Laos is probably the most overlooked destination of Southeast Asia. It retains an old-world charm. Since I started going there 25 years ago, it has stayed almost the same. There are plenty of luxury hotels in this area, even though it is not well-known. Here are my three favorite places to visit. Laos Enjoy the charm of a quiet village nestled in the hills, with few tourists.
Luang Prabang
This city is located in north-central Laos and is a UNESCO World Heritage. It is the heart of Lao Buddhism. One of the highlights of a visit here is to experience the morning ritual of chanting. What Browse the nightlife of the city or visit a Buddhist temple. night market.
What to Do and See:
Almsgiving is an act of almsgiving that takes place every morning. Hundreds of monks collect rice donations from the townspeople. Visit to Luang PrabangI’ll match you with a mentor who will help you to participate in this spiritual activity.
Visit the nearby MandaLao Elephant Conservation offers a rare chance to interact with—and trek beside—former logging elephants. This experience places a high priority on the wellbeing of the animals by working with experts that have had success in rewilding.
Where to stay:
Avani+ Luang Prabang
The ehemaligen quarters of French officials and Laos’ Government officials. Avani+ Luang Prabang Hotel It blends seamlessly in the surrounding UNESCO-protected region. The hotel features 53 elegantly minimalist suites and rooms, an 82-foot pool, and attentive customer service.
Northern Hills
Few people visit Laos and even fewer go to the hills to the north of Luang Prabang. As arguably one of the most scenic parts of the country—with remote jungles and traditional villages—I suggest allotting at least three to four days to explore this mountainous region.
What to Do and See:
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I can arrange to have you take a boat on the Mekong River From Luang Prabang, you can visit the Pak Ou Caves. These two caves are carved into the limestone cliffs and have thousands of Buddhas lining the interior ledges. It is no longer a place of active worship, but it’s still highly revered.
Many traditional villages are scattered across these sparsely populous hills. Hike through the jungle with a guide, and meet distinct local groups (otherwise known as hill tribes) like the Akha, Karen, and Hmong—each unique with their own language, cultures, and traditions.
Where to stay:
Nam Kat Yorla Pa, a luxe lodge with floor-to-ceiling glass window cottages on the Nam Kat River, in the Oudomxay Province, combines elegance and warm hospitality—amid lushly jungled mountains. The surrounding protected forest is also a great place to explore.
Four Thousand Islands
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Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands) is an archipelago of riverine islands that is formed by the widest part of the Mekong River. There are many waterfalls in this area, and they alone are worth the trip. But there is more to discover in Champasak province, located nearby.
What to Do and See:
Lippi Falls or Liphi, on Don Khone isle, are one of the most stunning cascades along this section. I recommend a guided tour. You’ll be taken on a boat through the calmer sections of the river and hopefully, you can see the Irrawaddy Dolphins who live there.
One of the oldest sacred sites in Southeast Asia—Champasak’s Wat Phou, a Khmer-Hindu temple complex—is actually considered to be the blueprint for Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple in Siem Reap. The spiritual history of the area can be better understood by taking a tour.
Where to stay:
Only 20 minutes away from Wat Phou La Folie Lodge The only hotel in the idyllic island of Dong Daeng. It offers 25 rooms and suites. This lodge offers guests the opportunity to borrow bikes for free in order to explore nearby villages, such as Ban Si Moung Khoun Ban Hua Don Daeng and Ban Si Chanto.
Jack Tydeman is a member of Travel + Leisure’s A-List and specializes in Cambodia, Laos, & Vietnam trips. Tydeman will create an itinerary tailored to your needs. Contact him at [email protected].
