Most recent videogalleries: Laos IV: Vientiane – The Sleepiest Capital in Asia
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Laos IV: Vientiane – The Sleepiest Capital in Asia
heading (paragraph): States
Published: 4.9.2015
No traffic jams, no crowds, no tourists – this is Vientiane, Laotian capital. It is on the border of the northern and southern Laos. It offers cheap hostels, guest houses and hotels. Unlike Thailand or also Luang Prabang , the city is grey. Partially due to Communist government. You can, hoever, enjoy beautiful Buddhist temples and one of the most interesting stupas in Laos or, for instance, Patuxai – the arch de triumph, inspired by the one in Paris.
Join us in watching this video. Certainly, you will realize Vientiane is worth a visit!
Meander of the Nam Ou River washes rocky edgy banks, bamboo cottages bravely face monsoon rains, chickens walk in front of local shop, Laotians talk on rocks. You can experience such a Laotian atmosphere at mountain town Nong Khiaw.
The industrial city of Thakhek is not a major tourist destination, but few people know that the Thakhek circuit, known in English as Thakhek Loop, is one of the best attractions to visit in Laos. Do you long for adventure and do you have enough time? Embark on a 450-kilometer-long four-day motorbike ride through the Laotian countryside!
Luang Namtha, a city nestled in the northwest of Laos, is a hidden gem that slowly gets into the subconscious of travelers. It is surrounded by lush mountains dotted with ethnic villages. A hidden paradise for nature lovers, which is definitely worth a visit during your travels in Laos. People come here for an authentic Lao culture experience.
I am watching green hills, cliffs, rice fields, and stone jars from the window on a minibus. The jars are large, small, oval, with and without a lid. Unlike the road, these are hard to not to see. There is no proper tourist trail but rather a road lined on both sides.
We had no problems with B to communicate in China. In Vietnam, B took the role of the guide. When we decided to travel to Cambodia, we realized this would be the most exotic country simply because we don’t know the Cambodian language.
As I have mentioned in last articles, you enjoy here much more than just French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples. You learn here about true life of Asian countryside and also fantastic nature and mountains. I traveled to see one such north of Luang Prabang. In the small town of Nong Khiaw.
I wouldn’t believe there could be a city in Asia of such proportions that is so quiet. No traffic jams, no crowds, no crowds of tourists. It is true that Laotian capital Vientiane has “only” 750 thousand people. Still, I was very surprised. I don’t agree with Lonely Planet which says there is nothing to see and it advices you to better avoid it.
A drug lair until recently and today one of the most popular place among hikers which makes it the only place in Laos that has some night life. Vang Vieng is surrounded with beautiful limestone mountains, small fields, and impenetrable bamboo jungle. You would certainly find out about many places where to go after a long night.
Southeast Asia has been getting increasingly popular. Thailand, Vietnam, Philippines, Cambodia… But they forget about Laos. Yet it offers more than you can imagine even though the Americans sprayed it with more bombs than entire Germany in the WWII.
When you say Laos, most people think of the famous Kuangsi Falls and the city of Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. But on your way to Laos, don't forget to visit the southern part of the country. Wondering why I'm here? Here you will find the Bolaven plateau, a trail full of waterfalls, coffee plantations and amazing scenery. Experience an unforgettable motorbike ride along the Bolaven Plateau, also known as Pakse Loop.