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Laos

The Peoples’ Democratic Republic of Laos is located in the center of Indochina, sharing borders with China to the North 416 kilometers, Myanmar to Northwest 236 kilometers, Thailand to the West 1,835 kilometers, Cambodia to the South 492 kilometers and Vietnam to the East 1,957 kilometers.
With a total area of 236,800 square kilometers, around 70% of Laos' terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820 meters in Xieng Khouang Province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam, in particular, are dominated by rough mountains.
The Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and, in fact, forms a natural border with Thailand in some areas. The Mekong flows through nearly 1,900 kilometers of Lao territory and shapes much of the lifestyle of the people of Laos. In the South the Mekong reaches a breadth of 20 kilometers, creating an area with thousands of islands.

Flora and Fauna

Laos has one of the most pristine natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. An estimated half of its woodlands consist of primary forest, in particular the tropical rainforest. Unlike the vegetation that grows in the climate of Europe and the United States, tropical rainforest is composed of three vegetative layers. The top layer features single-trucked, high-reaching trees called dipterocarps. The middle canopy consists of hardwood such as teak. Beneath, small trees, grass and sometimes bamboo can be found.

In addition to its fascinating vegetation, Laos plays host to a diverse animal kingdom. Several exotic mammals are endemic such as leopard cats, Javan mongoose, goat antelopes as well as rare species of gibbons and linger, Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear and gaur. The discovery of the Saola Ox, a breed of deer-antelope, in Vietnam a few years ago caused a great sensation. This extremely rare animal inhabits the Eastern border regions of Laos. It is thought that these remote areas probably still hide other unknown species.

In Southern Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River. While many species of wildlife are shy and can rarely be seen, spectators will generally be able to spot the dolphins in Springtime when the water level of the Mekong is lowest. Laos is also rich in resident and migrating birds. One of the more notable ones is the rare Green Peafowl.

Lao religious images and art is also distinctive and sets Laos apart from its neighbors. The “Calling for Rain” posture of Buddha images in Laos, for example, which depicts the Buddha standing with his hands held rigidly at his side, fingers pointing to the ground, can not be found in other Southeast Asian Buddhist art traditions. Religious influences are also pervasive in classical Lao literature, especially in the Pha Lak, Pha Lam, the Lao version of India’s epic Ramayana.

Visiting and entering temples

When visiting temples (call "Wat") you must be dressed decently and remove your shoes before you enter the religious buildings. Avoid wearing short and sleeveless shirts. Be deferential in front of objects in the pagodas.

When entering a Wat or a private home, it is customary to remove one’s shoes. In Lao homes raised off the ground, the shoes are left at the stairs. In traditional homes, one sits on low seats or cushions on the floor. Men usually sit with their legs crossed or folded to one side, women prefer solely the latter. Upon entering, guests may be served fruit or tea. These gestures of hospitality should not be refused.

Since the head is considered the most sacred part of the body and the soles of feet the least, one should not touch a person’s head nor use one’s foot to point at a person or any object. Moreover, men and women rarely show affection in public. It is also forbidden for a woman to touch a Buddhist monk.

Laotian food is based on fish, buffalo meat, pork, poultry and especially herbs. It is always being freshly prepared and not being preserved. Other than sticky rice, which can be eaten either sweet or sour, or fermented and is eaten with fingers, Laotian food is very rich in vegetables and is often browned in coconut oil.

Rice is the staple of Laotian food. Lap is a traditional dish. It consists of minced meat accompanied by citronella, onions, and spices and mixed with a fish sauce and roasted rice. Lap means "happiness and luck". The sticky rice is always served with the hot sauce or a spicy fish or shrimp based sauce.

Laotian cooking not only uses cultivated vegetables, but often wild fruit or vegetables picked from the forests are used as well. Laotian food has a unique flavor and some dishes can be spicy to the un accustomed foreigner. Clothing During the hot season, January to April, bring light clothes in cotton and linen, sunglasses and a hat all year long.

Sunscreen and bug repellant is also recommended. From November to December, the cold season, it is a good idea to bring warm clothing such as sweaters and jackets for the morning and evening, and even more so if you are visiting the mountainous regions of the North. From May to October, during the rainy season, it is best to have waterproof clothing. It is best to wear easily removable shoes or sandals when visiting the temples.

Laos Hotels

Laos Recommended Hotels:

1)Villa Santi Hotel:

The Villa Santi Hotel is known as one of the most charming boutique hotels in the world, certified by many international travel writers. The boutique hotel features 23 Deluxe Rooms and 2 Deluxe Suites, all elegantly decorated in charming Royal Laotian Theme.

The Villa Santi Hotel Luang Prabang is situated in the heart of the World Heritage Site conveniently positioned close to many historical sight seeing places such as the former Royal Palace, ancient temples, Mont Phousy and shopping areas. The hotel is 10 minutes from the airport. It is one of the best places in town and the service was very good. It is located on the main street and was about 1/2 of what a Holiday Inn would cost in most cities in the U.S. The hotel is in easy access to the famous temples and the tourist attractions. The Villa Santi Hotel offers a peaceful and quiet home away from home to the traveller and business person visiting Luang Prabang. Relax in an environment of tranquility and efficiency where Hotel staff cater for all your needs.

The Villa Santi Hotel was established since 1992 by a Lao businessman Mr. Santi Inthavong who married a former royal princess, the hotel was renovated from the former royal mansion and had been operated as a family hotel with 25 rooms, it is situated in the heart of Luang Prabangs World Heritage Site, only a block away from the Nam Khan River and the Mekong, and only a few doorsteps to many sight seeing places such as ancient temples, the former Royal Palace and the Mont Phousy. The boutique hotel is commonly known as the one of the most charming place to visit when coming to Luang Prabang.

2)Inter City Boutique Hotel

Your stay at the Inter City Boutique Hotel comes complete with the best in local artistic decor, fine dining in our Stone Steak House, and the friendliest staff in town.Beautiful boutique hotel decorated with Asian art located along Mekong River in the heart ofVientiane and only 15 minutes a way from the airport.

3)Maison Souvannaphoum

Explore the royal city of Luang Prabang in style, as Maison Souvannaphoum re-opens its doors after months of extensive renovation. This new Colours of Angsana property was the former residence of Prince Souvannaphouma in the 1960s and 70s - A unique modern building with an historic past.

From time to time, the self needs solitude, space and peace to recharge its batteries. Angsana Spa retreats are sanctuaries for the inner self, to refresh and rejuvenate your body and spirit. Experience our spa with a loved one and rediscover the healing pleasure of touch and the aromas of exotic oils like rosemary, lavender, jasmine and frangipani. Feel your muscles being kneaded and the tension seep from your body as you drift off to soothing music and enter a realm of blissful happiness and total relaxation.

Laos Tours

1)Luang Prabang - Vientiane - 5 Days:

Day 1 - Vientiane

• Arrival in Vientiane
• Transfer
• Sightseeing in Vientiane
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including Pha That Luang, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; Ho Pha Keo, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; Wat Si Saket; and Patuxai, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.
• Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2 - Vientiane

• Excursion to Buddha Park
This day's excursion is to visit an open-air museums, Wat Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park). This is a collection of whimsical but compelling statues of Buddhist and Hindu gods.
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight in Vientiane

Day 3 - Luang Prabang

• Transfer Flight from Vientiane to Luang Prabang
• Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
Set between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.

• Begin your tour with Wat Visoun (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas.
• Visit the nearby Wat Aham before continuing to Wat Xieng Thong, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals.
• From there, stroll down the main street (Wat Street) of Luang Prabang.
• Time permitting, stop at some of the many temples that line its sides, including Wat Sibounheuang, Wat Si Moungkhoun, Wat Sop and Wat Sene.
• Visit Mount Phousi for sunset Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop Phou Si, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4 - Luang Prabang

• Visit local market
• Visit the National Museum (former Royal Palace, closed on Tuesdays), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos.
• Excursion by boat to Pak Ou Caves
Travel down the Mekong River to the steep limestone cliffs overlooking the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, home to the Pak Ou Caves. These extraordinary caves are filled with Buddha images, of every style and material imaginable.
• On the return journey, stop at Ban Xang Hai, a local village famous for the production of lao lao, the local rice wine whisky.
• Visit the weaving village of Ban Xang Khong, a village near Luang Prabang well known for its traditional handwoven cotton and silk, as well as production of the local sa (mulberry) paper.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 5 - Luang Prabang

• Transfer to the airport for departure flight to onward destination

2)Laos Modules

Laos Modules are neatly packaged one-city tours. Luang Pragang and Vientiane have an overwhelming array of sites, sounds, and smells; the juggling of maps, transportation, lodging, and timetables can seriously detract from the experience. Our professional guides will do the hard work, you can do what you came for – enjoy stress-free Laos.

3)The Golden Triangle Tour:

Day 1 - Vientiane

• Arrival in Vientiane
• Transfer
• Sightseeing in Vientiane
The capital city of Laos, Vientiane still feels like a sleepy city with relaxed charm, tree-lined boulevards, interesting wats and colorful markets. Tour the different highlights of the city, including PHA THAT LUANG, a gleaming golden stupa which is perhaps most important national monument in Laos; HO PHA KEO, the formal royal temple, now a museum with beautiful examples of Buddhist sculpture; WAT SI SAKET; and PATUXAI, a monumental arch inspired by the Arc de Triomphe, but executed with Lao motifs.
• Overnight in Vientiane

Day 2 - Vang Vieng

• By vehicle from Vientiane to Vang Vieng
Travel from Viengtiane to Vang Vieng, stop for a visit to Vang Xang, 11th century Buddhist archaeological site where primitive Buddha images are carved on the cliff. Continue to visit Fish Market in Huay Mor.
• Sightseeing around Vang Vieng with short trek
This small town north of Vientiane is nestled in a scenic bend in the Nam Song River. The west bank of the river is lined with tunnels and caverns and the limestone cliffs are beautiful. Enjoy a short trek through rice paddies, stopping at a Hmong village in Ban Pha Thao. Continue by walk (3 km. – 1 - 2 hours) to PHA THAO CAVE and XANG CAVE, or "Elephant Cave", which contains a few Buddha images and a Buddha footprint plus the elephant shaped stalactites which give the cave its name. Enjoy lunch. Continue to one of famous caves Chang Cave, CHANG CAVE, used as a bunker against marauding Chinese in the early 19th century.
• Overnight in Vang Vieng

Day 3 - Luang Prabang

• By vehicle from Vang Vieng to Luang Prabang
Journey north passing through Ban Phatang and Muang Kasi. Enjoy visiting local villages on the way.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4 - Luang Prabang

• Sightseeing in Luang Prabang
Set between the Nam Khan and Nam Ou rivers, Luang Prabang is an enchanting town filled with historic temples and colonial style buildings. The entire town was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Start the day at WAT VISOUN (Wat Wisunalat). The oldest living temple in Luang Prabang, Wat Visoun dates back to 1513 and contains a collection of antique wooden Buddhas. Visit the nearby WAT AHAM before continuing to WAT XIENG THONG, the crowning jewel of all the monasteries and temples in the city. Its many ornate buildings feature exquisite mosaic and gold-stenciled murals. From there, stroll down the main street of Luang Prabang, stopping at some of the many temples that line its sides, including WAT SIBOUNHEUANG, WAT SI MOUNGKHOUN, WAT SOP and WAT SENE. Continue to the NATIONAL MUSEUM (ROYAL PALACE), a modest but graceful building which combines traditional Lao and French beaux-arts motifs. This turn-of-the century royal residence has been preserved as it was when the royal family last lived here and provides unique insights into the history of Laos. (Closed on Tuesdays). Afterwards, visit WAT MAI.
• Visit Mount Phousi for sunset
Climb the hillside stairs to the small temples atop PHOU SI, the 100m high hill which sits in the middle of the town, offering beautiful views over the temples and river.
• Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 5 - Luang Prabang

• Excursion to Kuang Si Waterfalls
From Luang Prabang to KUANG SI WATERFALL, travel by vehicle to visit minorities village of Ban Muang Khai Continue by car to Kuang Si Waterfall, located in a perfect natural setting near Luang Prabang, this multi-tiered waterfall tumbles over limestone formations into a series of turquoise pools. Enjoy swimming in the clear water or just relaxing in the natural environment. Continue to BAN THA PENE, a nearby Khmu village, before returning to Luang Prabang by vehicle.
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 6 - Pakbeng

• Transfer
• On board the Luangsay Cruise from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng (Upstream), day 1 of 2
Embark on the Luangsay boat, a traditional style wooden boat with open decks and beautiful views. Cruise upstream towards Pakbeng stopping at BAN BAW to observe the making of traditional Lao rice wine and whisky. Continue to the famous PAK OU caves, natural shrines which have been filled over the centuries with hundreds of Buddha images in every style and material. Lunch is served on board, followed by a visit to a fishing village before arriving in Pakbeng in the late afternoon. • Overnight in Pakbeng

Day 7 - Huay Xai

• On board the Luangsay Cruise from Pakbeng to Huay Xai (Upstream), day 2 of 2
First thing in the morning the Pak Ou boat leaves the pier for a leisurely cruise up the Mekong towards Huay Xai (Lao-Thai border). Several stops along the way offer the opportunity to sample rural life first-hand and marvel at just how little has changed over the centuries. Arrival in Huay Xai is in the late afternoon.
• Transfer
• Overnight in Huay Xai

Day 8 - Tachileik

• Sightseeing in Huay Xai by tuk tuk
Huay Xai is a bustling riverside town which used to be the disembarkation point for Yunnanese caravans led by the Hui (Chinese Muslims) on their way to ancient Siam. Today there is still a fair amount of trade in Chinese goods. Visit the morning MARKET (Talaat Muang Bokeo),and WAT CHOM KHAO MANILAT, a temple constructed in 1880 overlooking the town and the river with many brightly colored jataka paintings decorating the exterior of the sim. Explore some of the surrounding countryside, stopping at minority villages if time permits.
• Transfer
• By vehicle from Chiang Khong (border Thailand / Laos) to Mae Sai (border Thailand / Myanmar)
• Arrival in Tachileik (Myanmar/Thai border)
• Transfer
• Sightseeing in Tachileik
Visit the Myanmar-Thai border bridge, see the Two Dragon Monastery, Baying Naung Statue and take in the atmosphere of this typical Golden Triangle town.
• Overnight in Tachileik

Day 9 - Kengtung

• Flight from Tachileik to Kengtung
• Overnight in Kengtung

Day 10 - Kengtung

• Sightseeing in Kengtung
Tucked away in the far eastern corner of Shan State, Kengtung is a sleepy but historic centre for the state's Khun culture, surrounded by Wa, Shan, Akha and Lahu villages. It is a very scenic town as it is built around a small lake and is dotted with ageing Buddhist temples and crumbling British colonial architecture.
WAT JONG KHAM: features a tall gilded zedi topped by a gold hti inlaid with silver, rubies, diamonds, sapphires and jade, and hung with tiny gold bells. Legend says Jong Kham dates to a visit by Gautama Buddha and that the zedi contains six strands of his hair.
WAT PHA JAO LUNG: 19th century temple which gets its Burmese name Maha Myat Muni from a 1920 replica of the Mandalay Maha Myat Muni image.
WATER BUFFALO MARKET: daily on the western outskirts of town. An interesting place to wander and watch the negotiations.
YAN GONE POTTERY VILLAGE: Observe traditional Shan methods of pottery manufacture
• Overnight in Kengtung

Day 11 - Kengtung

• Excursion to Ho Kyin to visit Akha, Wa, and Lahu villages
Travel by vehicle outside Kentung, and trek for about an hour and a half to the Akha village of Ho Kyin. After exploring the village continue for another half hour to Na Phi Phank village, home to both Lahu and Akha peoples. Continue past two more Akha villages and continue by vehicle to the Khun village of Mong Zine to observe how local blacksmiths make traditional Lahu knives. Return to Kengtung by vehicle, stopping at teh Wa village of Joe Phyu on the way.
AKHA: Tthe Akha have no written language so their history was carried to this century on the backs of many colorful legends, proverbs and rituals handed down from one generation to the other. Akha are able to at least recite the male line of their family back to the "beginning."
LAHU: Lahu women are skilled in weaving cloth, both on back-strap and foot-treadle looms, producing delicate patchwork trims, and unusual embroidery work. The Black Lahu women wear the most distinctive costumes within this tribe. They wear a black cloak with diagonal cream stripes. The top of the sleeve is decorated in bold colours of red and yellow. Lahu men produce excellent crossbows, musical instruments, and other items made of wood, bamboo and rattan. WA: They are darker-complexioned and stocky; one of the better known of the smaller ethnic groups. They used to practice headhunting as a part of their fertility rites until fairly recently.
• Overnight in Kengtung

Day 12 - Phnom Penh

• Inle Lake
• Transfer
• Flight from Kengtung to Heho
• By vehicle from Heho to Inle Lake
• Transfer by boat
• Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 13 - Inle Lake

• Excursion by boat on Inle Lake
Inle Lake, located in Shan State, is beautiful, with very calm waters dotted with patches of floating vegetation and fishing canoes. High hills rim the lake on all sides. The lake's shore and islands bear 17 villages on stilts, mostly inhabited by the Intha people. Enjoy the spectacular scenery and observe the skilled fisherman using their leg-rowing technique to propel themselves around the lake. Visit the floating gardens, a floating market and a Intha village around the lake (please note that no markets take place on full moon or new moon days). The day's sightseeing also includes a visit to the PHAUNG DAW OO PAGODA and the NGA PHE KYAUNG MONASTERY
• Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 14 - Inle Lake

• Excursion to Kakku
Journey into the mountains through beautiful landscapes, passing to Pa O villages with the opportunity to visit a market on the way (depending on the market date). Explore the magnificent KAKKU TEMPLE COMPLEX, a collection of over 2000 Buddhist stupas dates from the 12th and 13th centuries and is concentrated in the space of one square kilometer. Many Buddha statues lie scattered in and around the ruins, which are themselves overgrown with vegetation. Depending on time available, enjoy a short walk to Pa O villages on the way back before returning to Inle Lake.
• Overnight in Inle Lake

Day 15 - Yangon

• Transfer by boat By vehicle from Inle Lake to Heho
• Flight from Heho to Yangon
• Transfer
• Afternoon at leisure
• Overnight in Yangon

Day 16 - Yangon

• Transfer to the airport for departure flight to onward destination.

4)Cruise Up River:

Day 1: Pakse - Pha Pheng Waterfall - Khone Island

After meeting at the Sinouk Coffee House in central Pakse at 9:30am, you will board a bus to travel Route 13 to the historically significant Pha Pheng waterfalls, the "Niagara of the East". You will then be driven to the fishing village of Xieng Di for lunch at local restaurant. After lunch, you board small boats for a visit to Khone Island to see the old French railway and walk the bridge that links Khone and Det Islands. The boats drop you at the Khong Island village of Ban Veuthong, where you will board the waiting Vat Phou boat for a sunset cruise and dinner, docking riverside for the night.

Day 2: Khong Island - Oum Muong Temple - Huei Thamo

Breakfast is on board the Vat Phou boat as we set sail to Ban Deua Tia. You willl walk through this small Village, seeing centuries old traditions still being used. The Vat Phou boat then continues to cruise north, past the island of Don Xai, and many other small islets in the river archipelego. After lunch, you visit the village of Huei Thamo and the mysterious Oum Muong forest temple, just a few minutes walk way. Dinner aboard Vat Phou then you have the rest of the evening to relax and enjoy the silence.

Day 3: Vat Phou - Champassak - Pakse

While enjoying breakfast on board, the Vat Phou continues its cruise to Champassak. The highlight this morning is the Vat Phou ruins - the majestic pre-Angkorian 10th century temple complex and boat's namesake. You have time to visit the museum at the ruins site, walk up to the highest temple and take as many photos as you would like. We return you to the boat for your final lunch on board. A small boat will then take you back to Pakse, arriving around 4.00pm.

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