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Top things to do in Laos
Drift along the mighty Mekong, offer alms in Luang Prabang and visit Vat Phou.
Here are the top things to do on a Laos holiday, as chosen by our Far East specialists.
Drift along the mighty Mekong
The Mekong river stretches the entire length of Laos, meandering through Luang Prabang and Vientiane and forming the border between Thailand and Laos. It then wobbles its way back into the south of Laos, through Pakse, Champasak and then the 4,000 islands before leading into Cambodia. The route of the river means you can travel from Luang Prabang through untouched northern Laos into Thailand’s Golden Triangle; in the south through the 4,000 islands, or through rarely explored central Laos from Vientiane.
Stay in Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)
Relax in the picturesque 4,000 islands area, where you can cycle, take boat trips or enjoy countryside walks in an area where life has remained unchanged for centuries.
Offer alms in Luang Prabang
For a truly unique spiritual experience, wake early to offer alms to the saffron-robed monks of Luang Prabang. Watch as the monks walk serenely down the main street, and gracefully accept food in their bowls, one of their only possessions. The early morning mists add to the peaceful and respectful atmosphere of the experience.
Journey to the Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars in the north is an interesting sight; the landscape dotted with hundreds of mysterious and centuries-old stone jars. Archaeologists believe the jars were used about 2,000 years ago, but their origins and significance are still a mystery. Tools and ornaments were discovered in the area, left by a civilisation that has not yet been identified. Some believe these are traces of a lost Indo-Chinese people.
Visit Vat Phou
Explore the impressive ruins of Vat Phou, built by the Khmer people and similar in style to Angkor Wat but with far fewer tourists.
