy, etc.

For example, half a liter of Beerlao is around $2. A t-shirt is merely around $4 to $5 dollar if you know how to bargain. Additionally, within the country you can find finest wood carvings and decorative accessories for your home and yourself at an incredibly affordable cost that usually cost hundreds or thousands of dollars back home.

Refreshing cups of Beerlao

4. Biodiversity

As many call Laos as the country of a million elephants, the animal is a very much present all throughout the country.

Not too far from Luang Prabang, there are numerous elephant camps that houses the old and “retired”. It is the perfect place to learn about the majestic animal, interact with them through feeding and bathing and understand their role in the everyday life of people in Laos.

Elephants bathing in the river

In Kuangsi Fall the surrounding area is one big garden enclosed by lush forest. Making it the perfect place for the sun bear conservation center. Here you will learn about the effort of Laos people in the protection of the endangered species.

Sun Bear

Nearby is the butterfly garden which is a visual feast of colors reflect from not only the whimsical butterflies but also the lively flowers and plant all throughout the garden.

5. Adventure

If you are a thrill seeker, Laos is the perfect destination, especially combining with a river cruise trip. You will have a chance to trek through the dense jungle to reach a secluded tribe or temple.

Trekking in the Laos lowland

You can also bike through the narrow and slow lanes in Luang Prabang or head out into the countryside where people still work in the fields and herd their livestock.

On some part of the country, you can take on some more active activity such as kayaking, zip-lining, swimming.

Exciting ziplining session

Overall, Laos is very much the perfect candidate that you want to consider for your near future. However, don’t hesitate because with the fast development of the country, things could change in a blink of an eye. Seize the moment now.