Adventure World

Laos

Known as the ‘Land of a million elephants’ Laos is a sparsely populated country finally enjoying peace after nearly 300 years of war.

Discover the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley, the rugged Annamite highlands, the fine royal capital at Luang Prabang; a town whose exquisite temples were built in the 16th century and the enigmatic Plain of Jars; where gigantic stone jars of unknown origin populate a mountainous landscape.

Travellers to Laos are unanimous in their admiration for this country. Many have found it to be a major highlight of their South-East Asian journeys.

Top Highlights

Vientiane: Laos largest city lies alongside the Mekong River and most hotels, restaurants, government buildings and historic temples are located in Chanthabuli, near the river. The main shopping streets are Thanon Samsenthai and Thanon Fa Ngum.

Highlights in and around Vientiane: Wat Si Saket temple with over 2000 silver and ceramic Buddha images; Xieng Kuan (Buddha Park) is a collection of Buddhist (and Hindu) sculptures that lie in a meadow beside the Mekong River; Phat That Luang (Great Sacred Reliquary or Great Stupa) is the most important national monument in Laos; Ang Nam Ngum is a vast artificial lake, 90 kms north; the Patuxai, a large monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, with four archways - take the stairs to the top for a view over the city.

Luang Prabang: The mountainous region of Luang Prabang province is where you will find the countries highest peaks and waterways. The city is known for its historic temples (around 32 of the originally 66 are still standing) and its setting, about 700m above sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan and the Mekong River.

The city is a mix of crumbling French provincial architecture and gleaming temple roofs. A walking tour is the best way to explore the town, not to be missed are: Talat Dala market area; Wat Wisunalat (one of the city’s oldest temples); Wat Thammothayalan (monastery); the Royal Palace Museum; Wat Pa Huak (murals) and finish with a climb to Phu Si (for views over the town). The road journey between Luang Prabang takes a day .The famous Pak Ou Caves are located about 25kms from Luang Prabang, and reached by boat along the Mekong River. The two lower caves facing the river are crammed with Buddha images of all styles and sizes. Remember to take a flashlight!

Plain of Jars: A large meadow-like area extending around Phonsavan from the south-west to the north-east where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered about in over a dozen groupings. The largest of the sites is south-west of Phonsavan and features 250 jars that weigh from 600kg to one tonne each. The jars have been fashioned from solid stone, apparently carved from solid boulders of varying sizes, which explains the different sizes and shapes. Guesses to their uses have included - used as a sarcophagi, or as wine fermenters or for rice storage - but to date not proved.

More Highlights

• Phu Khao Khuay National Park
• Vang Vieng
• Savannakhet
• Champasak
• Wat Phu Champasak
• Si Phan Don (Four Thousands Islands)
• Bolaven Plateau

Fact Sheet

• Country Dialling Code: + 856
• When to Go: Best time to visit is between Nov & Feb, as less rain and not too hot. March/May & June/July are the best times to visit the mountains (temps moderate). The main rainy season is from July to October and roads can be washed out during this period - river travel is fine. November is the best time to travel by river. Peak tourist times: December to February and August.
• Capital: Vientiane
• Official Language: Lao
• Currency: Lao kip (LAK). Three currencies are used for commerce: Lao kp, Thai baht (B) & US dollars (US$). No ATMs in Laos.
• Electricity: 220V AC, two prong round or flat sockets. Adaptors & transformers recommended.
• Tipping: Is not customary, except in upmarket Vientiane restaurants, 10% of the bill is appreciated, only if service charge has not been added.
• Bargaining: Acceptable in the markets, while some shops have fixed prices. A fair price is usually arrived at quickly.
• Credit cards: Visa and MasterCard accepted in Vientiane hotels, restaurants and gift shops, but are useless elsewhere.
• Geography: Laos is a landlocked country of 235,000 sq kms (slightly bigger than Great Britain) and shares its borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia & Vietnam.
• Gateway Airport: Vientiane (VTE)
• Air: Vientiane and Luang Prabang are the only legal ports of disembarkation in Laos. Lao Aviation (national carrier) monopolise the majority of flights in and out of the country.
• River: Travellers can cross the Mekong River by ferry from Thailand into Laos at certain points.