How to Plan a Long-Stay Trip to Laos

The charming nation of Laos offers much that will draw the interest of the discerning visitor. In this landlocked country, you will encounter gleaming temples, fascinating caves, exotic wildlife, pleasant people and much more. In fact, there would be so much to see and do in Laos, that it will be difficult to experience all that it has to offer on a short holiday. With that in mind, provided below are some suggestions for planning an extended trip here.

Experience Luang Prabang

The most fitting place at which to commence your tour of the attractions of Laos would be the entrancing city of Luang Prabang which is a UNESCO World Heritage Site as well. This city happens to be the principal international gateway for entering Laos and offers many interesting experiences for the visitor. At this destination, you will notice lovely Buddhist temples, French colonial-era buildings and impressive royal palaces interspersed with streetside cafes and restaurants.

There would be several important sightseeing attractions here including the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong, and Wat Mai. An accommodation choice to consider from which you could easily visit Wat Xieng Thong and other notable sites would be Avani+ Luang Prabang which is one of the appealingly located Luang Prabang, Laos hotels. You could also take the opportunity to experience the city’s vibrant arts and crafts, whilst also learning the arts of batik and bamboo weaving too.

Visit the north and north-east

You could next visit the picturesque northern regions of Laos which would be a delight for the nature lover. If you opt to head to the village of Nong Khiaw, you will have the opportunity to admire the stunning limestone features and engage in kayaking and trekking. You may also choose to stroll amongst the lush rice paddies at Muang Ngoi.

Outdoor adventurers may additionally opt to visit the pristine Nam Et-Phou Louey National Park which happens to be renowned for its exotic wildlife. You may also choose to visit the town of Vieng Xai where the politburo of the country met decades ago at the time of the US bombing of Laos. Another interesting destination would be Phonsavanh with its intriguing Plain of Jars. Meanwhile, an attraction that would draw the interest of history enthusiasts would be Long Tieng, the site of a former CIA base.

Tour the northwest

Another captivating region of Laos to visit would be the appealing northwest. Wildlife lovers would undoubtedly be enthralled by a visit to the Elephant Conservation Centre which you will find in the town of Sayaboury. Another not-to-be-missed wildlife encounter would be the Gibbon Experience at Houay Xai where you will have the opportunity to spend a night at a tree house in the forest; you would awake to the cries of black-cheeked crested gibbons!

Arts and crafts enthusiasts will have much to look forward to at Nam Chang, a village of the Lanten people which you will find in proximity to Vieng Phou Ka; at this village, you could browse through fascinating bamboo paper, indigo-dyed items, and masks. You could continue your journey to Oudomxay where you would find attractions such as charming villages, caves, and hot springs.

Enjoy Vientiane, Vang Vieng and south

Your trip to Laos wouldn’t be complete without visiting the charming town of Vang Vieng. In the environs of this town, which happens to be located amidst beautiful limestone backdrops, you will have the opportunity to go abseiling and ziplining too.

Next, you could head to Vientiane, the nation’s picturesque capital where you will find a selection of French-Lao edifices and absorbing temples. You could then visit Thakhek, a town renowned for its stunning limestone scenery. You may also journey to the Xe Ban Fai Valley where you could go caving amidst the intriguing river passages and walk along a vast rimstone basin; another attraction in the south of Laos would be the Xe Pian National Park. Your final destination would be the numerous appealing islands to be found at the southern reaches of the Mekong River providing more adventures with each new day!