Laos still is the most relaxed, slow and easy going country in South East Asia. Don’t expect anything there to go quickly and grasp this slowness as a chance to slow down yourself from the hectic smartphone lives we live nowadays.
And then enjoy the things to do in Laos presented here to you.
Luang Prabang
No Laos holidays should happen without a visit to Luang Prabang, which is the city with the highest density of temples in South East Asia. While walking on the street you will pass along a temple about every 300 metres. In the middle of the town there is a small hill with another nice temple on top. If you manage to get up before 6am you can see the daily alms procession of the monks. Out of town you can visit the Pak Ou Caves, a Buddhist temple built into a cave.
Read more here about the things to do in Luang Prabang.
How to get there for your travel planning
You can go there by plane from Vientiane or you can reach it by bus from Vientiane or from Yunnan-Province of China.
One of the best things to do in Laos: Visit the 4000 islands
The 4000 islands in Laos (locally called Si Phan Don) is one of the most beautiful places along the Mekong river. In this area there are a lot of islands inside the big Mekong river and some nice views can be enjoyed here. It is a very laid back area, so the purpose is to enjoy the day and be relaxed. You can rent a bike to explore the two main islands and to drive to the largest waterfall of South East Asia. It is also possible to make a boat tour to explore some more islands.
Read more about Laos’ 4000 islands here.
How to get there for your travel planning
There are 3 places to go: Don Khong (biggest), Don Det (backpackers) and Don Khon (small and quiet). Take a bus to Ban Nakasang. From there take a boat to the island of your choice.
Plain of Jars
What more to do in Laos? One mystic idea is to visit the plain of jars. No one knows how those jars got there and what their purpose was. Take a guided tour and explore the different jars, or rent your own motorbike and ask the locals for the way.
How to get there for your travel planning
Visit by bus or plane from Vientiane to Phonsavan. The plain of jars is near Phonsavan.
Vang Vieng
One of the popular things to do in Laos for the younger crowds is to go to Vang Vieng to relax, get drunk and watch endless loops of Family Guy and American Dad.
But besides joining the crowds partying in an openair disco at night, there is also beautiful nature to be explored here. You can also go tubing on the local river. You rent a tube (lorry size) and float down the river. The infamous river bars are no longer there, but floating on a river can still be very relaxing without all the madness, there used to be here.
How to get there for your travel planning
By bus from Luang Prabang or from Vientiane
Vientiane – the capital of Laos
One more of the places to visit in Laos is Vientiane, its capital. There are also some temples to be seen here. But it mainly is a great place to relax – e.g. dinner and beers along the Mekong river – and take it easy. You can also have a look at the national monument Pha That Luang and the Lao version of the “arc de triomphe”, which is called Patuxai.
How to get there for your travel planning
By plane from Kunming or Bangkok, by bus from Yunnan-Province of China or Thailand or by train from Nong Khai, Thailand.
What else?
If you like trekking in not so touristy areas explore North Laos visit Vieng Xai in the north-east to know more about the secret war besides the Vietnam war.
Comments
2 responses to “Slow down: Focus on 5 refreshing things to do in Laos”
Dear Ciaran,
Thanks for that advise! There are a lot of good trekking options in Laos.
I was fortunate to join a group and go trekking in mountainous Northern Laos. Brilliant experience which I will never forget. Recommend it to anyone.