Things to do in Laos
5 Cool Ideas for Traveling in the Adventure Capital of Southest Asia
© Ray Mina
Apr 2, 2009
When visiting Laos, the best way to see this beautiful country is by traveling at ground level. It helps travelers connect with the people and the land.
In the north is a tapestry of protected forests strung out across some of the most rugged mountains in southeast Asia. It’s home to many ethnic groups, like the Hmong, Akha, and Khamu, that maintain their traditional culture and still live off the land.
Central Laos is hard to top for stunning scenery. Limestone karsts stand like giants on guard, watching carefully over their neighbors to the east. Monsoon forests hide lagoons, rivers, and caves so awesome, you would have only thought them possible in a Disney theme park.
The southern delta region is famous for it’s Four Thousand Islands, an area filled with sandbars and small islands that pop up as the Mekong recedes. It’s the perfect place to let the days melt by as Laos heats up.
Things to do while visiting Laos:
Hill Tribe Trekking in Luang Nam Tha
In a joint effort between New Zealand and the Laos government, the Provincial Tourism office provides environmentally conscious excursions into the Nam Ha National Protected Area.
It’s worth the walk for a look at some of the best preserved forests in Laos, but it’s the intact village life that is the real draw. Those searching for a way to create a positive impact can feel good about a trip here, because the money spent goes towards educating, and providing health care and income to impoverished tribal groups.
River Swimming in Nong Khiaw
On the Nam Ou river in Nong Khiaw young children, agile as dolphins, cling to boulders in the river’s currents, and use homemade bamboo spear guns to expertly sharp shoot tiny fish; some as small as a pinky finger.
Joining them is a great way to beat the afternoon heat and to make new friends.
Eating and Drinking in Vientiane
After dining on sticky rice and local cuisine in the north of Laos, the international flavor of Vientiane can be a real treat. With French restaurants offering fine wine and cheese, cafes displaying tempting cakes and pastries, and a wide range of restaurants offering up Western favorites, Laos capital has something to satisfy every palate.
Following a day of eating baguettes and brie, an evening of bicycling through the streets of the old part of the city will help lighten the load. It just might help make room for a second piece of cheesecake or another chocolate croissant.
Motorbike Touring Around "The Loop" in Central Laos
Travelers with an adventurous spirit need look no further. For some excitement and a chance to see a little visited side of Laos with some of the best scenery in the country, motorbike The Loop.
The Loop is a backpacker favorite circuit on smooth(and rough) roads, through the Khammuan and Bolikhamsai Provinces. With overwhelming natural beauty and an abundance of smiling faces, it’s sure to be a highlight of anyone’s trip.
As the motorbike zooms through out of the way villages, kids, like major league outfielders waiting to catch a flyball, get into position to enthusiastically shout and wave their hellos. It will make anyone feel like a celebrity.
Exploring Tham Kong Lo River Cave
Incredible. I can’t believe this. This is why I travel. These are the things people say that have visited Tham Kong Lo cave in central Laos.
Truly one of the greatest natural wonders of Laos, if not the whole of Asia, this 8km river cave is not to be missed. Entering the mouth of the cave by four person motorized canoes is like entering a secret world. Narrow passageways lead to rooms with ceilings soaring 300 feet above, and centuries old stalactites point down like dragons teeth. Simply amazing.
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