Laos – Simply Beautiful

Traversed by the Mekong River, Laos is known for its mountainous terrain, colourful pagodas, French colonial architecture and generally laid-back and friendly atmosphere.

With the official tourism slogan ‘Simply Beautiful’, popular destinations include the beautiful ancient royal city of Luang Prabang; the French-inspired capital Vientiane; Muang Ngoi Neua and Vang Vieng; The Plain of Jars; Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) and the Bolaven Plateau famous for its waterfalls and coffee.


Featured tours and flavours of Laos

Wendy Wu Tours

Highlights of Laos

Long overlooked as a tourist destination, Laos has remained the most pristine and culturally intact country in the region. The ‘Highlights of Laos’ tour will allow participants to experience the old-fashioned Lao charm, explore untouched landscapes and meet the incredibly friendly people, Highlights include spectacular sunsets over Luang Prabang; Mekong River Cruise; Vang Vieng; Plain of Jars and Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall – Khone Phapheng.

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Grasshopper Adventures

Little Laos Family Adventure

Exploring beautiful Luang Prabang and peaceful Nong Khiaw on bicyles, ‘Little Laos Family Adventure’ is a great introduction to Northern Laos by bike and boat. Luang Prabang is a joy to explore by bike and a great place for kids to get a taste of the far east. On this tour, participants will get up close to elephants, see how silk is made, learn to cook a delicious Lao meal and cruise the Mekong River through some of the most stunning scenery in all of Southeast Asia.

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Wendy Wu Tours

From Laos to China

On this epic adventure along the upper reaches of the Mekong River, participants will pass through the beauty of Laos, Thailand, explore the rich and varied culture of Myanmar (Burma), before venturing into the dramatic landscapes of China’s Yunnan province. Highlights include the former Royal City of Luang Prabang; Pak Ou Caves and Nam Ou River to Pak Beng; an opportunity to visit Thailand’s infamous Golden Triangle and travel along the Old Mandalay Road in Burma.

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  • The Mekong River boasts the world’s largest inland fishery, accounting for up to 25 percent of the global freshwater catch. –World Wildlife Fund

  • At least 1,100 freshwater species swim the waters of the Mekong River – including the last remaining populations of the Irrawaddy dolphin, giant freshwater stingray, and the Mekong giant catfish.–World Wildlife Fund

  • The Greater Mekong region is home to more than 300 million people from nearly 100 distinct ethnic groups.–World Wildlife Fund

  • The Mekong giant catfish can weigh up to 770 pounds and is the third largest freshwater fish on the planet.–World Wildlife Fund

  • Often called ‘the Asian unicorn’, the enigmatic saola are found only in the Annamite Mountains of Vietnam and Laos.–World Wildlife Fund

 

Laos at a glance:

Official Name: Lao People’s Democratic Republic – Lao PDR
Capital: Vientiane – population 997,000 (est 2015)
Population: 6.9 million (est 2015)
Area: 236,800 sq km
Language: Lao. English and French widely spoken in tourist areas.
Currency: Lao Kip (LAK). US$ and Thai Baht widely accepted.
Time zone: GMT+7 (Bangkok, Hanoi, Jakarta)
Dialling code: +856
National Animal: Elephant


Famous sights and popular places:

Luang Prabang – Beauiful former royal city and one of the true gems of Southeast Asia
Vientiane – French-inspired capital of Laos situated along the Mekong River
Vang Vieng – Rivers, caves, backpacking and organic farming
The Plain of Jars – Thousands of ancient, mysterious giant stone jars scattered around the Xiangkhoang Plateau
Si Phan Don – Waterfalls, rivers, relaxation and nature
The Bolaven Plateau – Famous for its waterfalls and coffee



Reading up on Laos – books for the backpack

We believe reading up a little bit on the destination before, during or after you travel not only makes you understand the destination better, but it can also enhance the overall travel experience. Therefore, we have compiled a selection of books and recommended reading you might find useful when planning a trip to Laos.

Inspiring Laos - ideas and inspiration when travelling to Laos

Volunteering and Responsible Travel

Southeast Asian street food

For more inspiration, ideas, books, recommended reading, gadgets, gizmos and other travel items that might be useful before you go, bring in your backpack during your travels, or after you get back home, please also visit amazon.co.uk/shop/mekongexp and amazon.com/shop/mekongexp

Quick Ticket Finder – local buses, trains, ferries and flight connections

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