A sparsely populated country filled with natural beauty, Laos is slowly broadening its economic and political system after years of isolation from the outside world. Laos is a long narrow country dominated by rugged mountain ranges, lush valleys and rigorous waterways, landlocked between Thailand and Vietnam. The Mekong and its tributaries are the transportation and agricultural lifeline of the Lao people. Laos offers the traveler endless options for untainted visits to traditional villages, remote plateaus, and Buddhist caves filled with sacred images. The pristine landscape and traditional Lao hospitality makes for some of the most spectacular off the beaten path adventures in all of Southeast Asia. Located on a fertile plain along a bend in the Mekong, Vientiane is a charming capital city that takes you back in time. The mix of Asian and European influences are quite evident in the shops and houses that line the lazy boulevards. Some of the important monuments and temples in Vientiane include Pha That Luang, the most sacred stupa in Laos, Wat Si Saket, with over 2,000 Buddha images, and Wat Si Muang, considered to be the home of the guardian spirit of the city. Travel south to Wat Xieng Khuan on the banks of the Mekong and stroll through the Buddha Garden guaranteed to enthrall any visitor. Just a short distance from northeastern Thailand, Vientiane is accessible by road, boat and air.
Luang Prabang, the first capital of the Lao Kingdom, is situated in the cool mountainous north. Its inhabitants are primarily farmers with rice cultivation being the major source of income. A sleepy small town, Luang Prabang has over thirty temples scattered throughout and a diverse group of hilltribes living in the surrounding hills. Take a boat ride along the Mekong to the sacred caves at Pak Ou where dozens of Buddha images are enshrined within the limestone cliffs. Kuang Si falls is a beautiful multi-level waterfall cascading into a number of refreshing clear pools for bathing. The wide plateau known as the "Plain of Jars" located in the province of Xieng Khuang is noted for the hundreds of huge stone jars that lie scattered about. Their function is still being debated by archaeologists and geologists. The major attractions of the south are accessible from Pakse and Saravan, the gateway to the Boloven's Plateau - a scenic wonderland of spectacular waterfalls and dense jungle where numerous indigenous peoples make their homes. |
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