Emerging after years of isolation, Laos is a fascinating woven tapestry of jungle-covered valleys and tributaries peppered little towns full of tight-knit friendly little communities that live and work at a “back-in-time” pace. Luang Prabang, the previous royal family seat and now an UNESCO World Heritage Site, is full of Buddhist temples and Indochinese villas, and in Vientiane, the capital, there is a strong French colonial aesthetic as well as being home to the Pha That Luang temple, Laos’ national symbol. This is rich culture exploration territory, with many fascinating hill tribes, tiny towns and temples to see and visit that are even older than Cambodia’s Angkor Wat.
TASTE
Our favourites include: Manda de Laos (kaffir lime and spring onions is divine); for the best patisserie go to Le Banneton and Wat Ban Sene for patisserie selection; L’Eléphant and lastly, Tapas joint Casa Lao
EXPERIENCE
Luang Prabang: The mix of Theravada Buddhist temples, colonial French-Indochinese houses and the faded grand history of the ex-royal family create a romantic aesthetic that draws you in. Luang Prabang’s 33 temples are easily explored by foot making the walk fascinating to observe the Lao people and the processions of monks. Outside of the city, you can experience jungles and hiking trails leading to beautiful waterfalls and limestone caves, for example, the Kuang Si Waterfall, a 50-metre cascading drop into three-tiered azure swimming holes just 45 minutes outside of the city, and the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with Buddhas left by pilgrims. Make sure you head up to Mount Phousi at sunset to see beautiful sunsets with 360-degree views. Vang Vieng: with the rainforest hanging over cliffs and hidden caves it is mandatory to kayak or tube on the beautiful, meandering Nam Song river for a relaxed and unforgettable experience. Vientiane: the former French colonial trading post is relaxed and walkable making it a chilled experience to explore the historic old quarter of Vientiane. With stunning temples statues, processions of Buddhist monks and wide boulevards lined with frangipani and tamarind, it is a delight for the senses. Must-visit experiences include: Pha That Luang (meant to house a relic of Buddha), the Cope Visitor Centre, Buddha Park, Wat Si Saket and Patuxai. Stay at the Rosewood Luang Prabang or Belmond La Residence, in Vang Vieng stay at the Riverside Boutique. For shopping in Luang Prabang go to Caruso Lao, the Yao Culture Centre, Ock Pop Tok and Living Lao.
READ
The Edge of Tomorrow - Thomas A Dooley; Shooting at the Moon: The Story of America's Clandestine War in Laos - Roger Warner; Crescent Moon Over Laos - Mark Boyter; Love Began in Laos: The Story of an Extraordinary Life - Penelope Khounta; The Coroner’s Lunch - Colin Cotterill; One Foot in Laos - Dervla Murphy
LISTEN
Music of Laos mainly refers to the music of the Lao people, a Tai ethnic group. The music of Laos shares similarities with the traditional music of Thailand and Cambodia, including the names of the instruments. Download on Spotify Laos: Traditional Music of the South to have a taste of the local music sensibility
