How to Plan a Long-stay Trip to Laos – Experience an Enthralling Nation

 The fascinating nation of Laos will always be an entrancing country to visit. It offers an array of engrossing attractions for visitors, including impressive temples and other sightseeing attractions, fascinating natural features and interesting kinds of wildlife. In Laos, you will also encounter friendly people, a seemingly slow pace of life and unique culture. More information regarding experiencing this captivating destination is provided below.

Gerd Eichmann, Luang Prabang-Wat Xieng Thong-04-Sim-gje, CC BY-SA 4.0

Commence your tour at Luang Prabang

Since Luang Prabang happens to be the principal gateway to the nation of Laos for international travellers, this city would be a great place to commence your exploration of the country. You will find that Luang Prabang is a charming city, filled with palaces, lovely Buddhist temples and French colonial-era buildings along with a host of street-side cafes and restaurants. Adding to its appeal is that it’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well.

Amongst the sightseeing highlights of this city would be the Royal Palace and temples such as Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit the Royal Palace would be Avani+ Luang Prabang which may be regarded as one of the appealingly located Luang Prabang, Laos hotels. You may also experience the arts and crafts features of this city and gain new skills such as batik and bamboo weaving, while a cruise along the Mekong River is not to be missed either.

 Experience trekking, nature and wildlife in the northwest

An interesting experience that you will have the opportunity to enjoy in the remote area of Sayaboury would be visiting the Elephant Conservation Centre where you could observe pachyderms at close quarters. Meanwhile, if you have an interest in primates, a not-to-be-missed opportunity would be the Gibbon Experience at Huay Xai; here, you will be able to zipline up to a treehouse located above the canopy of the Bokeo forest too. You can stay overnight here and awake to the cries of the local gibbons.

Culture lovers will be entranced by a visit to the Nam Chang village which is in proximity to the town of Vieng Phou Ka. At this village, which is inhabited by the Lanten people, you will be able to admire local bamboo paper creations, indigo-dyed items and masks.

 Admire the attractions of the north as well as northeast

Nature lovers will be captivated by the chance to head north and experience the impressive limestone scenery to be seen in the environs of Nong Khiaw. Here, you will also be able to engage in kayaking and trekking. Then, you could make your way to Muang Ngoi and explore the karstic hills and picturesque rice paddies.

In the pristine northeast of Laos, you could join the Nam Nern Night Safari at the national park of Nam Et-Phou Louey and observe diverse kinds of wildlife. An interesting historical attraction would be the town of Vieng Xai where the politburo of Laos functioned during the period of the US bombing of the country. You will find a captivating museum here today as well.

 Visit Vientiane, Vang Vieng and the south

Driving south from Luang Prabang you will find the town of Vang Vieng, which is situated amidst beautiful limestone landscapes that will capture the imagination of nature lovers. Continuing your journey to Vientiane, you will find that the nation’s charming capital features an array of enchanting temples as well as buildings dating from the French colonial era of Laos. After making your way to the town of Thakhek, you could venture into the valley of Xe Ban Fai and go caving amongst the lengthy river passages.

As you head further into the southern regions of Laos, you will encounter places like the Bolaven plateau and Paksong, in the environs of which you will find the stunning Nam Tok Katamtok waterfall. An important natural attraction in the south of Laos would be the islands lined by palm trees which are to be found on the Mekong River, near the border with Cambodia.