Navigating Your way Through Laos
Friday, 28 January 2011
The beauty of Laos holidays is arguably the journey itself. While travelling through scenic landscapes you will discover the country's rich history and culture.
Located between Thailand and Vietnam, Laos is becoming a popular trekking destination, with the main attraction being the travel from one part of the country to the other. Stretching north to south, Laos borders with Burma and Cambodia, making it an ideal destination for both the experienced traveller as well as visitors in search of a more isolated, tranquil experience of South East Asia.
The large, major roads link each end of the country but much of its smaller, traditional villages are only accessible by unpaved roads, allowing visitors to explore the country's natural wilderness and traditional culture with a sense of untouched discovery.
Destinations that were almost inaccessible a few years ago now also accommodate regular bus services. Private operators provide luxurious air-conditioned buses along Route 13, the main highway in Laos, and international routes, but many local bus services are also still in use for those wishing to experience a more traditional journey between the smaller villages and cities.
Travelling along the roads in Laos allows you the freedom to stop as you wish and investigate the surroundings. If you wish to hire a car it is recommended that you hire one with a driver where you will benefit from their local knowledge and experience of the area. There are many helpful English-speaking local tour guides in Laos who can provide you with real-life insights. Having them accompany you for the entire journey means they can impart their vast knowledge of the local culture and history and can answer any questions you may have.
For many years, the vast rivers in Laos have been used as a major form of transportation by locals, the main thoroughfares being Mekong, Nam Ou, Nam Khan, Nam Tha, Nam Ngum and Se Kong.
The Mekong River is the main waterway in the country; some 700 years ago people fled across the Mekong from southern China to establish Thailand and many others became settlers in Laos. It is still the source of much fishing and farming activity.
While many local boats no longer cruise the Mekong since the expansion of the roads, it is possible to journey across it by tourist boat.
To begin cruising from the north of Laos, you can catch a river boat from the Thai/Lao border at Huay Xai leading you through to the beautiful town of Luang Prabang, where you will reach the Mekong River. Around half way along the route is the small village of Pakbeng, which is home to a small number of Hmong tribes. Here you will find a cluster of guest lodges and can roam the local marketplace.
Travelling along the Mekong River will enable you to enjoy beautiful mountain scenery, look out at the historic Plain of Jars set in the landscape and encounter the many picturesque waterfalls.
Many traditional villages are housed along the Mekong as well as two of the most intriguing towns in Asia; the waterside capital of Vientiane and the town of Luang Prabang.
The capital, Vientiane, is home to the Haw Pha Kaew, a former temple of the Lao kings which now houses the country's premier collection of historical and religious artifacts. Here you can explore the city's monuments and wander the famous market, where Laotian people sell an array of silk weavings. The most famous landmark in the city is the Great Stupa, a glittering gold tower that symbolises the historical power of both religion and the monarchy in Lao culture.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is described as the best preserved city in Asia. By stopping here as part of your cruise along the Mekong, you'll discover Buddhist monks in their brightly coloured robes outside the many historic temples, and the former Royal Palace which is now a museum.
Continuing south along the Mekong will bring you to Bolaven Plateau with its stunning villages and coffee plantations, and Pakse, which has some fine examples of colonial architecture.
At the foot of Laos, before reaching the Cambodian border, you'll reach the little-visited 4,000 islands in the Si Phan Don area. These islands are so-named as they are surrounded by the Mekong as it flows through southern Laos.
Known for its beautiful sunsets, what better way to end to your journey through the calming country of Laos than to sit back, relax and unwind?
Subscribe to read full newspaper »
Send to a friend
Please complete the following form to inform a friend about this page.
