The Most Serene Country in Southeast Asia
Laos is the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia. Its laid-back atmosphere, stunning karst mountain landscapes, and the mighty Mekong River invite visitors to enjoy this gem of Southeast Asia. Officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, Laos still remains a socialist country, although you wouldn’t guess that from the general atmosphere. Buddhism is strongly present in people’s daily lives, and there are many temples throughout the country. I really wish I was there!
Capital City Vientiane
Vientiane is the largest city in Laos, but there isn’t that many things to see. However, if you like cities in general, you can easily spend a few days there. Vientiane is a nice, laid-back city and it has plenty of cafés, restaurants, and Buddhists temples around every corner. In the mornings, you can see Buddhist monks going around blessing local businesses for the new day and collecting donations. It can get quite hot in the city, so I recommend booking a hotel with a swimming pool.
Colonial-Era Savannakhet
Savannakhet is the second-largest city in Laos and it’s located in the southern part of the country. The mighty Mekong River flows right next to it. The city center is dominated by wide streets lined with beautiful French colonial-era buildings. You can also notice the French influences in the city in general. There aren’t many tourists, giving the atmosphere a more authentic and local feel than in other parts of Laos. The locals are very hospitable and might even invite you for a beer in their backyard. However, the city also has many interesting bars. Local customs thrive, and you might even witness a cockfight —definitely not for the faint of heart! The numerous stray dogs in the city can also be a bit unsettling. Despite this, Savannakhet is a true hidden gem!
Adventurer’s Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is popular among backpackers and has had a reputation as a wild party destination. However, things have calmed down nowadays. Vang Vieng still offers plenty of thrilling activities, but also opportunities for nature experiences and relaxation. In Vang Vieng, you should try the following:
- Kayaking or floating on a tractor inner tube down the Nam Song River
- Ziplining through the treetops
- Swimming in the breathtakingly beautiful Blue Lagoon
- Hiking in the nearby nature. Be careful though, and don’t stray off the path!
- Exploring the stunning caves in the karst mountains
Food
The most important food is rice. In Laos, the rice is delicious sticky rice, often referred to as the country’s national dish. Rice is typically served with meat, vegetables, and spicy papaya salad. Fish is also widely consumed, ingredients are always fresh, and herbs such as lemongrass, ginger, lime leaves, and mint are used generously. Yum!
How to get there and when?
The easiest way to Laos from Finland is to first fly to Bangkok and then continue either by train or with a local airline to the capital, Vientiane. Backpackers can also take a bus from central Vietnam to Savannakhet. The trip would take a few hours. From Vientiane and Savannakhet it’s easy to continue traveling to other destinations either by train or minibus.
The rainy season is from May to September. Roads in remote areas can become muddy, and the Mekong River may flood. However, there are fewer tourists during this time. On the contrary, spring months can be oppressively hot. The cooler season, often around the turn of the year, is said to be the best time to visit.
Things to take into consideration
- A visa is required for Laos, but it can be conveniently obtained at airports or land borders. It’s a good idea to have U.S. dollars on hand for the fee.
- Traveling within the country can take a long time, and the nearest doctor may be far away. It’s advisable to bring at least a small first-aid kit.
- If you spend a lot of time in the Mekong Delta area, you might want to consider antimalarial medication.
- Because of the Vietnam War, there are still many unexploded landmines in the country. It’s not advisable to wander aimlessly in rural areas.
- Although the country is safe, safety regulations are far behind those in Western countries. For example, if you participate in activities, it’s wise to use your own judgment.