Laos is probably have less attention in Indochina tourism; however you will want to visit Laos after this Laos travel blogs introducing about amazing highlighted places in Laos. It's the country that I really wish to return after my first trip of 7 days visiting Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. As apart from amazingly pleasant culture and lifestyle, the nature in Laos urges me to be back. Reading the blog, you will know about highlighted and stunning spots to decide your own best Laos travel itinerary. I would like to suggest below three incredible travel places in Laos including Luang Prabang, 4,000 islands and Bolaven Plateau.
Luang Prabang is a must-see of Laos
Whether you make an extension of three to four days to Laos after Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand trip, or spend a long duration to explore this country, Luang Prabang is the first and a must-see one when visiting Laos. It's my most favorable destinations in Laos, I have to say. According to Laos History, Luang Prabang became the capital of Lan Xang kingdom in 1353. This ancient town house many ancient and significant temples of this country. Exploring each serene temples characterizing different architecture and styles is so stunning. Besides, Luang Prabang's location is also a highlight. Being embraced by two tranquil river, Luang Prabang offers tourist a pleasant ambience. All the hush has been left behind. We can have a laidback to spend chilling time in the town, explore around, take charming photos and enjoy tasty local food.
What to do in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang downtown and temples
When first arriving in Luang Prabang, you will find curious of this town. The street, wooden housing styles, restaurants with appealing names. Then let's explore the surrounding. The main street in Luang Prabang which is also night market location is the road you should come and have a look. The colonial architecture influence is still remained via the housing. Exploring the corners, you will spot some of stunning temples. The prominent temples in Luang Prabang include Wat Xiengthong, Wat Mai, Wat Aham and Royal Palace, etc. There are over 30 temples in Luang Prabang. Surpassing short and easy slopes, you will find the way down to river.
Luang Prabang surroundings
A part from the downtown known as the highlight of Luang Prabang, tourists can embark on a local boat cruising up and downstream Mekong River for Pak Ou Cave. This cave is not huge comparing to the others in the country, but Pak Ou is a holy pilgrimage destination. When the country was being sacked, local people transferred the Buddha statues and hided them there. You shall find thousands of big and small buddha statues displayed in Pak Ou Cave. Another picturesque attraction in Luang Prabang is Khuang Si Waterfall. This is a perfect place to explore the nature and join some of adventurous hiking. Last but not least, there are elephant conservation center in Laos where take
care of and provide the natural habitats for these mammals. The centers will help you interact with the elephants, learn more about their language, livings, etc.
How to travel around Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is where you can leave the noise away. Then cycling around Luang Prabang is a great option. Besides, you can take local tuk tuk with moderate budget; and it's also sharable. Air-conditioner cars are available and can be hired with a driver at good range. If you cycle around the downtown, take a tuktuk or car with AC to the farther places such as Khuangsi Waterfall, you can take wooden boat to Pak Ou Cave (land drive is also available) and even cruise further north for Nong Khiaw.
4,000 Island is a life-time adventure in Laos
Although Laos is landlocked, this country is enriched by many estuaries of Mekong River; and 4,000 islands is the place you can call Laos beach. Located in Si Phan Don, Champasak Province in southern Laos, 4,000 islands features the plunging waterfalls and exotic countryside. To enter Champasak for island tours, you can take domestic or international flights from neighboring countries to Pakse, then drive toward south.
What to see in 4,000 island?
Exploring islands of Si Phan Done
The main islands to visit in Si Phan Done are Don Det, Don Khone and Don Khong. You can have a hike to explore the waterfalls, cruise by local boat to reach some isolated islands, do cycling trips, hike up to view points, etc. You will find overwhelmed by the plunging and roaring currents and waterfalls. The highlighted waterfalls in 4,000 islands are Khon Phapheng falls and Tat Somphamit. These waterfalls, along with Khuangsi and Tad Fane are the 4 impressive and must-see waterfalls when travel in Laos.
Seeing the freshwater dolphin in 4,000 islands
Freshwater dolphin or Irrawady dolphins are mammals habitat in fresh water environment. You can find them in southern Laos or some part of Kratie in the North-East of Cambodia. Travel to Don Khone island, you can either take local motored boat to ride kayak to reach closer to the dolphins for watching. Some said that they can see them from mainland and take photos with their tele lens also.
Staying at a riverside lodge in 4,000 islands
Despite the accommodation in Si Phan Don is less luxury and spacious as the charming ones in Luang Prabang, staying at a natural riverside lodge is actual an experience. Just relax from your room, enjoy the river view and have a drink while the sun begins to set. It helps release from busy days. You can chill on your own only. The budget for hotels in 4,000 islands are pretty moderate. Then, if your schedule is not so tight, it's highly suggested to spend one more night relaxing by your self without sightseeing.
How to get around Si Phan Done
The most convenient way to travel from Pakse and Champasak center to Si Phan Done is taking a car. However, when staying in Si Phan Done, you can explore the 4,000 island region by either car or bicycle. Of course, local boats are necessary to help you enter islands.
Bolaven Plateau
Bolaven Plateau is another hidden gem in southern Laos. It's also belong to Champasak Province and located just over one hour drive from Pakse. Bolaven Plateau is famous as coffee plantation which brought by colonial rulers. With the average elevation from 1,000 - 1,300m, Bolaven Plateau features an ideal climate for coffee planting. Then there is no reason that the French colonial not to make use of this. These days, when travel to Bolaven Plateau, you can embark on adventures with different experiences depending on your adventurous levels and staying durations.
Things to do on Bolaven Plateau
Conquer the loops of Bolaven Plateau
Depending on your journey, you can explore different loops on the Bolaven Plateau. The most common and easiest one is the Tad Lo Loop with moderate driving hours and can be explored in two to three days. Adventure seekers might go with the large loop which requires more physical capability and longer driving hours. You can refer below map of Bolaven Plateau loop for your references.
Seeing stunning waterfalls over the plateau
Even while touring the small loop of Bolaven Plateau, you will find many stunning waterfalls such as Tad Fane, Tan Yuang and Tat Lo waterfalls. Setting themselves in the greenish jungle, the plunging waterfalls come out stunningly beautiful. Some can be reached easily; and others might ask for some of hiking. Then, I advise you to check on the way leading to each waterfalls and choose the suitable one to stop by.
Visiting the coffee plantation
The Bolaven Plateau is a popular location for coffee planting in Laos. Some of owners make their plantations opened for visitors by organizing some sightseeing tours and tasting of their coffee as well as provide accommodation.
Transportation to travel around Bolaven Plateau
You can reach to Bolaven Plateau by car from Pakse and Champasak towns. However, Jeep seems more suitable for adventurous route and ride over the plateau. With an open-air, a jeep ride to the plateau provide more opportunities to enjoy the place and feel the nature.
After reading all above information, you might make up your mind with an trip; and can consider this itinerary of 6 days exploring southern Laos.
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