Finding a Shangri-La in the Slow Time! Laos Travel Guide

Located deep in the inland of Southeast Asia, Laos is 80% mountains and plateaus, mostly covered by forests, and is known as the “Roof of Indochina”. With banyan trees and frangipani blossoms, beautiful natural scenery and impoverished, simple lives make Laos like a lost paradise. Today, we will take a look at the attractions and travel options in Laos.

Luang Prabang, also known as “Luang Phu Bang”, is the capital of Luang Prabang Province, the upper Laos stronghold, and also Laos’ famous ancient capital and Buddhist center. Located at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River, it is shaped like an “L” shaped peninsula with an area of less than 10 square kilometers. The urban area extends along the left bank of the Mekong River, backed by mountains and next to water, with a cool climate, gentle terrain, and an average altitude of 290 meters. Luang Prabang is a true “Buddha country”. In this small city, there are numerous temples and monks. Walking around the city, ancient temples and colonial French villas stand side by side; as night falls, the evening glow of Mount Phousi and the blue waves of the Mekong River shine together; strolling through the night market, a variety of handicrafts and enthusiastic stall owners are available. In this city, monks in orange robes, white-walled, red-roofed Western-style buildings, red and blue night market stalls, and colorful sunset sky form a beautiful picture. Perhaps it is for this reason that Luang Prabang was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995.

Kuang Si Falls

In addition to enjoying the beautiful scenery, the most fun entertainment activity at Kuang Si Falls is rope jumping. The tree trunks on the edge of the water pool extend into the water, becoming natural jumping platforms. Jumping from the big tree into the clear water is incredibly enjoyable. Even if you don’t like jumping, playing in the light blue pure water and swimming is very comfortable and cool. In addition, the water is rich in minerals and there are small fish that eat dead skin, which is very beneficial to the skin. Soaking in the pool is like having an all-natural SPA, which is very interesting. The beautiful scenery and fun entertainment activities make it an excellent summer resort.

Although Luang Prabang has four major waterfalls, Kuang Si Falls ranks first in all kinds of recommendations. If you have time, don’t miss it. Kuang Si Falls is a vast waterfall from a distance, but the most famous place is the rope jumping project. Coming in from the bottom of the waterfall park, walk up a small road through the forest to the left of the waterfall and you will reach the second level waterfall. The water pool in front of the waterfall is so large that you can jump in to swim and play. You must be reminded that: don’t rush to shore after falling into the water, there are many small fish in the water that will bite dead skin, which is simply natural and free fish therapy!

Mount Phousi

Mount Phousi is located opposite the Royal Palace Museum. It is the highest point in Luang Prabang, and also the best place to overlook the whole city. Mount Phousi is not big, but there are many temples along the way. There is a golden-topped That Chomsi at the top of the mountain, and the Royal Palace at the foot of the mountain. The temples on the hillside are relatively new buildings. The highest point on the mountain is That Chomsi. This is also the starting point of the Laos New Year Parade every year.

The most attractive thing about Mount Phousi is watching the sunrise and sunset from the top of the mountain. The small city before sunrise is peaceful and tranquil, while the small city at sunset is lively and prosperous. As the sun sets, sit at the foot of the stupa and watch the Mekong River turn red by the setting sun. The 360-degree cityscape is in sight. Standing at the top of the mountain and looking around, the dark green coconut trees drown the brick-red roofs of the mansions, exuding a unique tropical charm, as if you are entering a fairyland, peaceful and tranquil. In a daze, you seem to have come to the French colonial Vietnam in Duras’ writings, sweet and somewhat sad.

There are two abandoned temples at the bottom of the mountain. One is Wat Pa Hua, north of the Royal Palace Museum, and the other is Wat Phutaba, northeast of Mount Phousi. If you want to climb to the top of the mountain, you have to buy tickets in front of Wat Pa Hua. Wat Pa Hua is free. In addition to these two temples, there is also a That Chomsi on the top of the mountain. The tower is 24 meters high and is the starting point of the Lao New Year parade (mid-April every year). It is also a good place to overlook Luang Prabang city and watch the sunrise and sunset.

Alms Giving

There is a sacred tradition in Luang Prabang: Every morning, monks will line up, holding bowls and walking through the streets. When the first rays of sunlight shine on the golden top of the temple, a line of yellow robes appears from a distance, one by one, the monks walk barefoot and slowly approach. The local people will prepare food and vegetables, adopt a kneeling position, put their hands together respectfully, and wait quietly on the roadside. When the monk walks by, the alms giver will devoutly put the rice into the bowl, and then the monk will bow, chant scriptures and leave. This is a ceremony that is staged every day. Locals call it [Alms giving]. Watching the alms giving ceremony in the old town of Luang Prabang is an experience you can’t miss. Alms giving is a Buddhist tradition that has been maintained for thousands of years in Theravada Buddhist countries. Tourists generally watch the alms giving ceremony near the temples on Sisavangvong Road. Early in the morning, at about five or six o’clock, you will see monks walking barefoot, carrying tin cans to receive food donated by believers or tourists.

1. When giving alms, the head cannot be higher than the monk’s tin bowl.

2. Photography is allowed during the alms giving ceremony, but please do not disturb the activities.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is the most magnificent and beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. It is located near the Mekong River. It was built by King Setthathirat in 1560 and remained the property of the royal family until 1975. The main hall represents the classic architectural style of Luang Prabang temples. The hall is supported by elaborately decorated wooden pillars and covered with a roof with dharma wheels. The Tree of Life pattern inlaid with colored glass on the back wall is particularly spectacular, and is also the biggest highlight of Wat Xieng Thong.

Describing Wat Xieng Thong as “splendid” is not an exaggeration. The large and small door frames inside and outside the temple are carved with exquisite patterns, which form a sharp and flamboyant contrast with the black temple walls. The exterior is also engraved with gold patterns. The patterns of the pillars or door frames are mostly flamboyant and charming tropical vines, and the door has embossed sculptures of graceful and charming fairies or Buddha statues with uneven lines. The 20 buildings inside the temple are exquisite and luxurious. They are a comprehensive manifestation of Lao religion, royal family and traditional art.

This is where Lao coronation ceremonies take place, and it is also a place for important annual celebrations and gatherings. It is important to note that shorts are not allowed here. All tourists, regardless of gender, must dress appropriately when entering the temple.

To show respect for the Buddha, tourists should take off their shoes and enter barefoot. 2. You are not allowed to be bare-chested, wear sleeveless tops or miniskirts, and female tourists are not allowed to enter the hall during their menstrual period.

Luang Prabang Night Market

This is the biggest tourist attraction in Luang Prabang. The night market is dimly lit and peaceful and tranquil. There is no forced sales. This might be the quietest market in Asia. Hundreds of vendors sell scarves, T-shirts, clothes, shoes, Hmong patchwork blankets, paper products, silverware, bags, pottery, paper lanterns, bamboo crafts, and so on. A variety of goods that are dazzling in variety and rich in color, and the prices are the most reasonable in Laos.

Vang Vieng is located between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, two major cities. It is a famous leisure tourist destination in Laos with beautiful mountains and rivers and simple folk customs. Chinese tourists who come here call it “Little Guilin”. Vang Vieng is famous for its numerous caves. The serene Nam Song River flows through, with amazing karst topography and strange caves. In Vang Vieng, in addition to enjoying the beautiful mountains and waters, it is also an outdoor paradise where you can explore caves, go rafting, zipline, and more.

Blue Lagoon

The enormous Tham Phu Kham cave is a sacred place for Lao people, and is popular largely because of the blue lagoon inside it. After a tough climb, it is simply amazing to swim in this beautiful blue lagoon. The main chamber houses a Thai-style bronze reclining Buddha. The journey to Tham Phu Kham cave has very primitive rural scenery. Several deep tunnels branch off from the main cave into the mountainside. There is a small river at the foot of the mountain where you can rest. There is a big tree by the river, many people climb to the top of the tree and then jump into the river, enjoying the joy of swimming in the water.

ATV Off-Roading

You can drive an ATV from Vang Vieng to the Blue Lagoon, usually 100 yuan per hour. You can leave your passport as a deposit when you rent the vehicle.

Nam Song River Inner Tube Rafting

The Nam Song River is a famous rafting destination in Vang Vieng. The river is wide, with rapids and calm water. The whole rafting trip is about 13 kilometers. There are two ways to raft. You can choose to use a car inner tube and sit on it, slowly drifting along the current; or you can choose a kayak, and experience speed and passion.

Vang Vieng Panorama

Hot Air Balloon Overlook

Book in advance at a travel agency or hotel reception desk. The hot air balloon company will pick you up in a car to the hot air balloon launch site. Taking a hot air balloon allows you to see the beautiful scenery of Vang Vieng’s mountains and waters and the city’s panorama from the air. The entire hot air balloon experience lasts about 40 minutes, and the cost is around $90.

As early as the 17th century, Vientiane was a prosperous commercial center. In modern times, Vientiane gives people a feeling that the streets are not very wide, but the city is very lively, and both sides of the street are full of shops, with department stores, restaurants, photography shops and clothing stores being the most numerous. The suburbs are mostly wooden and bamboo buildings in the style of the Lao people, with trees or fences often used to enclose a large or small courtyard in front of or behind the house. Living in such houses in hot Laos is cool and comfortable. Vientiane is across the Mekong River from Thailand. Every dry season, half of the riverbed of the Mekong River is exposed, leaving only a small stream in the middle. People can wade across to Thailand.

The Patuxai

The Patuxai, located in the city center, was built to commemorate the liberation and independence of the Lao people. It is an iconic building in Vientiane. It is similar in appearance to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. It also connects the busiest streets, but the internal structure has a strong Buddhist culture. The Buddha statues and characters in mythology carved on the arch are full of religious colors.

The four sides of the Patuxai are completely identical, with typical Lao-style carvings and decorations. The ceiling is a highlight, with carvings of Buddhist mythological characters, exquisite carvings and a magnificent golden color. The Patuxai has seven floors, the first to fourth floors are indoors, and there are shops selling souvenirs on the third and fourth floors. The fifth and sixth floors are outdoors, and you can see the scenery from afar. Walk up 150 winding steps to the seventh floor. From the beautifully designed windows, you can see the panoramic view of Vientiane city.

There are many famous attractions around the Patuxai. In front of it is the Music Fountain Square, built with Chinese aid. At the end of the square is the World Peace Gong, donated by Indonesia, and next to the Patuxai is the Laotian Prime Minister’s Office, connected to the end of Lane Xang Avenue, which is the Presidential Palace. The Prime Minister’s Office and the Presidential Palace are not open to tourists.

That Luang

The beautiful golden That Luang Temple is the most important national monument in Laos. It is a symbol of both Buddhism and the sovereign state of Laos. The image of the main stupa is also on the national emblem. That Luang Temple has been preserved to this day after repeated renovations. It was built in 1556 and is the most magnificent stupa in Laos. The stupa is covered in real gold. Even on cloudy days, you can see the golden stupa from afar. It is said that the hair and bone of the Buddha Shakyamuni were buried under the stupa. The entire stupa has three layers and is 45 meters high and 54 meters wide; the base of the main stupa is also square, with a worship pavilion facing each direction. The second layer has 30 companion stupas, and the third layer is the stupa body covered in gold leaf. The base of the stupa is designed so that believers can climb it. There are passages and stairs on each floor. The verandah is 85 meters long on each side, and various Buddha statues are enshrined. In the vicissitudes of history, That Luang Temple has experienced glory and decline. It was rebuilt in 1566 and designated as a sacred symbol of the Lao nation in the 17th century. During the war, That Luang Temple was destroyed and the treasures in the temple were looted. It was rebuilt again in the 1930s and became the most important stupa in the hearts of the Lao people. This temple is the place to celebrate the That Luang Festival in early November every year (according to the Gregorian calendar). There will be a grand temple fair, lasting for half a month. During the festival, monks and believers from all over the country come in an endless stream, and there will be cultural and sports performances in the square.

That Luang Tower is very sacred in the eyes of the locals. When entering, clothing should not expose shoulders or belly button, and should not expose knees. If the clothing does not meet the requirements, you can rent clothes for free at the entrance.

Wat Phou

Buddha Park (Buddha Park) is located on the banks of the Mekong River, about 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane. It is also called Wat Phou. This is a sculpture park that houses nearly 100 sculptures of various Buddha statues, each with unique shapes and strange appearances, blending Buddhist and Hindu styles. The “Heaven and Hell Tower”, shaped like a pumpkin and symbolizing the cycle of life, and the 40-meter-long reclining Buddha statue are the two highlights of the park.

The park was built by Bunleua Sulilat in 1958, blending Hinduism and Buddhism. He put his thoughts into Buddha Park, including Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna, Guanyin, the Buddha, and all the deities imaginable in Hinduism and Buddhism. Therefore, Wat Phou is also known as the “miracle created by concrete”.

The entrance to the park is the famous “Heaven and Hell Tower”, a round, layered tower building that looks like a giant pumpkin. There are three floors inside, representing hell, earth and heaven from the first to the third floors. Next to the “Heaven and Hell Tower” is the reclining Buddha. It is said to be the third largest reclining Buddha in the world, second only to the reclining Buddhas in Myanmar and Thailand. The Buddha is lying in a graceful posture, with a high level of sculpture art.

Shooting Experience

Laos 45 Shooting Range is the largest commercial shooting range in Southeast Asia, located near the city center of Vientiane. The shooting range has many different indoor and outdoor target ranges, and there are many shooters training in it. So when you come to Vientiane, you must go and feel the real gun and pull the trigger. Put on your earmuffs and go full blast! Before shooting, there will be a professional coach to guide you in shooting skills and safety precautions with fluent Chinese, so you will have no communication barriers, and then you can enjoy the exciting experience of shooting various firearms at the shooting range. Real guns and live ammunition will give you a real taste of PUBG.

In Laos, you can appreciate the well-preserved World Heritage ancient city. You can also feel the ultimate romantic French style. You can also experience the overwhelming happiness of the thousand-year-old Buddhist center. Here, you can truly experience what is meant by the “Land of a Million Elephants”.

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