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There’s something incredibly romantic about being woken by the crowing of a rooster. Unless of course, it’s midnight, which is the time most Laos roosters seem to think appropriate to start their morning reveille – a performance which finishes, ironically, about the time the sun rises six hours later.

Vientiane, Laos

Laos might be quieter in most senses than neighbouring Thailand, but at night it’s a symphony of fauna – the roosters compete with fighting dogs, screaming cats, chirping geckos and the buzz of mosquitoes – all of which manage to rise above the clunk of the struggling air conditioning system in my guest house. I’m in Vientiane, the Laos capital.

Although Vientiane has a functioning airport, I journeyed from Bangkok by overnight train, saving on travel costs and a night’s accommodation. No trains cross the Thai-Laos border: instead a combination of tuk-tuks, buses and taxis are employed to take travellers to the Thai border, across the “Friendship Bridge”, and from the Laos border into Vientiane itself. The process is needlessly confusing and takes far longer than any border I’ve encountered in my travels – welcome to Communist Laos.

Perched on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane doesn’t offer much in the way of unique attractions – there are the usual markets, temples and culinary delights – but Patuxi, Laos’ take on the Parisian Arc de Triomphe is worth a visit. It was built as a monument for those who fought the French for independence, funded by US aid intended for an airport.

Coming from Bangkok, Vientiane’s greatest gift was a chance to relax: sitting down for a drink, watching the sun set across the Mekong, free from constant interruptions from wandering street vendors. Later, walking along the dusty city streets without tuk-tuk drivers harassing us to take a ride, or sex workers offering, well, much the same. Yes, the drivers still advertise their wares from the street corner (“tuk-tuk?” during the day becomes “weed?” after sunset), but there’s no hassle.

With a population of just 200,000, Vientiane is a sleepy capital. After dark the riverside food stalls come alive for a time, but nightlife is pretty limited. After a few days in Vientiane, it’s time to head north.

Luang Prabang, Laos

There’s a well-worn trail from Vientiane, to Vang Vieng, and up to Luang Prabang, but the two stops couldn’t be more different. If you’re looking for a romantic or family-friendly destination, forget Vang Vieng. There are only two reasons for coming here – tubing and partying. The latter is self-explanatory, hundreds of backpackers in various states of inebriation and undress, all trying to do their bit to expand the global gene pool. The tubing however, is unique, and has a lot to do with the state of the backpackers later in the evening.

There’s a lot to be said for reclining on an inner-tube, gently floating down the Nam Song river, admiring the huge limestone cliffs to one side. Add to that the makeshift bamboo bars every 50m or so, enticing you to stop for a cold beer, a flying fox or rope swing, and a shot of home-made Laos-Laos (rice whiskey), and there are definitely worse ways to spend an afternoon. Towards the end of the ride (which could be an hour, or several, depending on how many bar-stops you make), a pumping bass beat grows ever louder. Rounding the bend is the biggest bamboo bar yet, with every backpacker who has preceded you dancing around bonfires in their swimsuits.

Source: nzherald

Recommendation tours in Laos:
Luang Prabang trek
Vietnam – Laos Adventure

Many visitors to South East Asia miss out on Laos in favor of the more popular destinations of Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia.

Biking in Laos

It may be true that traveling to Laos is nothing short of an endurance test, but the beautiful countryside, unspoiled wildlife and a sprinkling of exquisite temples will make your trip worth it. With its exciting terrains, well-preserved natural ecosystem and countless waterways, Laos is now emerging as a prime outdoor adventure destination in this part of Asia.

Low cost of accommodation

One of the best things about Laos, aside from its rugged beauty and natural attractions, is the low cost of accommodation, food and transportation. Your dollar will take you a long way and back. It may not have the world-class cuisine of its neighboring countries, but it’s not impossible to find gastronomic delights in many of its cities.

Notable is the French cuisine that is popular among various restaurants catering to tourists and plenty of scrumptious Thai and Vietnamese dishes as well. Laotian cuisine should not be missed; like the neighboring country of Thailand it is also generous in its helping of curry and fresh ingredients that’ll leave you wanting more . . . that is, if it’s your kind of cuisine.

Do be careful with how much cash you bring with you. ATMs are not readily available outside of Laos’ major cities. Credit cards will not help you either since it is only accepted by a small number of establishments. If you have some Thai Baht left from your Thailand visit, spend it in Laos because it is very welcomed.

You are most likely to land in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, a gem waiting to be discovered. It is a quaint and charming town that features exquisite temples and stupas. Take a relaxed stroll along the well laid-out streets of Vientiane and discover the remarkable influence of the French in its architecture and cuisine.

After Vientiane, proceed to Luang Prabang along the banks of the Mekong River. It is a picturesque and colorful town populated by orange-robed monks and the countless temples. Don’t miss on an exciting river cruise which will take you to an adventurous ride that will showcase the picturesque montage of local life along the riverbank.

Outdoor enthusiast’s paradise and don’t miss as well the Nam Ha Protected Area located in northern Laos. For a more exciting way of traveling to Nam Ha, make a short detour to the town of Luang Namtha and take a boat ride to Nam Ha. This will allow you to catch a glimpse of many bird species and reptiles along the banks of the river and surrounded by thick jungles of thriving flora and fauna.

Nam Ha Protected Site offers countless possibilities for the outdoor enthusiast eager for some adventure. Trek its thrilling terrains, and gaze upon its rich wildlife and stunning panoramas. Along the way, watch out for small waterfalls where you can rest your feet and cool off in its crystal clear waters. Take note of where you are going and follow your guide’s instruction on safe and unsafe areas to the letter. UXOs or small bombs, are still present in some areas, so make sure not to stray.

Other exciting destinations in Laos include Vieng Xai with its many large caves, Hongsa with its beautifully preserved architecture and Wat Phu Champasak with its 7th century Khmer temple complex.

By: Judy McEuen/ Troy Media

Recommendation in Laos:

- Travel guide in Laos
- Adventure tours in Laos

Hiring a bike and explore the peace in Luang Prabang that is the trip of Beck. Let read the entry to know more.

Luang Prabang, Laos

Luang Prabang has definitely got to be my favorite place of the whole trip so far. UNESCO designated the city a World Heritage Site in 1995, and its not surprising to see why when you arrive. Its an absolutely beautiful, laid back town on the banks of the Mekong River in central Laos. There is a real colonial feel to the place, having been previously ruled by the French. The old buildings in the city (though they’re starting to fall apart) look like they’re out of a film set with their balconies, trailing vines and wooden window shutters. I took so many photos of just the buildings! The food here is great too. The coffee is super strong, and they make a brilliant effort at baking bread and other cakes and pastries. It was almost like you were in a French countryside village that had been plonked in the tropics. Even the older Laos women would start babbling in French to us!

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“It was a really enjoyable ride.  We made great time and I didn’t feel like my legs were going to die” – The author told his feeling after taking part in a biking tour.

Nov 11 ’08

This morning I woke up to the crack of dawn.  It is wonderful to wake up so early here.  Why can’t it be that easy when I have to wake up for work?  We are currently located in Luang Prabang (sounds like Long-pro-bong).  I was just getting use to Thai and now things have been switched up on me.  Good thing I will be moving on tomorrow.

Today I went to the market looking for my kowlam (stickyrice/sugar /coconut milk in bamboo).  No luck, but tomorrow I know where to look and I will stock up!  I’ll probably dream of it, it was that good.

We rented bicycles to ride our 35km to KhuangSi waterfall.  Yeah, I made it about an hour and thought my legs were jell-o.  My head had so many endorphins running I was too numb to have a conversation.  A local villager, his wife, and their 10 day old baby stopped and offered us a ride for very cheap.  They make a trip to the market once every 5 days and today was the day.  They were my angels in disguise!  It was heaven to sit in the truck and listen to Jema talk to him.  He told us about their other 2 year old daughter that wasn’t with them.  She was born something like close to nine lbs (they don’t use pounds but it was 4.5 something – couldn’t be kg, so I’m brain freezing here).  The newborn was a lot less; maybe around 4-5lbs.  He also had a runny nose b/c the temperature had dropped in the last three days.  It has been cooler here, especially at night.

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Karen & Kev hired a bike and cycling around Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a very small town and is best explored by bicycle.  We wanted to check out some of the sights so decided to hire bikes. This was a bit of an achievement for me as I haven’t been on a bike for about 18 years and I was a bit unsure.  However, just like riding a bike, you never forget!  I was especially pleased to have a lovely, pink, ‘hello kitty’ bike.  We cycled down by the Mekong River and stopped at what is apparently Luang Prabang’s best example of a Wat. I said it is apparently Luang Prabang’s best example of a Wat.  Wat Xieng Thong was built by King Setthathirat in 1560 and remained under royal patronage until 1975.  The temple was actually pretty impressive, considering how many temples we have now seen.  There were loads of Buddhas inside.  My favourite was the giant gold buddha surrounded by lots of little Buddhas!!

Karen on her “hello Kitty” bike

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This is Dannis’s biking tour in Luang Prabang. Read the article to find out his trip’s experience and interest.

August 6, 2007

Luang Prabang is lush. I mean that in every sense of the word. Nestled at the confluence of the rivers Nom Ou and the mighty Mekong I could barely make it out as we arrived, camouflaged as it is amongst the tropical rainforest. Its the size of a large village, and is an UNESCO world heritage site. The area is inundated with temples, wats and stupas and visitors mingle at ease with young Buddhists monks amongst the crumbing French colonial buildings. Nothing really happens in Luang Prabang which along with its location is much of it’s charm. Most of the activities take place in the surrounding countryside and up and down the rivers. The first morning, to get my bearings, I hired a bike. I’ve never been totally conversant with a bicycle, not having owned one as a kid. My first real experience was at the age of fourteen starting a job as an order boy in Wilson Road in Ely for the Home and Colonial, or was it the Bon Marche or even the Maypole? Well one of those now defunct post war grocery outlets. My inability to ride a two-wheeler was matched by my proficiency for physics because the first thing I did was to place a boxed order in the front basket whereby the bike did a perfect forward somersault. I was sacked within a week

This bike also had a basket, the masculine cross-bar was missing, and it was a pretty shade of blue. Negotiating the contraption down the narrow streets I felt like a nervous Miss Jean Brodie or a district nurse on her first day. I know I should have checked the brakes first but I did have the presence of mind to apply them at the start of gentle incline before gaining neck-breaking momentum. They had little effect and as I was going too fast to use my feet I veered toward and inviting bush at the side of the road to cushion my fall. The result was me lying spread-eagled in the bush with the wheel-spinning bike next to me. It provided great amusement to a passing group of tourists. The bike was returned after twenty minutes and I reverted to Shank’s pony.
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This entry details the author biking tour in Luang Prabang

November 14, 1997

Boy with bicycle, Wat Aham, Luang Prabang

Today was Wat Day in Luang Prabang – not that anyone had declared it as such, of course. As I mentioned earlier, Susanne had worried at Angkor that she wouldn’t see enough monks. Luang Prabang, with its 32 monasteries, I assured her, would essentially be One Big Monk. And today was the day we would go out in search of that Monk.

Breakfast at the hotel wasn’t very satisfying – the sliced baguettes were so stale they scratched the roof of my mouth. At 8:30am a heavy fog hung over Luang Prabang, with only the river valley visible in full. Until the sun situation improved, picture taking would be a questionable task. I suggested we visit the royal palace, which was open precisely from 8:30am to 10:30am each day – two hours the Lao government would allow its people a peak into its glorious, yet all-too-recent monarchical past.

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