Asia

Sabai dee and welcome to this guide to Travel in Laos. Laos is a small country in South-East Asia, somewhat overshadowed by its neighbours Thailand and Cambodia, which has managed to develop without becoming tourism-dependent. This doesn’t in any way mean that it’s not worth visiting! Picture a landscape of rice paddies as far as the eye can see, where it’s not unusual to see water buffalo working the land. It’s a country where the beauty of the stormy skies mingles perfectly with the waters of the rivers. The people are unbelievably kind. Buddhism is omnipresent and governs every stage of life. It’s a country where you can switch off from normal life, chill out, take your time and just listen to the rice grow. It’s a country that’s simply a delight to travel in. You’re not imagining it: a stay in Laos is an exquisite and timeless experience. You will be charmed by the sublime Luang Prabang. The former capital houses magnificent temples and monasteries, interspersed with a wonderful natural landscape of hills and the waters of the Mekong. The Mekong, or ‘mother of water’ is sure to be the common thread that runs through your trip to Laos, as you follow its winding course by bus, by car and above all by boat, one of the best ways to immerse yourself in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants…

Laos

Xiengkhouang

Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.

Champassak

Khong

Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos. 

Muang Sing

 Sayabouri is in the west of Laos, close to the Thai border and surrounded by mountains.  It's home to the Elephant Festival, which is held every February.

Sayabouli

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I found myself in Sayabouri completely by chance and it was one the best experiences I had during my <a href="/laos/">holiday in Laos</a>. I'd met other travellers beforehand who wanted togo to Sayabouri for the Elephant Festival. I followed them and received a lovely, hospitable welcome from the local residents. We took shelter in a school where the assistants shared their meal with us and, later on, we were able to learn about certain traditions that form part of the festival. Laotians love to party and this festival was the perfect opportunity to do so! The elephants formed a procession in the stadium and festival goers, representing tribes from all over Laos, followed along behind. It was a really hot day and a plunge in the river proved to be as refreshing for the elephants as it did for the humans! By the evening, the town was in full swing, with shows, dancing and a Laotian barbecue. There were very few tourists and this provided the perfect way to discover the country...by joining in! The addes bonus? The lovely welcome and kindness the locals showed us. A negative side? Only that the village is not particularly beautiful in itself and it's way off the beaten track.

Sayabouri is in the west of Laos, close to the Thai border and surrounded by mountains. It's home to the Elephant Festival, which is held every February.

Sayabouli Vacations

Sayabouli: How to get there?

Sayabouli: See when to go ?

Sayabouli: For how long?

Sayabouli: What to see nearby?