Backpacking, hotels and travel Laos

Lao People's Democratic Republic is the only landlocked Southeast Asia country as well as the least visited nations in the world but it has emerged as a very popular and famous travel destination in Asia. More commonly known as Laos, this country stills retains a remarkable serenity and timeless charm due to the fact that it is being isolated for many years. After a ruinous sequence of colonial domination and internecine conflict, this sparsely populated country is now admitting foreign visitors and offers tourists an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asia Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park) life as well as ancient temples, mighty rivers and remote forests.

Vientiane contains some colorful and sacred pagodas, fascinating museums, wide boulevards and attractions like That Luang (Royal Stupa) and Patuxai (Victory Monument) which resembles the Paris' Arc de Triomphe. This popular tourist city is visited by thousands of visitors every year whereby accommodation facilities are plenty and cheap. The border crossing into Thailand and the Friendship Bridge are at Thanaleng. Wat Xieng Khouang (Buddha Park) here has a fascinating collection of concrete religious icons that combine Buddhist and Hindu Philosophies. Nam Ngum Lake in the north of the city is a peaceful retreat with restaurants and chalets.

The former capital Luang Prabang is one of the most serene town in Southeast Asia. As the heart and spirit of Laos culture, the city preserves a remarkable number of glided Buddhist monasteries, temples and pagodas where monks in saffron-colored robes continue to live and worship. Much of the town and its pagodas are protected as a United Nations Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) World Heritage Site. There are about 32 historic pagodas here within walking distance of each other. Trips on the Mekong River are popular especially to the Pak Ou Caves that houses hundreds of Buddha images. The Dala market sells many local products especially those of nearby hill tribe people. The Royal Palace Museum contains many Lao treasures.

The Plain of Jars near the small town of Phonsavan located in the Xieng Khouang Province has intrigued archaeologists for centuries. Tourists visiting Laos must not miss the photography opportunity with these unique tourist attraction which has puzzled many observers and scientists. The purpose of the huge 2,000-year old stone jars is open to speculation and rumors. Local legend says that they were made to ferment lao-lao rice wine after a victory against a wicked chieftain, Chao Angka in the 6th century. Photo: The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang

In the south of the country, Pakse located on the junction of the Mekong and Xe Don Rivers in Champassack Province, is a point of departure for the Bolaven Plateau in the Salavan Province. The Bolaven Plateau also extends into Attapeu, Champassack and Sekong Provinces. The plateau is a fertile farmland and houses many ethnic minorities. The area is also famous for its tasty coffee. Wat Phou, an ancient stone palace and a architectural marvel located at about 45 km from the Pakse, is the crown jewel of Champassack Province. When the water level falls back in the dry season, thousands of small islands rise from the river, giving the area the name Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands). Southeast Asia's biggest and most beautiful waterfall, Khone Pha Pheng is located in the south of Laos, at about 130 km from Pakse.

There are 68 official ethnic groups in Laos and they offer tourists insight into many ancient tradition and arts. The Lao people are skilled carvers and many pagodas displays this art. Cotton and silk weavings is highly developed, distinct and prized. Many festivals correspond to the Buddhist calendar.

From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River to the rugged Annamite highlands, enchanting scenery, diverse flora and fauna and magnificent temples, visitors will definitely have a memorable travel experience in Laos.