This is a guest post from fellow travel-lover, Heather of The urban Gypsy. You can read much more about her travel tales on her website, and learn much more about her in the bio below. In this article, Heather shares her highlights of a trip through Laos!
Through all my travels I can honestly say that one country stands apart as a top contender on my list of suggested places to travel. This would be the little, landlocked country of Laos.
This hidden gem is typically overlooked by travelers because it stands in the shadows of its much more popular South east Asian destination stops like Thailand or Vietnam. but I guarantee that even though it may not be on the front of every travel brochure, you too will leave feeling like you just stepped out of a fairytale.
Wientian
Laos’ capital city of Vientiane is an old French colonial trading post. This city is both abundant in French architecture as well as beautiful, ornate Buddhist temples. even though it is the country’s largest city, it has not lost its friendly and laid back character.
Don’t miss out on going to one of Laos’ many sacred monuments – That Luang which is also known as The terrific Stupa. Dating back to the 16th century this enormous golden temple is jaw dropping as its central stupa stands 148 feet tall!
Another distinct landmark of this city is called Patuxai victory Monument. This huge arch closely resembles France’s Arc de Triomphe but is intricately carved with images of Hindu Gods and topped with Laotian style towers.
The Vientiane night Market is also a should see. It is targeted toward tourists with rows upon rows of interesting souvenirs to buy. What makes this market so special is that it is located best along the Mekong River and as the sun slowly sets you can’t help but be captivated by this city’s tranquility.
Driving through the countryside is a must. The roads may not be in the greatest of conditions, but the views are like nothing I’ve ever seen. even though Laos remains one of the poorest countries in the world I can honestly say that the poverty isn’t as obvious as in other countries that I have visited.
The countryside in Laos is stunning!
Vang Vieng
Traveling north to the town of Vang Vieng is like arriving in a complete sanctuary. This little town is nestled among enormous limestone mountains and bright green rice paddies. It used to be known as a party town where backpackers would come from near and far to float down the Nam song River in inner tubes while stopping at bars that lined the river banks.
Vang Vieng is no longer the crazy party place it once was…thankfully
The government however has shut down the party scene making Vang Vieng the ideal place to explore and take in numerous of the river activities. I would certainly take the day to float down the river as this is one of the most stunning backdrops you imagine.
Another place not far from town that is worth checking out is the blue Lagoon. This picture ideal lagoon is a tempting shade of blue and comes fully equipped with rope swings and platforms to dive off of.
There are also covered places to sit and relax, and just steps away are the Tham Phu Kham Caves. inside the dark and amazing caves are Buddhist shrines which make the trek up that much much more spiritual and surreal.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the next suggested stop on your check out to this wonderful country. The city itself is a Unesco Heritage site and it really is a traveler’s paradise that is so rich in culture and beauty.
Not far from town are the Kuang Si Waterfalls. hidden in the middle of the jungle is an oasis like nothing else. These stunning multi-tiered waterfalls have turquoise blue pools to swim in. To top it off there is a Black Bear Rescue center located between the park entrance and the waterfalls.
The Kuang Si Waterfalls are stunning!
Seeing these sleepy bears close up was certainly an added surprise to an already remarkable excursion.
Visiting the mount Phousi temple is another must. You may promise while climbing over 300 steps to get to the top, but going to the seven-tiered golden pagoda of Wat Chom Si is well worth the effort. Not only is the temple a sight to see, but the panoramic views over Luang Prabang is one that you will not want to miss.
And finally you wouldn’t want to leave Luang Prabang without experiencing one of Laos’ sacred traditions – giving daily alms to the Monks.
Monks in Laos (photo by Nippon Newfie of Pixaby)
Monks are only allowed to eat food which has been donated to them before noon. Bare foot aNd Draped w jasnopomarańczowe szaty udają się do świątyni przed wschodem słońca. Jeśli obudzisz się wystarczająco wcześnie, możesz wyrównać ulice i poczekać, aż dadzą im jałmużnę.
Jest to naprawdę niezapomniane doświadczenie, które na zawsze zostanie osadzone w mojej pamięci.
Nie przegap Laosu!
To tylko niektóre z najważniejszych wydarzeń tak wyraźnego i snu kraju. Tempo jest wolniejsze, ludzie są bardziej przyjaźni i jest to jeden z tych krajów, które nie są jeszcze skażone masową turystyką.
Wzywam każdego, kto podróżuje do Azji Południowo -Wschodniej, aby włączyć Laos do ich podróży. Gwarantuję, że Laos cię zahipnotyzuje i pozwoli ci wrócić po więcej!
Urocze dziewczyny w Laosie
Czy podróżowałeś wcześniej do Laosu? Jakie wyróżnienia dodałbyś do tej listy? Powiedz nam poniżej!
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