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Information on Laos with annaul travel insurance from Essential Travel
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The capital, Vientiane, and the city of Luang Prabang provide some comfortable amenities, but the rest of the country is still for the heartier visitor.
The unique capital of Laos, Vientiane, has a population of just 280,000, and a fairly basic infrastructure with some modern amenities. The city was destroyed by the Vietnamese in 1828 and lacks ancient attractions. However, many temples have been beautifully reconstructed, and some good examples of colonial buildings are still standing. Tat Luang is the finest temple in the country and although it’s a little distance away from the central area, it’s worth the trip to admire the stunning gilded chedi/stupa. Along the way you pass the Patuxay victory monument – which looks vaguely like the Arch de Triomp and is indeed a legacy of French colonial rule. Visitors are permited to climb to the lookout on its top
Ho Phra Keo dates from 1565 and was constructed to house an emerald Buddha that was taken from Thailand (it was returned in 1779 and now resides in Bangkok). Today the temple serves as museum of religious art, including a Khmer stone Buddha and a wooden copy of the famous Luang Prabang Buddha.
The Lao National Museum contains photos, artefacts, and re-creations of the Lao struggle for independence against the French and Americans. The Morning Market (Talaat Sao) should not be missed. Also worth seeing, although it’s a 45 minute drive south is the bizarre Buddha Park - a unique sculpture garden full of Hindu and Buddhist statues.
Many people who visit Laos head straight for the city of Luang Prabang, which was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995. Luang Prabang (meaning ‘Great Holy Image’) is named after the golden statue here, the Prabang. The city has a lengthy history as a hub for the study of Buddhism and was the first capital of Laos. Despite the country’s history of turmoil, the 33 temples here were spared and are in their original form.
Mount Phu Si, at the centre of the city, has a temples on it and from the top, you can get a stunning panoramic view of Luang Prabang – wedged between the confluence of the Mekong and the Khan river. That Chomsi Stupa, dating from 1804, is also a highlight. Wat Tham Phousi and Wat Phra Bat Nua are other amazing attractions on the hill.
The Royal Palace Museum was constructed originally as a palace for King Sisavang Vong from 1904 to 1909. One of the main attractions of the museum is the copy of the 83-centimetre-high golden standing Buddha that was a gift to King Fa Ngum from a Khmer king – it is the namesake of Luang Prabang. Wat Xieng Thong Xieng is the premier temple of Luang Prabang and dates from 1560; it boasts one of the oldest façades in the city.
Xieng Khouang province boasts the mysterious Plain of Jars. Its capital city, Phonsavan, is the starting point for visits to this bizarre attraction, a collection of archaeological sites comprised of enormous stone jars, or drums, half-buried in the soil.
Vang Vieng is a popular stop off between Ventiane and Luang Prabang, and attracts plenty of independent travellers to this riverside adventure town that enjoys a fantastic view of a bizarre rocky range across the river.
Southern Laos is known for its man islands that dot the mekhong river and offer up a lush landscape with waterfalls and national parks. However to truly experience mountainous, untouched Asia, a journey into the inaccessible North is most rewarding. Some travellers find their way to the eastern border to seek out the Ho Chi Mihn trail.
Note: because of the possible risk of landmines, do not stray into uninhabited unexplored areas without a good guide, and dont touch anything on the ground. Medical services here are basic and travel insurance is essential to help you seek professional help in neighbouring Thailand. Certain areas of the country remain off-limits.
