Accommodations, Foods, and Activities: A Guide to Vacationing in Laos
Laos has long been one of the most underrated destinations in Southeast Asia. With a population that is welcoming to foreigners and abundant natural beauty, it's no wonder this country is quickly gaining a reputation as an up-and-coming tourist destination. To get the most out of your vacation in Laos, you'll need to plan - so we've created this handy guide on accommodations, foods, and activities that will help you make the best decisions for your trip!
Must-see attractions
There are so many . There’s the Golden Triangle of Thailand, Myanmar (Burma), and Laos, as well as stunning natural wonders like Phou Vakhan National Park with its diverse species of wildlife, including rare squirrels, orchid blooms at Luang Prabang World Heritage Site that were awarded UNESCO designation in 1995 for their cultural heritage value such as Buddha sculptures from various eras along with a variety of other antiquities. And don’t forget about our beautiful mountains! Mount Phousi is considered one of Lao’s most sacred sites because it contains relics associated with Lord Buddha himself! The Mekong River also makes up much of the country’s landscape, where you can find some pretty incredible scenery.
Vientiane has plenty of temples, but the most famous is Pha That Luang. Built-in 1620 and still standing after centuries, this ancient stupa provides a perfect photo op for tourists who want to show off their adventures abroad. The stupa is set to the side of a small lake, and you can get some stunning photos with it in the foreground.
What to pack?
You may think you know what to pack when going on a trip, but some customs and traditions need to be observed for some countries. Laos is one of those places. There’s no point in packing your best shoes if they’re not allowed in the country; it’s better off just waiting until you get back home!
As a traveler to Laos, you must pack enough clothing and gear for the weather there. Pack items like sunscreen, insect repellent (to keep mosquitos off), sunglasses/glare guards, first aid kit with medications prescribed by your doctor or pharmacist as needed, including any prescription medications such as antihistamines and antibiotics so they can be taken on time when necessary. It is also great if you have an area of expertise in emergency medical care because people might need assistance passing through rugged terrain – but this isn’t required! Most people will need to pack clothing for all four seasons, including a light jacket or sweater.
Packing all of these will save you time and save you money as most tourist destinations have high prices for these necessary items.
How to get around the country
Getting around the country is an effortless and inexpensive endeavor. Most of Laos’s major towns are connected to its capital, Vientiane, by paved roads that can be driven on without too much stress or frustration. There are also train routes connecting some cities for those who would like to take in more scenery than just the view from a car window. The train system is also not too expensive. It can be a great way to experience the country without worrying about paying for gas or navigating unfamiliar roads when exploring new destinations.
Travelers planning on just seeing Vientiane should consider that many attractions in this city require an entrance fee. For those who plan on visiting temples or museums, there are many ways to get around the country that won’t need them to spend any money at all.
If you want a taste of Laos without having it cost anything but time and effort, then we recommend that you take one of the various boat routes across the Mekong River from Thailand into Laos.
Accommodations, foods, and activities in Laos
–Accommodation: Laos has a range of accommodation options, from budget to luxury. If you’re looking for something more on the adventurous side, consider staying at one of many eco-resorts in Laos that operate sustainable tourism programs and derive their power from renewable resources like solar or wind energy (look out for resorts with the Ecotourism Certification).
–Food: Laos has much good food, from traditional Lao cuisine (think spicy soups and meaty stews) to Western dishes. Some popular dishes are laap, fried rice noodles with herbs called khao soi, or poached fish wrapped up in leaves known as larp.
–Activities: there are a lot of activities to enjoy in Laos. For example, you can go kayaking at one of the many waterfalls available or trek through the jungle looking for wildlife and flowers. You could also explore temples such as Wat Xieng Thong in Vientiane, standing since 1559 CE!
You can go treasure hunting on their beach too. However, it’d be best if you bring along a metal detector. Suppose you want to buy the best metal detectors for pros to beginners and everyone in between; Leisure Head is your best bet.
You can also hang out at their bars when you want to chill, drink and play. With their Olhausen pool table, you can spend long hours catching fun. Olhausen is one company that always delivers long-lasting, high-quality products, so be assured of enjoying a quality gaming experience playing on their pool table.
Conclusion:
The best way to experience authentic Lao culture when traveling to Laos is by visiting their famous temples. There are also many natural sites for exploring nature in and around Laos and some of Asia’s most beautiful beaches. For those looking for an adventure, there are trekking trips through remote mountainous areas and a variety of different water sports on offer at any given time of year.