Laos

A Buddhist country, Laos has plenty of magnificent temples to explore. Diverse architectural types and traditions are brought together, resulting in a very unique Laotian style of religious monuments that fascinate every traveler!

One of the most famous (and the national symbol of the country) is the golden Pha That Luang, located in the capital of Vientiane. But in almost every corner of Laos you can find beautiful temples, like the ancient monastery Wat Xieng Thong or the main sunset spot at the Phu Si temple in Luang Prabang. .

And be sure not to miss the charming ruins of Wat Phu Champasak, ornately decorated with statues of lions and naga.

Something quite unique about Laos is the opportunity to search for Western Black Crested Gibbon. But really, it’s much more than that. You can stay in some of the world’s highest tree houses, surrounded by the pristine jungle of Nam Kan National Park or the Bokeo Nature Reserve. During the day, speed through the forest canopy on various ziplines, experiencing a fun adrenaline rush while trying to spot the elusive black-crested gibbon (as well as other amazing animals like leopards, tigers, and bears).

Have fun and feel good about yourself while doing it! Not long ago, the gibbon populations were severely threatened by poaching. After some brilliant work by environmental conservation groups, Bokeo hunters were transformed into forest caretakers as a part of this quintessential ecotourism operation. Speeding from treetop to treetop in search of gibbons is not only incredibly different and awesome, but it also supports the Bokeo in their new roles, providing both them and the gibbons with better livelihoods.

Not only does the world's 12th-longest Mekong river run through Laos, but it is also a country where you can enjoy some of the most exciting and entertaining tubing and kayaking activities on the more quiet Nam Song River in Vang Vieng. This place is famous for its quaint rural vibes, breathtaking landscapes of limestones and karsts and a very popular spot to chill called the Blue Lagoon, where you can grab hold of a tarzan vine and swing or just jump from a big tree into the crystal clear water!

Another great spot for water activity is Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands) - a riverine archipelago located in the Mekong River in south of the country. Spend a few days there kayaking, paddling, swimming, chilling and simply enjoying beautiful landscape. If you are extremely lucky, you might be able to spot one of the rarest animals on Earth - the Irrawaddy dolphin.

There are many reasons that Laos is often described by tourists as being “Simply Beautiful”. And one of these reasons is definitely its landscape. For active holidays lovers there are plenty of hiking and trekking options available. Try fun and adventurous zip-lining through the thick forest, visit the small village of Nong Khiaw and trek to its 100 waterfalls, go to Phou Khao Khouay National Park or explore the area around the Katang villages of Dong Phu Vieng, a national protected reserve in the northern part of the country. No matter what adventure you choose, don’t forget to take some items with you to make your hiking more comfortable.

A country built upon limestone and karst formations, Laos provides absolutely stunning caving experience. Located in Phu Hin Bun National Park in the central part of the country, the Tham Kong Lor cave is an absolute must for cave lovers. It’s a 7 km long and 300 feet high cave with a truly immense cave chamber!

If you want to better understand the intriguing history of Laos, you can visit Vieng Xai Cave city, a remote area near Vietnam border. Here, you’ll find many interesting historical spots dating back to the second Indochina war.

For cycling enthusiasts, Laos offers great options to enjoy beautiful scenery and meet locals. Among the best cycling routes are paths between Don Det and the Bolaven Plateau, a trail from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, and the way from Luang Prabang to Pakbeng. Just mind the dry and shoulder seasons from September to May to avoid muddy roads.

Make sure you are up-to-date on routine vaccines before every trip. These vaccines include the measles-mumps-rubella (MMR) vaccine, diphtheria-tetanus-pertussis vaccine, varicella (chickenpox) vaccine, polio vaccine, and your yearly flu shot. The following vaccination recommendations are taken from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) webpage.

Laos is a rural country where it might be a bit difficult to find a proper treatment, especially in some remote areas. Sometimes, not you but some of your traveling buddies might need help. Make sure you have something in advance against the following symptoms: