Landlocked Laos offers a taste of Southeast Asia as it once was. Learn about our favourite experiences in this unique destination below. And then join us there on our Laos & Cambodia: Buddhist Sites & City Nights tour.
6. Taste Laotian Cuisine
The Tamarind House in Luang Prabang offers the unique experience of learning to cook like a local before devouring a seven-course authentic meal. Alternatively, leave the scorching woks to someone else and search the night markets for skewered meats, exotic fruits and authentic Laos libations aplenty.
5. Shower under Kuang Si Falls
If you Google Image “Laos”, you’ll see a slew of stunning photos capturing cerulean pools fed by cascading crystal clear water. This is Kuang Si. Some of these pools are sacred and no-swim zones. But others, including the highest pools, are completely available to bathe in.
4. Photograph nature
At the entrance to the Falls is Kuang Si Bear Sanctuary. For a small donation, you can visit the rescued sun bears in their exceptional enclosures. Just across from the bear sanctuary is a Butterfly Park. While the delicate insects are the main tourist draw, the park is actually a research centre for endemic plants as well.
3. Tour the Wats and Temples
Laos offers the rare opportunity to enter, explore and even photograph thousands of ancient Wats, temples and monasteries. Luang Prabang alone has a plethora of religious sites, most notable of which is Wat Chom Si shrine located atop Mount Phou Si.
2. Pay your respects during Alms Giving
Laos is one of the last destinations to still participate in the Buddhist tradition of Alms Giving. Each morning, saffron-draped monks walk single-file through streets, collecting small offerings from locals. The food collected is all they will eat that day. Tourists are welcome to participate, so long as they are acting respectfully.
1. Relax in Luang Prabang
The country’s cultural epicentre is undeniably UNESCO World Heritage Luang Prabang. It has a distinctly calming culture with a pedestrian-only city centre. It also has a strict midnight curfew, meaning you won’t find any bars or restaurants open past 11:30pm. Take your time enjoying the gentle aura of this historic city located right on the shores of the Mekong River.
Discover old Asia’s newest hotspot on Out Adventures’ Laos & Cambodia: Buddhist Sites & City Nights tour. Itinerary, pricing and details on our website.
(Image credits from top to bottom: Shutterstock, The Tamarind House, Wikipedia Commons x 3, PEAK Travel, Wikipedia Commons)
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