Insider's Laos

WALK LUANG PRABANG

Laos’ main attraction is arguably the most beautiful town in Southeast Asia, and its size and lack of traffic make it ideal for walking, usually from one temple to another (stopping at one of its many delightful coffee shops, of course).

MEKONG CRUISE

The Laos section is undeniably the Mekong’s most scenic stretch, making it ideal for cruising. Whether it’s a day trip on a wooden longtail boat, or a multi-day journey on a luxury cruiser, the options are endless and the views unforgettable.

MORNING ALMS - SAI BAT

Across Asia, monks rise with the sun and come out to collect morning alms. But nowhere is this ritual as spectacular as it is in Luang Prabang, where hundreds of orange-clad monks walk the picturesque streets to be greeted by worshippers in traditional dress.

BECOME A RICE FARMER

At Living Land Farm, on the outskirts of Luang Prabang, you can learn about the complex process of rice growing, get muddy as you guide your own buffalo through a paddy field and sample various rice dishes (including rice wine). A real education.

ADVENTURES IN VANG VIENG

Once a party hotspot, now a mecca for adrenaline junkies, the scenic riverside town of Vang Vieng offers trekking, rafting, climbing, paragliding, cycling, motorbiking and a whole lot more, among some of Southeast Asia’s finest scenery. The nightlife is still pretty good, too.

COPE VISITOR CENTRE

During the Vietnam War, a staggering 260 million bombs were dropped on Laos, many of which remain unexploded and have killed over 20,000 people in the last 50 years. COPE explains the whole tragic story, and shares its efforts at removing UXBs and educating the local population to stay safe.

ROCKET FESTIVAL

Asian festivals don’t get any crazier than Laos’ Boun Bang Fai, in which villages fire huge rockets in the sky to ask the gods to make it rain on their crops. The festival takes place across the country every May and is a genuinely unique experience.

CHAMPASAK

This sleepy town in southern Laos is the ideal base for exploring the region’s myriad attractions, including Vat Phou (the country’s most sacred Buddhist site) and the 4000 Islands. It’s also a charming place just to hang out for a couple of days.

BOLAVEN PLATEAU

A strange, mysterious land of waterfalls, isolated hill tribe villages, coffee plantations and thick jungle, Bolaven is adventure at its rawest and most exciting. Few tourists make it here. Those that do will never forget it.

LUANG PRABANG NIGHT MARKET

There’s not a single visitor to Luang Prabang who doesn’t eat at the night market at some point. It’s the perfect place to try several local dishes without breaking the bank, and also to meet and share tips with fellow travelers.

3 NAGAS

A Luang Prabang institution, this delightful restaurant — located in the colonial hotel of the same name — is the best place to experience traditional Lao cuisine in a typically Luang Prabang ambience.

LE CALAO

THE address in Luang Prabang if you’re looking for that French colonial atmosphere, from the decor to the menu. The tropical bistro of your dreams.

TANGOR

A beautiful Indochinese bistro located close to Luang Prabang’s famous night market. Tangor offers fusion cuisine and snacks as well as the best drink selection in town. Including original cocktails, fine wines and craft beers (and take it from me, good craft beer is still pretty rare in Laos).

525

Located in the heart of downtown Vientiane, within a meticulously refurbished colonial villa, this cocktail bar exudes an irresistible allure. Under the ownership of British proprietors, its enchanting ambiance pervades every nook, whether patrons choose to lounge indoors or amid the verdant garden outdoors.

TIPSY ELEPHANT

While Laos might not boast a rooftop bar culture as vibrant as Bangkok, Tipsy Elephant effectively captures the essence of that metropolitan high-rise atmosphere. A dynamic mix of expatriates, local revelers and hotel patrons indulge in cocktails and light bites. They relish the breathtaking vistas encompassing the Mekong River, the cityscape of Vientiane and the neighboring shores of Thailand across the riverbank.

SIP & CHILL

Perched atop the S Vang Vieng Boutique Hotel, Sip & Chill embodies a relaxed lounge atmosphere, offering panoramic views of the iconic limestone karsts that define the town's landscape. It's an ideal spot to witness the enchanting sunset hues and observe hot air balloons and paragliders drifting gracefully over the town.

PAKSE RIVERSIDE

Pakse’s scenic riverbank is home to numerous bars and restaurants. Many of them on the water, serving up fresh and tasty Lao food washed down with the ubiquitous local brew — Beer Lao. A great place to eat, drink, listen to live music and enjoy nightlife the Laotian way!