A landlocked nation tucked away in the centre of the Southeast Asian peninsula Laos retains an age-old charm which appeals to many visitors arriving there. Having been through two Indo-China wars and being cut away from the rest of the world for long periods has made this nation a somewhat laid-back yet friendly one in comparison to the more famous nations around Laos. Yet, this innate simplicity and charm are key endearing factors as you experience the diverse landscapes and people of Laos.

Laos - Photo by Ioana Farcas on Unsplash

As this is a landlocked nation you can arrive by road to Laos from Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Myanmar. Air travel is faster and Laos has three international airports, Wattay International in Vientiane the capital city, Vientiane, Luang Prabang International and Pakse International in the cities by those names. Wattay International airport is the largest and is just 3 km from Vientiane.

Depending on your interest in exploring different landscapes and sights in Laos you can choose to arrive at the closest airport to most of the places you intend to visit or come there by road. Most visitors prefer to arrive in Vientiane and start their explorations of the country.

Though Vientiane is termed the most modest capital city in the whole of Southeast Asia, during the late 1990s there has been a transformation in the city with trendy restaurants and cafes complementing the pastel yellow French-Indochinese shophouses which are enchanting. Getting a feel of the capital city makes you adjust to the pace and ethos of Laotian ways.

Once you have had a feel of Vientiane perhaps having indulged in a sauna experience and a relaxing round of drinks observing the visitors passing by on a Mekong river cruise, you can commence savouring the picturesque beauty of Laos.

Landmarks of Vientiane – That Luang, the most important building in Laos, is experienced at its best at dusk when the gold-hued surface lights up well. Wat Sisaket is the oldest temple in the city revered by the Buddhists of Laos. Pick souvenirs to take back for your loved ones at Talat Sao Morning Market where you can also haggle to get a good price for the goods you buy.

Visit Xieng Khuang – Explore Plain of Jars an outstanding archaeological site also declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site with over 2100 tubular-shaped stone jars used for numerary practices in the iron age giving this iconic plateau its name. The massive site contains many features of funerary sites that depict the technological skills of an ancient era.

The city of Golden Temples Luang Prabang – In this charming city you can witness the rare sight of Buddhist monks clad in their saffron robes sedately walking barefooted down the streets as the sun rises. This is their usual practice of collecting alms from the residents of the city.

The various Buddhist Stupas in the city, the National Museum and the morning market are excursions you can do in this city. Additionally, most visitors to Laos take a cruise with an operator such as Mekong Kingdoms from Luang Prabang to explore other interesting sites like Pak Ou cave, Kuang Si waterfalls or even a romantic sunset cruise on the Mekong river.

Though it is easy to travel by bus or train in Laos, it can be time-consuming. Having your transport arrangement saves you time. It is easy to rent a motorbike, scooter or moped in most places and costs very little. This gives you a lot of flexibility to cover places of interest independently. You can of course use a bus or train to get from one hub to another.

Exploring the beauty of Laos can also be done with outdoor activities. The northern regions of Laos are home to traditional hill tribes, lush rice fields, and looming limestone karsts providing hours of enjoyment with trekking and cycling opportunities. If you have a few days to spend in Laos this is an ideal way to witness the beauty of the land and the simplicity of the locals.