Most recent videogalleries: Laos II: Luang Prabang - UNESCO Gem in the Mekong Valley
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Laos II: Luang Prabang - UNESCO Gem in the Mekong Valley
heading (paragraph): States
Published: 21.8.2015
In Laotian former capital the thousand-year history of the country combines with French colonialism which creates unique atmosphere. Ancient temples, French villas, original Laotian houses… no wonder the city has been a part of the UNESCO world heritage since 1995. Luang Prabang is on the Nam Khan and the Mekong rivers meeting point. It is more than 400 kilometers from the capital. This is, however, no problem as there is an international airport to your disposal from where you can get to Vientiane, or Bangkok, Vietnam, etc.
Lets take a look with us at one of the most charming places in Laos.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.