Laos is a lesser-known Southeast Asian destination. It is the least populated country in Indochina and the sole landlocked country, with a population of only 7 million people. Laos is bordered on the north by China, to the east by Vietnam, to the south by Cambodia, and to the west by Thailand and Myanmar. As a result, Laos has been affected by many various civilizations in the past, making it an interesting destination.
It was historically a part of French Indochina. Today, it often gives way to beach-rich Vietnam, Cambodia with its beautiful ruins, and Thailand, which has long been a tourist destination. But none of this means that there aren’t things to see and do in Laos; rather, its many gems have yet to be discovered.
Laos is featuring several densely forested regions and stunningly rocky mountains. The country is home to several ethnic groups, with the dominant Lao constituting slightly more than half of the population. Phou Bia is the highest mountain and the Mekong River forms a significant portion of the country’s border with Thailand.
Laos is becoming more popular as a tourist destination, however it lags behind its neighbours. The vast majority of its tourists and visitors have come from Vietnam, Thailand, and China, with only a minor number from Western countries, could be a fantastic option for those who wish to see Southeast Asia’s wealth but find Thailand too popular and touristic.
Laos is separated into three sections, the north, the centre, and the south, each of which is worth experiencing. They have large rainforests, and much of Laos’ area is protected. It’s not uncommon to observe elephants strolling through the countryside or monks walking along the roads when on a tour in Laos.
If you want to view the country’s beautiful waterfalls in all their grandeur and embark on boat cruises, the best time to visit Laos is during the rainy season, which runs from November to February. If you aren’t troubled by those activities, you should visit during the dry season.
The capital of Laos, Vientiane, is brimming with things to see and do. Vientiane has become, with diverse ethnic groups, the most ethnic city in Laos and is an excellent venue to learn about the country’s history. The Patuxay Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, and the Buddha Park are some of the primary attractions here. Visiting the night market, as in many other Southeast Asian cities, is a necessity.
Luang Prabang is UNESCO World Heritage Site includes several of the surrounding villages. Buddhist monks collecting alms are a regular sight in this area, which is known for its many Buddhist temples and monasteries.
Tourists are drawn to the area not only because of its historical and architectural value, but also because of its natural beauty. Luang Prabang is also home to some of Laos’ most famous waterfalls, including the Kuang Si and Tat Sae Waterfalls. It also features the Pak Ou Caves, which are about 15 kilometres to the north. Hundreds of tiny wooden carvings cover the caves’ walls, making these caves famous for their little Buddha sculptures.
The Elephant Village Sanctuary is maybe one of Luang Prabang’s more odd sights. The purpose of this sanctuary is to conserve and rehabilitate rescued elephants.
Laos is unlikely to be your primary reason for visiting Southeast Asia. If you go, make sure to stop by this jewel that is just dying to be discovered. It frequently loses visitor traffic to more popular neighbouring countries, but that doesn’t mean it’s devoid of adventure. It is a small and often overlooked Southeast Asian country.