|
|
Laos, a very quiet country to visit, with still few tourists if compared to
Thailand, has a very hospitable population, really good prices and stunning landscape.
The main entrance door in Southeast Asia is Thailand which due to the frequent flights from
Europe makes tickets very easy to find. Many flights come from the main European cities and arrive in Thailand in about 12 hours.
Bangkok is a very interesting city to begin your trip through Asia. The majority of its people speak English and a massive tourism industry makes it an easy place from which to get a visa to Laos or any other country nearby.
Laos’ capital – Vientiane – is 20 minutes from the border with Thailand and has many tourist attractions, such as little restaurants by the Mekong river bank, ancient Buddhist temples, French colonial architecture and all the facilities that a tourist might need.
Despite the socialism, tourists are well received by the population and even the monks look forward to talk to tourists.
|
In the central region of the country, there is a very charming little town with unbelievable scenery of rivers and mountains, Vang Vieng – with its variety of Asian cuisine, hostels that range from 3 to 5 dollars (prices easily found in many hostels in Thailand,
Cambodia, Malaysia and
Indonesia), trekking, rafting and all that a traveler might need.
The cultural capital of Laos – Luang Prabang – is up north and has a large handicraft market, where you can find amazing things made by the local population. They sell their work at very affordable rates. This little town has a unique charm and even counts with beautiful Buddhist temples, restaurants by the Mekong and a very good mountain atmosphere.
Despite being the most bombed country in history, in the so called Vietnam War (called over there the American War), culture in Laos is still intact, with about 80% of its population living in country areas, thus preserving ancient habits.
|
Travel articles &
pictures
by Cecilia dos Guimaraes Bastos
|
|
