Laos

Bring the blood pressure down a notch

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Landlocked Laos is one of the Asia's most enchanting destinations. Stunning natural beauty -- think mist-shrouded mountain peaks flanked by jungle-clad valleys teeming with wildlife -- combine with a fascinating Buddhist culture to make Laos a superb destination for backpackers and independent travellers, while luxury tourists are now also well-catered for.

Communist Laos flung open its doors to tourism in the early 1990s. The last decade has witnessed an explosion in development as businesses -- some Lao, some foreign -- mushroom to cater to the swelling crowds.

Laos is changing fast, but pockets remain well off-the-beaten-track, ready to be explored by adventure travellers willing to forego the usual tourist luxuries. Those who want to experience a real taste of rural Southeast Asian life will be delighted.

Laos attracts many travellers who consider northern Thailand to now be over-developed or "touristed out" and are looking for places less inundated with foreigners.

Ironically, most of these tourists still stick to a now well-trodden path through the Land of a Million Elephants -- though even these destinations retain an allure little diminished by the crowds.

Incredibly romantic Luang Prabang should be considered a must see, with its glittering temples, saffron-robed monks, and sleepy riverine lifestyle. The pace has moved up a notch since the tourists have arrived, as slick cafes jostle for space with chic boutiques showcasing the best Laotian wares: intricate weavings, elaborate silver trinkets and speciality foods.

The bustling capital Vientiane tempts many, as does the thriving tourist centre of Vang Vieng. We'd actually suggest you skip the latter -- a heaving backpacker hub -- but the limestone crags and riverside scenery remain gorgeous despite the mass of travellers.

For the independent traveller, those are just the standard spots to tick off the list, with plenty more to be discovered.

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The far northern provinces of Phongsali, Luang Nam Tha and Udomxai offer exciting possibilities for independent trekking. The industry is fledgling and infrastructure is still developing, so trips tend to be challenging but infinitely rewarding. In the mysterious northeastern Plain of Jars and north to Hua Phan, you're in the midst of what was Pathet Lao heartland -- an area that the United States tried to bomb back to the stone age and which, 30 years later, is still trying to get back on its feet.

The far south of Laos is also slowly emerging as a trekking centre. Although many shoot straight down to Si Phan Don, hanging out on Don Khong, Don Dhet and Don Khon for a taste of lazy island life and a spot of dolphin watching. There is a lot to see and experience in between for the more intrepid. Tha Khaek and Savannakhet offer nascent trekking and caving, while Attapeu, Pakse, Champasak and Salavan are all worthy spots to while away a few days exploring.

Destinations aside, Lao food also entices. Spicy meat salads, sticky rice, noodles, curries and fish tempt right alongside culinary remnants of French colonial occupation. Crunchy baguettes stuffed with pate and salads are standard market fare, while upper-end French restaurants offer delights at astounding prices. And of course, ice-cold Beerlao -- considered Asia's best by some -- is stocked right across the nation.

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Feature story

Elephants are the quintessential poster child for tourism in Southeast Asia. If you've opened a guidebook or two, you know that the gentle giants figure prominently in the tourist scene and are featured attractions in almost every corner of the region. For most of us, a generic ride atop one of the massive mammals isn't quite what we're looking for in terms of making meaningful memories. Fortunately, there are a host of other options that promise a closer look into the lives of the peaceful pachyderms -- but do they deliver? ... Elephant trekking in Laos -- full story

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Visions of LAOS

Recent news from Laos

Courtesy of the BBC
Asia takes first step on modern 'Silk Route'
Published: Mon, 22 Jun 2009
The first link in a modern Silk Route from East Asia to Europe is created with the opening of borders in South-East Asia to goods lorries, reports the BBC's Vaudine England.

Laos tackles transgender taboos
Published: Thu, 18 Jun 2009
In Laos, a new strategy to stop the spread of HIV/Aids is forcing officials to recognise a marginalised group, transgender men known as "katheoy", Jill McGivering reports.

People of Laos suffer bomb legacy
Published: Wed, 10 Jun 2009
The BBC's Jill McGivering looks at the legacy of unexploded ordinance in the remote villages of Laos.

UK officials 'to visit Laos jail'
Published: Thu, 4 Jun 2009
British consular officials in Laos are hoping to visit a pregnant Briton later after she was jailed for life for drug smuggling.

Pregnant Briton sentenced to life
Published: Thu, 4 Jun 2009
A pregnant British woman accused of smuggling heroin is sentenced to life in prison in Laos.

Pregnant Briton on trial in Laos
Published: Wed, 3 Jun 2009
The trial of pregnant British woman Samantha Orobator, who is accused of smuggling heroin, has begun in Laos.

Thailand 'gets tough' with Hmong
Published: Fri, 22 May 2009
The BBC's Jonathan Head looks at the plight of thousands of ethnic Hmong refugees in Thailand, as the sole aid agency allowed to help them pulls out.

Medics close Hmong refugee camp
Published: Thu, 21 May 2009
An aid agency in Thailand says it is closing a camp for about 5,000 ethnic Hmong refugees, citing military intimidation.

Pregnant prisoner meets UK lawyer
Published: Thu, 14 May 2009
A pregnant Briton facing a possible death sentence in Laos is given access to a British lawyer for the first time.

Bomb clearance charity is thanked
Published: Sat, 9 May 2009
A Manchester-based charity is thanked for its help in clearing dangerous ordnance from one of the most bombed countries in the world.

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