What to see in Laos. What to see in Laos. Cuisine and restaurants

Laos was anciently known as "Lang Sang", which means "Kingdom of a Million Elephants". This name was given to the country by King Fa Ngum after the reunification of the country in 1353 AD. Since then, this mysterious country, access to whose territory was very difficult until the end of the 20th century, has acquired the aura of the most unusual state in Southeast Asia. Many ancient temples, rich culture, a wide variety of peoples and ethnic groups, huge tracts of tropical forests inhabited by millions of exotic inhabitants, a picturesque mountain landscape - these are the main attractions of the country.

The capital and seat of government of the country is located in a bend of the Mekong among fertile alluvial plains. In 1563, King Settathirat turned this once obscure village into the capital of the Lang Sang kingdom. In 1827 it was captured by the Siamese army and almost completely destroyed. For many decades, the city lay in ruins until the French colonialists restored, or rather, rebuilt it.

About 500 kilometers north of Vientiane, in the great bend of the Mekong, between the confluence of the Great River and Nam Khan, and Mount Phousy, lies the oldest city of Laos and its ancient capital - (in Russian sources it is called Luang Prabang).

25 km north of the city, on the banks of the Mekong, lie the Pak-U caves, in which there is a whole complex of statues and bas-reliefs depicting Buda in all his forms. The most interesting caves here are literally filled with Buddha images of all styles and sizes - Tham Ting or Tham Leusi ("lower cave") and Tham Theung or Tham Prakachai ("upper cave"). Just down the river is the small village of Ban Sang Hai, known as one of the best distilling centers in the country. Also noteworthy are the picturesque cascade of Kuang Si waterfalls, located 30 km south of Luang Prabang, as well as the sacred caves of Pakaew (25 km north of the city).

Central Laos

Travelers rarely visit the central part of Laos, and in vain - these regions are famous for their natural beauty and variegated ethnic composition of the population, giving each settlement its own colorful features.

The city, more commonly referred to simply as Sawan or "southern Luang Prabang" by locals, is the most visited provincial town in southern Laos. This is not surprising - located on ancient trade routes, it has always been a major trading center connecting the coast of the South China Sea and the mountainous regions of Cambodia and Laos.

East of Savannakhet stretches the famous “Ho Chi Minh City Trail” - an extensive system of roads, trails and strongholds running parallel to the border with Vietnam, formed during the struggle against the colonialists and the Vietnam War. The attacks of the US Air Force, which literally dumped more than 1.1 million tons of explosives and herbicides on this land between 1965 and 1969, caused severe damage to the nature and population of the region. However, these lands have become a real mecca for lovers of military history - here you can see dozens and hundreds of bunkers, tunnels and other underground structures of the North Vietnamese army, as well as a huge number of remains of combat helicopters, fighter planes, bombers, tanks and other military equipment.

One of the least visited cities in the Mekong Valley. Its winding streets leading out from the tiny town center are lined with French villas and old trading houses, while the characteristic local shop and club buildings are framed by old gardens.

Northern Laos

Decades of war have led to the almost complete isolation of northern Laos. But these same reasons have preserved an amazing local way of life, which has virtually disappeared in neighboring countries. The green hills and mountains of the north are rich in natural features and inhabited by distinctive tribes - carriers of ancient cultures, including the Hmong, Mien and Akha. But in these same areas lie the borders of the notorious “Golden Triangle” - one of the largest opium cultivation centers. The main points of attraction here are the colorful city Huaisai with its monasteries Wat Chom Khao Manilat, Wat Kaew Phonsavan Thanar and Wat Khon Kaew, a resort town Xiengkok in the upper Mekong, Provincial Museum in Luang Namtha, a good trekking area around Muang Sing with its Wat Sing Jai monastery, gold mines in the Bokeo area, as well as many Akha and Hmong villages.

The northeastern regions of Laos are one of the least visited areas of the country. These lands were subjected to severe bombing and shelling during the Second Indochina War, but retained most of their natural and historical monuments. Here you can see the extensive system Pathet-Liao caves in the Viang Sai area, which were used as headquarters and barracks for the forces of the liberation movement of Laos and Vietnam (an entire underground city with developed infrastructure was equipped in almost 100 caves), the beautiful and deep Nam Nuun river valley, strikingly beautiful cliffs along the Nam Uu river Nong Kyau, the hot springs of Bo Noi and Bo Yai (52 km north of Phonsavan), the picturesque village of Ban Liao and the beautiful Siang Khuang plateau.

But, undoubtedly, the main attraction of the northeastern part of the country is the famous Jah Valley- wilderness between Phonsavan and Xieng Huang. Several hundred stone urns of unknown origin and purpose, collected in five groups, are concentrated on the plain. These huge structures, the largest of which weighs 10.6 tons, were carved about two thousand years ago from hard stone, which, by the way, is not found in the surrounding area. Recent excavations have shown the presence of extensive underground burials on the plain. And the craters remaining from numerous bombings of this strategically important area give the landscape of Jah a completely unearthly look.

Southern Laos

Bounded by Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam, the southern regions of the country are divided into two zones - the western lowland region adjacent to the Mekong, and the mountainous eastern region lying within the Bolaven Plateau.

The most important market town and major border point, the largest city in the south, its commercial and transport center.

In the east of the region there is fertile mountainous terrain Bolaven plateau separates the Mekong Valley from the Annamite mountain ranges that form Laos' border with Vietnam. Dominating the regions Salawang, Sekong And Attapu, the hilly plateau has an average height of about 600 m. Numerous rushing rivers rush off the plateau in all directions, plunging under the canopies of lush forests, and forming more than a hundred spectacular waterfalls, some of which are over 100 m high. Most of the plateau area is practically unexplored by tourists from Europe, but is well known to travelers from Southeast Asia. Many distinctive tribes live here, some of the best coffee in the world is grown here, and here is the ancient center of Mon-Khmer culture, whose monuments are still awaiting exploration.

Picturesque Laos is one of the most beautiful countries in Southeast Asia, but also one of the least visited. This is a big omission, since Laos can offer travelers no less interesting things than Thailand and Vietnam. This small country has no access to the sea, and therefore is not of interest to beach tourists. But in terms of tourism, Laos is famous for its impressive mountain scenery, excellent hiking opportunities, huge caves and other natural wonders. Here you can hike through forests and waterfalls, and sample delicious local food with hints of Thai and Indian influences. If you want a real adventure in Southeast Asia, then Laos attractions will definitely make it possible. Here is a list of the 15 best places to visit in Laos.

Vientiane

Vientiane is the charming capital of Laos and still feels like a small city with historical charm. Vientiane was a former French trading post during the colonial period. As a result, there is still a delightful old French Quarter that is well worth exploring. During the tour you will also find many masterpieces of French architecture, including the Laotian version of the famous Arc de Triomphe in Paris, known as Pathusai. There are also other Laos attractions worth visiting, including dozens of local markets and temples. For example, Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple of its kind in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang

If you're looking for a peaceful place in the heart of Laos, then head to Luang Prabang. The city sits on the mighty Mekong and Han rivers and is known for its great little European cafes along the picturesque river banks. This delightful area is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You'll also find magnificent temples throughout the city, or head to the Kuang Si Waterfalls with azure deep pools ideal for swimming. Luang Prabang is included in the list of 29 best attractions in Asia, about which there is a separate feed on LifeGlobe.

Vang Vieng

Van Vieng is located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang and is one of the main tourist spots in Laos. In the old days, this part of Laos had a rather wild reputation and surprisingly vibrant nightlife, but has now become a little more respectable thanks to efforts by local authorities to clean up its image. One of the main reasons to visit Van Vieng is the breathtaking ride down the Nam Son River, where you can admire the lush jungle scenery at the same time. There are also other attractions in Laos including the Tham Phu Kham cave with a lagoon and a bronze Buddha statue.

Huaisai

Huai Xai is located on the border between Laos and Thailand, so many people visit it when crossing from one country to another. Many Mekong River cruises also stop here. You can take a boat from Huang Sai to Luang Prabang, which for many visitors is the highlight of a trip to Laos. It is also worth visiting the Bokeo Nature Reserve, which is famous for its gibbons.

Sifandong Islands

Laos does not have a coastline, so it is even more surprising that there are Xi Phan Don Islands, which means “Four Thousand Islands”. Amazing small islands are located on the Mekong River, scattered near the border between Laos and Cambodia. The islands vary in size, so you can choose from some of the larger islands like Don Khon and Don Dete. Here travelers can expect a bit more nightlife and a wider choice of accommodation options, hotels, hostels and private guest houses. You can also visit the smaller and quieter Don Khong Island if you really want to get away from the outside world in Laos.

Bokeo Nature Reserve

Bokeo Nature Reserve is located outside of Huai Xai town and is a famous landmark in Laos. The site became famous for its conservation work to protect black-cheeked gibbons, which were rediscovered in 1997 after being thought to be extinct. The park allows you to stay in village houses that offer a bird's eye view of the forest canopy. The jungle offers a variety of activities, including bungee riding. Apart from the famous gibbons, you will also find elephants, bears, tigers and buffaloes. Bird watchers will encounter hundreds of species of colorful birds in the Bokeo Nature Reserve. Bokeo is included in the list of the 10 most beautiful places in Laos.

Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is also known as Nong Kiau and is quite a popular attraction in Laos. It is quickly making a name for itself as one of the best places to visit in the country. Here you'll find stunning routes and tours, cycling through the picturesque villages surrounding the main town. Nong Khiaw is located on the stunning Nam Ou River, so you can take a boat tour, taking in all the scenery from the water side. This part of the country is surrounded by majestic karst formations and limestone caves. Fa Tok Cave is a great place for those who love speleology.

Tam Kong Lo Cave

Tam Kong Lo is the name of a cave that is part of the wider Phu Hin Boon National Park. The park and cave are located along the Phu Hin Bun River, and its central part is considered one of the most impressive in all of Southeast Asia. The cave, about 6.5 kilometers long and up to 100 meters high, is famous for its stunning jade pools, which according to legend are the same color as the skin of the Hindu god Indra. The best way to visit the cave is to take a boat ride through the mystical labyrinths and enjoy the crystals, stalagmites and stalactites.

Luang Namtha

Luang Namtha is known as the largest city in the northwestern part of Laos. It is famous as a stopover for any traveler between Laos and neighboring China. It is also a popular attraction in Laos for those who love to hike. You can trek into the surrounding mountains and visit the country's ethnic hill tribe villages. If walking tours aren't your thing, you can rent a bike or motorbike and then spend the day visiting several villages and exploring the picturesque waterfalls in this part of the country. In the town of Luang Namtha itself, you can spend time in the bustling local markets, sample street food and pamper yourself with herbal saunas.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu is a magnificent Khmer temple near Mount Phu Khao in Champasak province. This Hindu temple was built between the 11th and 13th centuries, a strategic location in the powerful Khmer kingdom that stretched from Angkor to neighboring Cambodia. Today you will find temples here, partially destroyed by the jungle, similar in style to neighboring Angkor Wat.

Phonsavan

Phonsavan actually means "Heavenly Hills" in Lao and is a great place to experience rural life in the country. This part of Laos is, surprisingly, known for its cowboy culture. You'll find authentic Lao cowboys in Stetsons herding cattle on the lush plains of Phonsavan. It's also a good starting point for visiting places like the Valley of the Jars. This magnificent natural landmark received its name because its pillars resemble jugs. This place is included in the list of strange attractions in Southeast Asia according to LifeGlobe.

Muang Ngoi

Muang Ngoi used to be a sleepy town, but has now become much more popular thanks to its location on the legendary Banana Pancake Trail, spanning several countries in Southeast Asia. As you would expect, it is now becoming increasingly popular among tourists. People come here to enjoy the riverside and spend time at places like Nam Ou Beach. You can also visit the small ethnic villages that surround the city, or take a tour of several famous caves with magnificent waterfalls.

Pakbeng

Pak Beng is located between Luang Prabang and Huai Xai. One of the main reasons to visit it is as an overnight stop on a river trip between two cities down the Mekong. Pak Beng doesn't have the big attractions in Laos, but it's a great place to stop on the way to Luang Prabang. The city has several good restaurants overlooking the river where you can sip a cold beer and watch the sunset with the majestic Mekong as a backdrop.

Muang Xai

Muang Xai is the capital of the large Oudom Xai province and is located near the scenic Nam Co River basin. It is known for its magnificent mountain ranges, as the largest city in northern Laos. Many tourists come here to travel to other parts of the country. However, you can easily spend a few days here as the town is close to a number of famous caves and other attractions in Laos.

Pakse

Pakse is the capital of Champasak province and one of the largest cities in southern Laos. Many come here to further explore nearby Si Phan Don, Wat Pho or the Bolaven Plateau, as well as the Ha Phan National Conservation Area, or Lao Ngam. However, there are plenty of interesting places in Pakse itself, so try to spend a few nights here if possible. The city is located on the Mekong and Sedong rivers, where you'll find fine seafood restaurants along the waterfront, as well as the herbal saunas for which the area is famous.

I first came to Laos as an experienced traveler and, to be honest, not particularly expecting any stunning discoveries. In some ways I turned out to be right. Laos is an exemplary and traditional Southeast Asia, reminiscent at the same time of Cambodia and. And at the same time, this is a completely independent world with its own special charm.

I thought a lot about what is the highlight of Laos, what determines its extraordinary attractiveness. My personal conclusion, which does not pretend to be objective, is that the secret of Laos is its extraordinary sincerity, simple charm and phenomenal friendliness. This is what you feel everywhere, in every corner of the country.

And one more thing: the stunning natural beauty of the country. There is everything here: waterfalls, rivers, caves. Laos, in my opinion, is more than worthy of a visit. This is a place of great beauty and kindness.

Visa and border crossing

Visa-free entry

If you are planning a trip of up to 15 days, you do not need a visa to Laos. When crossing the border, you simply need to present your passport, which must be valid for at least 6 months after arrival in the country. Sometimes an officer may ask for a return ticket or hotel reservation, but neither I nor anyone in line at the airport was ever asked for anything additional.

Visa at the consulate

If you are traveling to Laos for a period of 16 days to a month, you need to apply for a visa at the consulate in advance.

Required documents to apply for a visa at the consulate:

• international passport valid for at least 6 months,
• 2 completed forms in English,
• 2 photos, black and white or color, 4x6 cm.

A regular visa is issued in 3 days, an urgent visa in 1 day. The consular fee for a regular visa is 20 USD, for an urgent visa - 40 USD.
The visa is issued for a period of 16 days to 1 month and is valid for entry into the country for 90 days from the date of issue.

Customs regulations in Laos

Everything is pretty standard. Duty-free import allowed:

• 200 cigarettes, 50 cigars or 250 g of tobacco,
• 1 liter of strong alcohol and 2 liters of wine,
• 250 ml. eau de toilette and 50 ml. spirits,
• photo camera or video camera,
• movie camera,
• record player,
• radio,
• sports equipment and tent,
• baby carriage.

Prohibited for import:

• weapon,
• explosive, toxic and flammable substances,
• drugs.

There are no restrictions on the import of foreign currency, but cash in excess of $2,000 must be declared. Bringing Laotian currency into the country is prohibited, so do not change your money in advance.

How to get there

An airplane is the only way to get from Russia to Laos.

Tourist regions

Laos is usually divided into northern, central and southern parts. Each of them is in turn divided into regions, which in the local language are called “khwangi”. There are a total of 16 Khvengs in Laos.

Northern Laos

The north of Laos, despite its sad history (wars, bombings), is the most touristic part of the country. Firstly, the landscape here is amazingly beautiful: mountains and hills. Secondly, it seems to me that it is in the north that the “self” of Laos, its amazing soul, is felt. For many years, the northern regions were isolated from the rest of the country and, probably, therefore retained their original spirit and ancient architecture. It is in the north that you can find mysterious caves, tribes speaking unknown languages, and untouched, pure nature. I recommend visiting the following northern khwaengs:

• Luang Prabang– in my opinion, the region is number one for travelers. You can go here with a large group and everyone will find an attraction of their own. I recommend that nature lovers immediately go to the stunning Kuang Si waterfalls with turquoise water in the lagoon. History buffs can make a river pilgrimage to the most interesting Buddhist caves of Pak Ou at the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers. Lovers of cities and walks can spend a few days in the regional capital of the same name, with beautiful colonial architecture and quiet streets.

• Xiangkhuang– khweng, famous for just one place of power, but what one! Not far from the administrative center of the region, the city of Phonsavan, there is the mysterious Valley of Jugs - a place of incredible energy, where hundreds of ancient stone jugs of unknown origin are spread over a vast territory. If you are at least somewhat interested in archaeology, history and simply unusual phenomena in the world, you should not miss the Valley of Jugs!

• Phongsali– is located in the far north of the country. Travelers don't get there very often. I was only once, just a couple of days, and I was delighted with the ancient villages, tea gardens, real original tribes carefully preserving their culture. If you want to see a truly unexplored part of the country, with ancient traditions, it’s hard to find anything better than Phongsali.

• Saynyabuli- the subject of eternal disputes between Laos and Thailand. It is here, in the Paklay district, that the elephant festival takes place every February. Unfortunately, I never went to see it, but numerous travelers I knew told me that it was something fantastic: carnivals, music concerts, fireworks, performances, choosing the elephant of the year, elephant coronations.

• Bocau- the smallest province of the north, known primarily for its minerals: precious and semi-precious stones. For travelers, information will be useful that the capital of Khwang, the city of Huai Xai, is a popular border point leading to the neighboring one.

Central Laos

The center of the country is also quite famous among travelers, if only because the capital and backpacker village of Vang Vieng are located here. I will highlight the following central khwangs for visiting:

• is a metropolitan region that is difficult to miss. This is the main transport hub of the country. All roads lead here. Just above the capital is the center of all active entertainment Vang Vieng, which I recommend for visiting to all lovers of rafting, hiking, walking and other sports and fun recreation.

• Savannakhet– a nice and quite tourist region. Its capital of the same name is the second most populous city in the country, which is famous for its colonial architecture, but I personally love it for its interesting mixture of Laotian and Vietnamese culture. There are many local agencies in Savannakhet that offer ecological treks into the forests lasting one, two or three days. I went on a hike with the funny name “In the Footsteps of Dinosaurs”, and I really liked it: clean air, truly Laotian lunches in the fresh air, a cheerful local guide.

Southern Laos

If northern Laos seems to me extremely original, then the south, on the contrary, attracts with its curious mixture of cultures and traditions. It is literally surrounded on all sides by colorful neighboring countries: Vietnam, Cambodia and Thailand. In addition, the nature here is very diverse: the western part is dominated by plains, and the eastern part is dominated by mountains. In general, nature, in my opinion, is why you should go to Southern Laos. This is a real hub of waterfalls, rivers and forests.

• Champasak- definitely the main tourist region of the south. After all, this is where the most significant part of the Bolaven Plateau is located - a gigantic territory consisting of waterfalls, jungles, inland rivers and tea villages. I traveled around the Plateau for several days on a motorbike, and it was one of the unforgettable Laotian experiences. The capital of the province, Pakse, is also of interest, in my opinion. In fact, the main city of the South is a peaceful and quiet village. But I, for example, really enjoy walking along its measured, once Franco-colonial streets.

• Saravan– these are magnificent mountains, waterfalls, interesting ethnic villages. Not the most explored part of Laos, but at the same time, not without tourist infrastructure. Lovers of cities, elegant walks along the embankment and beautiful cafes have nothing to do here. But for true connoisseurs of wildlife and tribes, I highly recommend Saravan!

Top cities

Here I would like to immediately note that Laos is a country famous, first of all, for its natural resources. There are few cities in Laos. And those that exist, although very nice, are small and understandable in a day or two each.

Vientiane

It is common to criticize the capital of Laos: the architecture is inexpressive, the colonial buildings are in a dilapidated state, the city Mekong River looks like a dirty canal. To tell the truth, it is true.

And yet I want to protect Vientiane. Yes, it looks more like a village than a city, much less a capital. Roosters walk along the dirty streets; in the evenings the population sits on plastic chairs and watches TV taken from the cafe. Before midnight, life stops and everyone goes to bed. There are queues for lottery tickets on every corner, which is almost always a sure sign of a poor country. But this is all at the same time the charm of the capital of Laos, its simple charm. There are no signs of globalization here. Even McDonald's.

In Vientiane, in my opinion, you can spend 2-3 days wonderfully, if you don’t pin your capital’s hopes on it. This is a sweet and simple town, provincial in its energy, with its own joys.

I highly recommend renting a bike. They are rented on the embankment and the neighborhoods closest to it. The price is ridiculous - about 2 USD per day. Traffic in the city is calm, you can move around it at your own pace. I recommend taking a map with Buddhist monasteries marked on it and going to them. They are very nice in themselves and are located on the greenest, quietest, most cozy streets of Vientiane.

Luang Prabang

A charming town in northern Laos that I highly recommend visiting. There are many reasons for this. The first is temples. There are 32 monasteries for fifty thousand people. They are really very beautiful, even luxurious: with golden roofs, colored glass mosaics, amazing ornaments. What I really liked is that you don’t need to specifically look for monasteries or travel from one part of the city to another. You can just walk, and they themselves come across you on the way.

In general, in Luang Prabang, in my opinion, there is no need to create any itineraries. You just need to leave the hotel at dawn and all the most interesting things will find you. On my first visit, I spontaneously went out into the city at six in the morning to breathe in the cool air and immediately saw the ceremony of feeding the monks with rice. Later it turned out that this is a fairly well-known local tradition in which you can participate.

Luang Prabang, in my opinion, is an incredibly charming city in Laos. It is clean, calm, there are many wonderful narrow streets with colonial houses, a good evening market, and a well-equipped embankment of the great Mekong River.

I must warn you: there are phenomenally many tourists in Luang Prabang. Much more than in the rest of the country. This is not at all a lost, almost unknown paradise. On the contrary, the real center of tourism in Laos. And yet, it is truly pleasant to be here, even for a day, even for a month.

Vang Vieng

According to my observations, in almost every poor country with a good climate there is a village favored by backpackers (travelers with backpacks). Whether it be in South-East Asia or in Southeast Asia, the recent history of such villages is approximately the same. They are always in very picturesque places. At some point, hippies discover them and live there peacefully for some time. Then, little by little, European youth traveling on vacation begin to arrive. Bars, guest houses, travel agencies, scooter and bicycle rentals are opening. The hippies find a new place, the village is included in the list of fun hangouts in all alternative guidebooks and almost completely becomes a tourist service. Vang Vieng is Laos' version of a backpacker Mecca.

I’ll start my short story about it with the fact that Vang Vieng has really beautiful nature. From the window of each guest house you can see the stunning mountains of Laos, along which there are various trekking options. In general, Vang Vieng offers a whole range of active entertainment: rafting, tubing, kayaking, cave exploration, bungee jumping, hot air ballooning.

I tried tubing first and it's really worth it! No special skills are required there. I was put in a car cell and sent for two hours down the Nam Song River to observe the wonderful surrounding landscapes.

In the evenings in Vang Vieng everyone watches the series “Friends”, this is a tradition here, and drinks in numerous bars. My opinion about Vang Vieng is twofold. On the one hand, this is a place where you are a tourist among tourists and do not feel the true breath of the country. On the other hand, there are really many options for exciting leisure activities in the lap of stunningly beautiful nature. At least for her sake, Vang Vieng definitely deserves a couple of days.

Pakse

This is a city in Laos that has many proud statuses: the Center of the South, the Transport Heart of the country. This may be true, but, according to my impressions, Pakse is a quiet, calm town with a measured life. I walked around it entirely in three hours. The streets are quite clean, there are several French-style colonial houses.

To be honest, the attractions can be counted by one, two, three. I advise you to see the beautiful Buddhist temples: Wat Luang (in the historical center of the city), Wat Phabat (closer to the outskirts). If you have time, you can visit the Museum of the History of Champasak Province (its capital is Pakse).

By the evening of the first day, I think I’ve seen everything in Pakse, which is quite natural for this town. Pakse is famous throughout Asia not for its historical center, but for its surroundings, with national parks, coffee and tea plantations, and the ruins of ancient temples. You can take inexpensive local excursions to them or go around everything yourself on a motorbike.

Champatsak

A very, very peaceful and quiet town on the banks of the Mekong River. He is so calm that the barking of a dog or the horn of a car seemed like an event to me.

However, one cannot dare to call Champatsak a completely lost province, unknown to anyone. There are tourists there, there are also hotels, a main street with charming colonial architecture, shops and pleasant cafes on the embankment.

Yet the secret of why Champatsak attracts travelers lies not in the city itself, but in its suburbs.

Just 8 kilometers from Champatsak is Wat Phu, the only surviving Khmer-era temple in Laos. I got to Wat Phu by tuk-tuk, but along the way I saw Europeans on mopeds and bicycles.

Wat Phu itself is not at all large and a rather modest temple, but the road to it was very memorable to me: mountains, lakes, large stone steps. So, I can safely recommend Champatsak for a visit. Especially for lovers of history, nature and silence.

Savannakhet

In brochures with excursions to Laos, Savannakhet is called the “Pearl of Southern Laos” or “Southern Luang Prabang”. I wouldn't speak out so loudly.

Savannakhet is a charming city, but with a nice village flavor rather than any pretentious pretensions. However, the center is dominated by French colonial style, with parks and wide boulevards. But on the outskirts you can find real Asia, with narrow streets and chaotic trade.

The main thing that caught my eye in Savannakhet was the huge number of Vietnamese. It seems that there are more of them than Laotians. All synthetic crops are interesting. Therefore, I quite liked Savannakhet as an example of mixing two traditions and peoples.

Islands

There is no sea in Laos, and this is one of the main reasons why tourism in Laos is much less developed than in neighboring countries of Southeast Asia. But in the very south of Laos there are river islands that have long been chosen by tourists from all over the world. In the local language they are called Si Fa Don, which means “4000 islands”.

Of course, I didn’t visit all 4000, but I’ll tell you about those that I managed to visit. In reality, there are not even a dozen inhabited islands in Laos. Those that exist are located on the Mekong River and have all the necessary tourist infrastructure.

To be honest, you shouldn’t expect anything extraordinary and special from the islands of Laos. They are more likely to relax and take a break during the trip, rather than to get rich and varied experiences.

I spent all my days there in a similar way: I lived in a bungalow, watched from a hammock the reddish water of the great Mekong, looked at palm trees and passing boats, in the evenings I sat in a cafe and admired the sunset. Actually, this is how everyone lives there: quietly, peacefully and happily.

• Don Det– my favorite of the islands in Laos. Perhaps the reason lies in the fact that I visited it first. Anyway, the place is very nice. I came to Don Det from Pakse, three hours by bus and then by ferry. Besides me, there were 10 other passengers on the boat. There is no need to book accommodation in advance at Don Det, I found everything on the spot. The choice is huge: every house on the island is a guesthouse, a shop or a cafe. There are many European tourists, but there is also a chance to observe local life. Laotians in this region work from morning to night in the rice fields, but cheerfully, with music and a smile. On Don Det you can rent a bicycle, it costs a dollar a day, and it’s great fun. On the very first day I traveled the length and breadth of the island. The next time I reached the neighboring island of Don Khon.

• Don Khon– connected to Don Det by an old stone French bridge. Tourism in Laos is already quite developed, so they charge about 3 USD for crossing the bridge. Don Khon is very similar to Don Det, but, as it seemed to me, it offers more active entertainment: a trip to waterfalls, kayaking, a boat trip to see dolphins.

• Don Khong is the largest island in Laos (18 km long and 8 km wide). As many as 55 thousand people live on it. While in the capital of Laos – 210 thousand. Don Khong has the reputation of a respectable island. They say that moneyless travelers traveling lightly come to Don Det and neighboring Don Khon, while connoisseurs of comfort with money come to Don Khong. I was on Don Khong for only a couple of days and didn’t notice any special pathos there: the same slowly flowing days, where the main event is sunset. Maybe just a little cleaner and more expensive. The main villages on the island, where you can come for a day or a year, are the trading Muang Saen on the west bank and the slow Muang Khong on the east.

Top attractions

• Triumphal Arch of Patusai- this is the first attraction of Laos that I saw in the country at one time. And I think I'm not alone. For it is the crown of the central avenue of the capital Langsang. The area around the arch is an extremely nice, pleasant and well-groomed place, with palm trees and a fountain. There are always a lot of tourists there, but what can you do: all excursions around the capital of Laos begin from the Patusai Arch. This building is of a completely European type, dedicated to the soldiers who died in the struggle for the independence of Laos from France. What is noteworthy: the Patusai Arch was built with money from the French government. I advise you to go up to the observation deck at the top of the arch, from there you can see a beautiful view of Vientiane. You can also make a touristic, but pleasant gesture: buy a bird in a cage from the shop downstairs, make a wish upstairs and release it. It seemed like nothing special, but after that I was left with a very pleasant and bright feeling. In the evenings, the arch and the surrounding trees are illuminated like Christmas trees. Asia has always been partial to garlands.

• Buddha Park is a type of sculpture park. It contains a wide variety of and sometimes very atypical Buddha statues. The park delighted me. This is the real center of Laotian culture. On one territory you can see dozens of interpretations of a single image and once again realize how diverse and great the human imagination and ways of realizing it are. In addition, in the park you can see heroes of Indian mythology, which is actually a huge rarity for Laos. As the park staff explained to me, the author of the plan was a supporter of a special religious movement that combines Hinduism and Buddhism. The park is quite small in size, I walked around it in an hour. The most important thing: among the sculptures, don’t miss the three-story ball with windows that resembles a pumpkin. There you can go inside and go upstairs to the observation deck. The inside of the pumpkin is also very interesting, but I won’t reveal all the secrets. Another important point: you need to plan a visit to the park during the day; it closes at 4 pm.

• Pha That Luang Temple- a place that, in my opinion, definitely needs to be visited, if only because it is depicted on the country’s coat of arms. But this, of course, is not the main reason. Pha That Luang seemed to me one of the most beautiful Buddhist stupas in all of Laos. The structure consists of three levels and resembles a golden pyramid. I arrived on a sunny day and the stupa shimmered beautifully against the blue sky. Entrance turned out to be paid, but symbolic - about 0.3 USD. I advise you to carefully check the opening hours; the main symbol of Laos is closed in the evenings.

• Kuang Si Waterfall This is a place of amazing beauty, a real paradise. The most important thing I remember is the extraordinary turquoise color of the water in the lagoon, where all the streams flow. Somewhat reminiscent of Pamukkale in Turkey. There is forest and silence around the waterfall. Trees grow straight out of the water. You can spend a perfect day in Kuang Si.

• Valley of the Jugs(outskirts of Phonsavan) - in my opinion, one of the most mystical places in the country. Just imagine: a huge field dotted with thousands of stone blocks in the shape of jugs. Moreover, this is not some kind of tourist speculation. Indeed, each stone has clear proportions of a jug. Historians have never established the exact origin and purpose of the jugs. It is said that these could have been funeral urns, containers for making rice wine or storing water. If you are interested in ancient history and its mysteries, the Valley of Jars is the number one place to visit. And for ordinary lovers of walking in strange and ambiguous places, this is a great option for the day.

• Bolaven Plateau(surroundings of Pakse) - in my opinion, these are the largest and most impressive landscapes in the whole country. I traveled around the plateau on a motorbike for about three days and could not be surprised. In addition to dense jungles, beautiful waterfalls and rivers, along the way there are coffee and tea plantations, endless fields and pastures, villages with friendly locals and delicious coffee.

• Pak Ou Caves– a very interesting and unusual, in my opinion, place. 2 stone caves on the river, filled with a variety of Buddha figurines brought here by pilgrims and residents of the nearby city of Luang Prabang. There are about 4,000 of them here - from 10 cm to three meters high! There are candles and incense lit everywhere. The local guide said that monks used to live in the caves, and the king himself came to pray a couple of times. The highlight of Pak Ou is that it can only be reached by boat.

Weather

In Laos, the division of the year into two seasons is quite typical for Southeast Asia: dry (November-April) and rainy (May-October). I always try to travel around the country in December-January. Although this is the peak of the tourist season, it is the most pleasant months in terms of weather. During the day the temperature is 25-27 degrees, at night 15-17.

I came to Laos once in April and it was a real nightmare. The heat reached 40 degrees. The same thing in May. You can also travel during the rainy summer months, but not in mountainous areas. The already disgusting roads are being washed away very badly. All transport costs.

Once again, the golden climatic months of Laos are December and January. If possible, plan your trip during this time.

Money

The currency of Laos is called the kip and is designated LAK.
Kip is a currency that is not very strong or popular. It is impossible to change it anywhere other than Laos. And in Laos it is difficult to carry out, for example, a reverse exchange: from kip to dollars. Therefore, I advise you to change money little by little.

Dollars are very popular in Laos. It only makes sense to go to the country with them; they don’t know the euro well here. Today, one dollar will get you 8,166 Laotian kip. Keep in mind that when exchanging large bills (50 and 100), the rate is slightly better.

You can change currency at all banks, exchange offices, and hotels in Laos. Banks are usually open from Monday to Friday (from 8:00 to 17:00). Exchange offices are open every day, but the exchange rate is worse there.

If you come to Laos from neighboring Thailand, do not rush to change money. Thai baht are also in use here, especially in tourist areas and resorts in Laos.

Plastic cards Visa, American Express and MasterCard are not very common in the country and are accepted only in large hotels in Laos, restaurants and shops. ATMs are available exclusively in big cities, resorts of Laos and the tourist area. From a conversion point of view, throughout Asia it is more profitable to pay with a Visa card. MasterCard is more suitable for traveling within Europe.

Moving around the country

I would like to warn you right away that transport links are rather poorly developed in Laos. Worse than most Southeast Asian countries. There are many options for traveling between cities, but you shouldn’t expect a fixed schedule, comfort and clear ticket prices. The main thing is to treat everything with humor.

Airplane

In Laos, everything is fine with domestic airlines: the country has 52 airports and a reputable national airline, Lao Airlines. But, to be honest, I, like all my acquaintances made during the trip, did not fly on local planes. Firstly, they are much more expensive than buses and ferries. And somehow there is no desire to fly around Laos by plane. The country is too picturesque, you don’t want to miss the wonderful views from the window.

Train

You can forget about trains in Laos. There are no internal railways in the country.

Bus

According to my observations, this is the most common way to move around the country. Buses run between all important villages and cities in Laos. These can be the options we are used to (with a roof and seats) or completely exotic options: open trucks with benches in the back.

I traveled in two types of covered buses: with seats and sleeping berths. I can say for sure that the regular seated option, although it seems less comfortable at first, ultimately I liked it much more.

The so-called sleeper buses only have double shelves, and they are very narrow (about a meter wide). If you are traveling alone, you will have to sleep in close quarters with a complete stranger. In populous Asia, there are special concepts of personal space, and this type of neighborhood seems absolutely normal.

• The roads in Laos are mountainous and sometimes unpaved. Be prepared that you may experience severe motion sickness. I always took a bottle of water with me and squeezed lime juice into it. Helps a lot.
• It's often incredibly cold on buses. Sleepers have a thin blanket, but it doesn't help much. Take everything warm you have to the salon. I carried wide tape everywhere and sealed the air conditioner over me. This is the only salvation.
• When purchasing a ticket, be sure to check whether meals are included in the trip. This is often a delicious local noodle soup that can be very satisfying on the road.
• You can safely buy tickets at a travel agency, and not at the station. The difference is minimal, you will spend much less time and effort.
• Keep in mind that in Laos you can carry absolutely anything inside the bus. Locals travel with roosters, chickens, tons of vegetables and fruits. It didn't annoy me at all, but rather amused me.

Ferry

There are many large rivers in Laos, not only the great Mekong. Therefore, ferries are one of the top types of public transport. Usually there are also high-speed boats along the ferry routes. They are faster, more compact, more comfortable and, accordingly, more expensive.

I took a speed boat from Vientiane to Luang Prabang. Besides me, there were 6 other passengers on the boat. We started early in the morning and sailed for about 11 hours. The ticket cost 20 USD one way. I got very seasick. Since then, I have sworn off traveling by water and traveled all over the country on buses and a moped.

Moped and bicycle

Renting mopeds and bicycles is extremely popular in Laos. You can take them in almost every city and travel around all the surroundings on your own. This is very convenient, because most of the country’s attractions are natural in nature. You can’t reach them on foot from the city, it’s difficult to get there by car (the roads are narrow), but a moped is an excellent option. When renting, you will be asked to leave your passport or money as a deposit and will be asked for your license.

Automobile

You can rent a car in the main cities of Laos: Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Pakse. But this service is very poorly developed and no one uses it. Let me remind you that more than half of the roads in Laos do not have asphalt surface. In addition, renting a car is quite expensive - from 50 USD. It is more economical to take a daily taxi.

Taxi

Taxis in Laos can be hired for a single trip or for the whole day (about 20 USD). There are no fixed prices, so be sure to negotiate before you get in the car. In my experience, the fee per kilometer is usually half a dollar. There is also a local type of motorcycle taxi - "jambos". These are three-wheeled motorcycles with a roof and benches. You won't get far with them, but for short trips they are an authentic and fun option.

Connection

There are many pay phones on the streets of Laos. Most often I saw them near banks, shops and on the main city avenues. However, I absolutely cannot recommend them for calls. It turns out to be very expensive. The machines operate using a card system. Phone cards cost 3-6 USD and only last a little. Once I ran out of card already during the beeps, even before the connection. You can call from post offices, but this is not very profitable either: from 2 USD per minute.

There is only one way out: buy a local SIM card at any communication store. It's very easy, there is a large selection of SIM cards. You only need to have your passport with you. The main local cellular operators are Lao Telecommunications and Millicom Lao. If desired, you can connect 3G. The quality of communication depends on the location. In cities (especially in the capital) it is excellent; in mountainous regions there may be poor audibility.

Oddly enough, wi-fi in Laos is fine. It is provided free of charge in almost all hotels in Laos, even very inexpensive ones. You can also access the network from virtually every cafe, especially in tourist regions. I would like to warn you that Internet speeds range from unbearably low to quite decent. It all depends on luck.

Language and communication

Laos has a very interesting situation with languages. The official language in the country is Lao, or Lao. It is similar to Thai and has many internal variations (about 5 dialects and 70 dialects). Unless you speak Thai or Vietnamese, it is almost impossible to understand Lao. I didn’t remember anything except the greeting “Sabaidi”.

The French language is very helpful when traveling around the country. After all, Laos is a former French colony. I don’t speak French, but I was pretty good at English. The Laotian population understands it well throughout the tourist area.

10 phrases you need to know:

• Yes - Tau.
• No – Bo.
• Hello - Sabaidy.
• How are you doing? – Tau sabaidi bo?
• What is your name? - Tiau si nyang?
• My name is Khoi sy.
• Good morning – Sabaidy Tonsau.
• Good afternoon - Sabaidy tonbai.
• Please (request) - Kaluna.
• Thank you – Khop thay.

Features of mentality

It is difficult for me to give a clear definition of the Lao mentality of the people of Laos. I will say this: it is obvious that from the beginning they are incredibly kind, hospitable, open, gentle and calm people.

But wars, colonization and poverty left their mark. Corruption is rampant in the country. For every piece of paper and service, residents of Laos extort money. This, of course, spoils the impression.

And yet, the country is pleasant to be in. There is a feeling of some great wisdom that naturally emanates from people. And no social cataclysms can stop her.

Food and drink

Laotian cuisine is very similar to Thai and Vietnamese. If you have already been to the countries neighboring Laos, then many of the dishes will probably seem very familiar to you. The basis of the diet of local residents is rice. It is consumed on its own, as well as as a side dish and dessert. I especially liked the Laotian rice stewed in coconut milk with fruit.

The people of Laos love spices; all local cuisine is spicy and aromatic, with pepper, garlic, mint, lemon grass, and basil. Despite the fact that the country has a warm climate, local residents eat a lot of meat and soups. Lao people cook delicious noodles, fried and boiled.

The main drink is the famous Laotian coffee (delicious!). In second place I would put green tea. Among alcoholic drinks, the best thing you can order in the heat is local beer BeerLao. To be honest, I haven’t tasted anything better than beer in Asia. Rice vodka is also popular. I bought excellent French wine in stores!

Shopping

I always bring incredibly beautiful fabrics from Laos, local spices, interesting stone figurines for gifts and lots and lots of coffee. I don’t remember ever shopping in stores. Laos is not. There are no huge shopping centers here. All the best can be found in numerous markets or randomly on the street.

Vacation with children

Needless to say, Laos is an extremely unpopular country for a holiday with a child. There is no sea here, the roads are bad, the infrastructure is poor, there are few good hotels, and sanitation suffers.

If you decide to go to Laos with a child, you should consider some features of the country:

• Local residents love children. They don’t just love, they adore. Strangers on the streets will come up to you to pat your baby on the head, give him candy, a toy, or just play.
• The main thing when traveling with a child is safety. Here you need to keep in mind the specific road situation in the country: there are virtually no traffic rules and asphalt pavement; cars most often do not have seat belts. To be honest, I wouldn’t risk moving around a lot within the country with a small child. It's better to spend your entire vacation in one city. I would recommend Luang Prabang. It is the neatest, cleanest and most comfortable.
• As for health, before the trip you should definitely get your baby the necessary vaccinations. During the trip, avoid mosquito bites in all possible ways (using ointments, nets, sprays). It was in Laos that a mosquito infected a friend of mine with dengue fever. This happened during the rainy season, when the danger is especially high. However, caution is a good idea at any time of the year.
• In my opinion, there are no problems with food for children. Of course, national food is too spicy. But in the tourist area, the familiar Western cuisine is widely represented.

What might be interesting for children in Laos? Certainly not colonial architecture, temples or museums. I would put the elephant festival in Saynyabouli as number one of the possible Laotian children's entertainment. True, it is held only three days a year, usually in mid-February. But suddenly you get lucky!

I haven’t seen any water parks in Laos, only public swimming pools. There are quite a lot of playgrounds in cities; most often they are located along rivers, on embankments.

To summarize, of all the countries in the world, I would definitely not recommend choosing Laos for a vacation with a child. But if this is the case, there is no need to worry. Laos is a poor, but kind and peaceful country in which everything will definitely be fine.

Safety

Laos gives the impression of being a poor, but very safe country. Nothing bad has ever happened to me in several long trips around Laos. Nevertheless, certain rules should be followed:

• Carefully monitor personal belongings. Laos has become a very popular tourism destination in recent years. This, as usually happens, caused an increase in petty theft. Be especially vigilant in crowded places: near historical monuments, markets and embankments.
• Drink only bottled water.
• Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly.
• Check the map for possible minefields (indicated by red flags) and categorically avoid visiting them. Basically, they are located in the eastern part of the country. Like Cambodia, minefields in Laos remain from the Vietnam War.
• Do not use drugs, despite their popularity in the country. I will not hide the fact that Laos is an iconic drug tourism destination in Southeast Asia. Locals smoke weed on every corner. In almost any cafe you can buy whatever your heart desires under the counter. It seems that the police are turning a blind eye to everything. But you don’t need to look up to the locals. Tourists are subject to their own rules. For buying and using drugs, you can not only pay serious fines, but also go to prison.

5 things you must do in this country

1. Try the famous sticky rice.
2. Rent a bike in Vientiane.
3. Buy gifts under the starry sky at the night market.
4. Drink local beer in the heat, drink coffee in the shade of the evening cool.
5. Feed the monks at dawn in Luang Prabang.

Nearby countries

Laos borders five countries: Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, Myanmar, and China. There are no railways in Laos, so the most common way to travel from Laos to neighboring countries is by bus.

I will share my experience. I traveled from the capital of Laos to the Vietnamese city of Vinh by sleeping bus. The ticket costs 12 USD, travel time is 16 hours. Moreover, for a significant part of this time the bus simply stands at the border; at night it is closed.

We left at 18.00, reached the border around midnight, where we slept in a stationary bus until the morning. At seven, the conductor woke everyone up and sent them to the border guards to get stamps. In total, it took about two hours to cross the border and we drove the same amount to reach the final destination. In general, nothing complicated. The most uncomfortable thing I found was sleeping on the narrow berths of the bus; after all, they are designed for Asian body types.

Laos really is incredibly convenient for traveling around Southeast Asia. Therefore, I strongly advise you not to limit yourself only to it, but to visit neighboring countries. Moreover, you don’t need a visa if you don’t intend to stay there for a long time.

The description of the attractions of Laos is truly extensive. In addition to the famous temples, there are many streets, buildings, and squares that are worth seeing.

The names of attractions in Laos include many natural places such as caves and rivers. One only has to travel outside any of the country's centers to see this. Of course, the main attractions of Laos are in the capital and large ancient cities. We can only advise which attractions to visit in Laos first. Here are some of them:

Luang Namtha is the administrative center of Luang Namtha province. It is located near the border crossing into China. The city attracts tourists not with its significant temples, but with the abundance of colorful mountain tribes who live both in the city itself and near it.

Wat Phra That Sikhothabong- a temple six kilometers south of Thakhek. This is a stupa built in the 19th century. The Laotian style golden stupa is located in a picturesque location next to the river. In February and July, colorful festivals take place here in honor of the annual Buddhist holidays.

Si Fang Dong, or « Four Thousand Islands" - the southernmost part of Laos. The Mekong River floods here. There are, indeed, at least four thousand islands in these parts. You will find many waterfalls. On the largest islands there are settlements of local residents. During Indochina times there was a small French resort here. The stone villas have hardly survived today, gradually being swallowed up by the jungle. Freshwater dolphins live in the waters of the river, and the holiday here is relaxing and calm.

Nam Ngum Lake is located 90 km from the capital; on its shore, as a landmark, is the small town of Pan Keun, where local residents mine salt. From here they go on a cruise on long boats or speedboats. You will see picturesque landscapes, islands and enjoy crystal water.

Bolaven Plateau- a natural attraction an hour's drive east of Pakse. His high - about 1200 m above sea level. There is almost untouched nature, waterfalls, national villages, tea and coffee plantations.

Fan Waterfall - two picturesque streams falling from the cliffs from a height of 130 meters. Located on the Bolaven plateau.

Limestone caves in the village of Mahaksai- Tham En, Tham Mha In and other caves are located near Thakhek. In the last cave there is a pond, it is illuminated by the sun through holes in the cave ceiling.

Pha That Luang Temple in Vientiane - a Buddhist religious building, a symbol of the country's independence. This is what can be seen on the state emblem. Pha Jedi Lokayulamani, or the "World Precious Sacred Stupa", is enormous, and the central Stupa is topped with a huge stone lotus.

Simuang Temple- a revered temple in Vientiane, it is said that the guardian of the city, Nang Si, lives in the altar hall. This temple houses a large collection of bronze Buddha statues.

Wat Kho Phra Kaew Temple- a monastery and royal temple in Vientiane, built in 1565 by King Setthathirath. There is also a Museum of Religious Art, or the Buddha Museum.

Buddha Park- an open-air museum 24 km south of Vientiane. There are many statues and sculptures based on Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. The most famous, perhaps, is the giant statue of the Reclining Buddha.

Thai-Laotian Friendship Bridge- road-railway bridge (1170 m) between the city of Nong Khai in Thailand and Laos across the Mekong River. Four trains cross the bridge every day, during which time traffic is stopped.

Wat Xieng Thong, “The City of Golden Temples” is a royal Buddhist monastery in the north of the peninsula between the Mekong and Nam Khang rivers in Luang Prabang. The famous Tripitaka library is also located here.

National Museum in Luang Prabang - a repository of valuable works of art from the period when the Lang San kingdom existed. There is a copy of a small sculpture of Prabang Buddha, after which the city was named. The original of this statue was gold and weighed 50 kg with a height of 83 cm. In 1779, the statue was stolen by the Thais, and it was returned to Laos in 1839.

Tat Chomsi- Phusi Hill Pagoda. One reaches its foot along a narrow stone staircase of 328 steps. There is a Buddha sculpture in the shade of the Champa tree and locals come here to ask for help.

Pak U Caves- are located on the banks of the Mekong, 25 km north of Luang Prabang. This is a complex of statues and bas-reliefs of Buddha in his incarnations. Tham Ting, or Tham Leusi, the "lower cave", and Tham Theun, or Tham Prakachai, the "upper cave", have the most Buddhas.

Caves near Vang Vieng. You will find entire columns of stalagmites and stalactites here. Guests are shown 5-7 safe equipped caves. There are paths and lighting, as well as underground rivers with the possibility of tubing. Some caves have real temples.

The Ho Chi Minh City Trail near the city of Kay Son Phom Vihan is an open-air museum, which at one time was a military-strategic system of strong points, firing points, strategically important roads and paths. The system was developed by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. During wartime, these places were bombed and poisoned with chemicals. There are many remains of ground and air equipment, bunkers, trenches and much more.

That Inghang Temple is located to the east of Kayson Phomvikhana where the ancient city of Sikhothabong was. The temple was built in the 16th century. There are many images of Buddha here. The temple is crowned with a golden umbrella as a reminder of the “kingdom of a million elephants and a white umbrella.” Every year on the full moon between February and March, pilgrims come to That Inghang Temple for a religious festival. Women are not allowed here.

Wat Phu- the remains of a Khmer temple in southern Laos, at the foot of Mount Phu Khao, 6 km from the Mekong River, 40 km from here is the town of Pakse. Nearby is Champatsak, which was once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom. This city is considered one of the oldest in Laos. The complex was erected in the 6th–12th centuries on the foundations of temples dating back to the 5th century. On the temple grounds there are palaces known as the northern (male) and southern (female) palaces. To the north there is an imprint of Buddha's footprint in a stone.

Valley of the Jugs(Xiengkhuang) - located on the Xiengkhuang plateau, 15 km from the city of Ponesawan. The valley dates back to the megalithic era. More than 300 huge stone vessels embedded in the ground are scattered throughout the valley. The oldest are at least 2000 years old. The purpose of the jugs is still unknown.

The Lao People's Democratic Republic, or simply Laos, is a country located in Southeast Asia. This state borders Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. Laos covers an area of ​​236,800 km2. In 2005, its population was almost six million. This is not a very popular destination among tourists, but that’s completely in vain. After all, the state has a lot of interesting places to visit. A lot of exciting excursions, unusual entertainment and fantastic nature await you.

History of the formation of Laos

Starting from the 14th century, the state of Laos was gradually formed. It has always been inhabited by such migrating tribes as the Lao, Thais, Siam and others, as well as the mountainous warlike tribes of the Mien and Hmong. In the 14th century, the warlord Fa Ngum formed a single kingdom called Lang Sang Hom Khao. This monarchy included disparate powers located around Luang Prabang. The new kingdom lasted until the 17th century. Then it fell apart. Already at the end of the next century, most of the state of Laos (general information is presented in our article) fell under the hand of Thai rule.

At the end of the 19th century, Laos became part of French Indochina. And only in the summer of 1949 he managed to get rid of the influence of this empire. But another misfortune came in the form of the United States of America, which began bombing in 1964. And only ten years later the attacks stopped.

Culture and entertainment of Laos

Laos (the capital is Vientiane) is a country with an amazing culture. It is represented by folk crafts, sculpture, traditional dances and music, as well as painting. The main ones are monuments dedicated to Buddha. Wood, stone and bronze are used to sculpture them. Also, masters often depict various monsters characteristic of Indian mythology.

Buddha is often present in paintings. In addition, artists have always painted scenes from the Ramayana, an Indian epic. Modern painters and sculptors of Laos, along with classical Buddhist subjects, create works that reflect the beauty of nature and folk life.

If you like active recreation, then Laos (the capital is listed above) will provide you with all the opportunities for this. After all, here you can go cycling, trekking and rafting. And in the case when a tourist is a fan of exotic and unconventional pastimes, then tubing is at his service - rafting on reservoirs on an inflatable tube, caving or zip-lining. This is an incredibly amazing activity: in the jungle, on the trees - at a height of 37 meters - 23 platforms are mounted. Strong steel ropes are stretched between them. Travelers are attached to them using a special device. The length of the rope reaches almost one meter, and the distance between the platforms is 180 meters. So try this walk!

What to see

In addition to entertainment, the country is rich in various architectural masterpieces. Thus, Laos, whose attractions are not world-famous monuments, still deserves to have its long-standing cultural sites visited by guests of the country.

First of all, I would like to note that Laos is called the state of millions of these giants. Animals work just like people: they help build housing, overcome long distances, and much more. At the above-mentioned camp, travelers have the opportunity to communicate with these unsurpassed creatures, take a walk through the jungle on elephants and feed the pets. And if you have a chance to visit Laos in February, then you will definitely come to a grand event - the Elephant Festival. Thousands of people gather in Paklai County every year to admire the huge participants. You can travel to this corner of the globe without any problems today, because a visa to Laos is inexpensive and is paid for immediately upon arrival in the country. And if you plan to stay in the country for less than 15 days, then you don’t need it at all.

Monastery of the Kings

Wat Xieng Thong (“City of Golden Temples”) is the name given to the royal monastery, decorated with mosaics and frescoes. This is the largest monastery in the state and is located in Luang Prabang. The religious building was built in 1560. Since then, it has remained virtually unchanged. The temple building is representative of the traditional temple culture of Laos. It can be characterized as follows: gradually bending, the roof slopes descend almost to the ground. The back red wall of Wat Xieng Thong is decorated with various animals and birds in mosaics. The temple itself contains a rare statue of a reclining Buddha. Laos (its sights deserve attention!) will always offer its guests to visit interesting places, albeit not as famous as Stonehenge or the Leaning Tower of Pisa, but still amazing and unsurpassed in their grandeur and beauty.

Blood and the Moon

A rectangular panel with three horizontal stripes and a circle in the middle is the flag of Laos. The upper and lower stripes are painted red, symbolizing the blood of the victims who gave their lives for the independence of the country. The middle, largest, stripe is blue, which has become the embodiment of the resources of Laos. In the center of the blue field there is a huge white circle. It has become a symbol of the moon that rises above

On December 2, 1975, the Laotian flag received its legal approval. This composition of the canvas was proposed back in the second half of the 50s of the last century. But the people needed to achieve their independence in order for this symbol of the state to have the right to exist.

Main city

The capital of Laos is Vientiane, and we have already mentioned this. I would like to talk a little about this wonderful place. Its name translates as “city of sandalwood”. Vientiane is considered the main financial center of the entire country. It is inhabited by approximately two hundred thousand people.

The city was founded by King Setthathirath in 1560. At that time, the settlement was also the capital, not of Laos, but of a power called Lang Sang. This state ceased to exist in 1707. At the same time, Vientiane turns into an independent kingdom. In 1779, the village was completely destroyed by the Siamese army. And in 1899 it became the capital of Laos.

Vientiane is like Paris

Laos (the capital is listed above) has little similarity with France. Or rather, some overlap can be seen in the main cities of these countries. Thus, Paris boasts the world famous Arc de Triomphe, and Vientiane has the Arc de Triomphe Patusai, which is somewhat reminiscent of its French “counterpart”. The attraction is located on the main street of the Laotian capital - Langsang Avenue. The facility was built in honor of those residents of the country who died in the war for its independence from France.

Oddly enough, Patusai was built with money from the French government. The structure has four entrances and is crowned with small turrets. The arch is decorated with a pattern of lotus flowers, and its ceiling is painted blue and painted with images of elephants, Buddhas and warriors. From the observation deck at the top of the Arc de Triomphe you can see the entire city and its surroundings. There is a belief that if you buy a cage with a bird in a small shop located nearby and, standing on top of the structure, release the feathered creature into the wild and at the same time make a wish, then it will certainly come true.

Buddha Park

Laos, whose capital is a kind of Buddha temple, invites its guests to visit another attraction located in Vientiane. A park. True, the object was not located specifically in the city itself, but in its surroundings. The park is small in size: 200x70 meters. You can see all the sculptures, located very close to each other, in one hour. All sculptures are made of concrete and iron. Their author is the Buddhist artist and monk Bun Liua Surirat. This project was created in 1958.

Now let's go shopping!

So that your family and friends have no doubt that you have visited Laos, bring them souvenirs from this country. Usually tourists bring samples of folk crafts. This could be fabrics, furniture, jewelry. Gifts can be bought in small ethnic shops and at the market. If you make purchases in the capital of the country, you will have to pay more for them than in provincial towns. But still, despite the significant difference in price (almost twice), the cost of souvenirs is not high.