Laid-back and landlocked, with a rich history stretching back 10,000 years, Laos is such a unique spin on the experience in Southeast Asia.
Here cities bed down early, change comes slowly and Buddhism permeates every facet of life. This land of mists, mountain and untamed natural beauty tempts with unrivalled serenity and peace is a perfect place to put a pause in a hyperactive travel agenda or break from office politics. Indochina tours Laos
Laos is a laid-back country-source: internet
Free your mind, open your heart and let the generous hospitality and genuine faith of Laos replenish your soul.
Landlocked Laos, which is often overlooked in favor of its better-known neighbors, remains one of the most beguiling destinations in Southeast Asia. This country, which is long isolated from the rest of the world and was caught in the middle of the two Indochina wars, retains a rather old-fashioned and slow-paced charm, and its local people – incredibly friendly and laidback, even by Asian standards – are definitely one of the most stunning highlights of any visits.
Lovely local people-source: internet
Running along the length of the country, at times bisecting it and at others serving as a boundary with Thailand, the Mekong River is the lifeline of Laos.
As part of a larger trip in the region, often following the Mekong further south and entering from Thailand, most people choose to visit the country. However, Laos itself is well worth your further exploration and it is not hard to feel like you are paying visits to some places where few Westerners venture with a little more time. There is enough here to keep you occupied for a few weeks and still feel as though you have barely scratched the surface while stretching from the forest-clad mountains of the north to the islands of the far south.
Unlocked Laos-source: internet
In terms of its people, Laos is surprisingly diverse, for such a small country. In the lowland river valleys, coconut palms sway over the Buddhist monasteries of the ethnic Lao while the higher elevations are populated by colorfully dressed hill tribes. In some larger towns, there are many of the old shop houses now (appropriately) houssing French restaurants and the familiar smell of coffee and freshly baked bread mingling with exotic local aromas in busy morning markets are some of the French influence Laos absorbed during colonial days and still retains nowadays. luxury cruises
UXO in Laos-source: internet
It remains completely inadvisable to escape from the hustle and go into the countryside without following paths for fear of UXO (unexploded ordnance) which represent for the unmistakable effects of the wars and of its communist government. For all manner of products, the country remains heavily dependent on its neighbors, indeed in some parts of the country and you can find more Chinese and Vietnamese goods than Lao in the stocks in the local markets.
The serene beauty of Laos-source: internet
However, it is hard not to be won over by this completely fascinating country and its people whether you are being dragged by a stranger to celebrate a birth over too much Beer Lao and lào-láo, leisurely sailing down the Mekong past staggeringly picturesque scenery or riding through the countryside on a rickety old bus crammed with sacks of rice, less seats than people and blaring tinny Lao pop music.
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