Lovely Laos

This quietly charming, landlocked country is often overlooked by travellers. Also lovingly known as ‘land of a million elephants’, Laos is sandwiched between the familiar tourist trails of Thailand to its west and Vietnam to its east. However, summon only a little of your inner adventurer, and its magic will reward you handsomely with wonderful treasures. Startlingly green, jungle-clad mountains feed the rivers flowing through relatively untouched valleys, ancient cultures, golden temples, smiling, friendly locals, stunning waterfalls and a cuisine packed with flavour.

Vientiane, the capital of Laos lies on the banks of the Mekong River. As its name suggests, this somewhat laid-back capital was once a French colonial trading post, and that influence can still be felt in its architecture and many cafes and bakeries. It even has its own version of the ‘Arc de Triomphe’, known in Laos as ‘Patuxai’. As the sun sets and the air cools, take a stroll through the Riverside night market, where you can sample some of the incredible street food. Marvel at Vientiane’s many temples, including the symbol of Laos, the gold-covered, Pha That Luang, where it is said the breastbone of Buddha lies.

Rise at dawn in Luang Prabang to watch, respectfully, Alms Giving, a Buddhist ceremony, that happens every day at sunrise, where local monks leave the temples to accept food from the Buddhist people, which has been provided for them. Bimble to the strikingly beautiful Kuang Si waterfall, passing the local market with delicious smells of BBQ and the Tat Kuang Si bear rescue centre. Once you reach the falls, Cool off in its misty sprays, or swim in its turquoise waters.

Spend a couple of days on a luxury cruise drifting along the Mekong River, float past jungle-covered mountains, stopping at villages, and learning about the rural culture, and caves with 1000 Buddhas in.

Take to the skies early in the morning in a hot air balloon for stunning views over misty mountains in Vang Vieng, listening to the sound of nature and the world below awakening to a new day.

In the cool mountains sits the Bolaven Plateau, within the crater of an ancient volcano, making it the perfect place to grow a variety of fruits, cardamon, Ratan, and of course coffee and tea. With countless waterfalls and stunning scenery, where you can spot birds and wildlife on part of the Ho Chi Minh trail. Visit a coffee plantation and learn the process from bean to coffee mug. Stroll along part of the trail and discover waterfalls. Stop for a while in an ethnic village to learn about their way of life.

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