Laos is probably not the most visited country on the Asian continent. Nevertheless: this small and very poor country of 6.7 million inhabitants has experienced a boom in tourism since the early 1990s.

The relatively recent emergence of this new source of income means above all that the country remains an expensive destination. A certain number of tour operators also offer packages including Laos in an Asian tour that often includes Thailand and Cambodia, countries neighbouring Laos. This small country of some 236,800 square kilometres is worth the trip. Its climate is rather pleasant a good part of the year : the best period for a stay in Laos runs from November to March, during the dry season when temperatures remain pleasant and rainfall reasonable.

The variety and beauty of its natural landscapes, still preserved from mass tourism. The presence of the Mekong River, which can be reached by canoe, is undoubtedly the strong point of the destination because it is around this river that the life of some 70 million inhabitants is organised. Because the Mekong does not only pass to Laos but also bathes the province of Yunnan in China, Thailand, Cambodia and Vietnam.

The southern part of the river is particularly worth a stop: between Paksé and Champassak, you can visit Phan Don, which means the four thousand islands in Laotian that we recommend for its relaxing virtues..: These timeless islands will allow you to get to know their welcoming inhabitants better, living at the rhythm of the rice and coconut harvest and earning their living by weaving silk, mainly women. Three of these islands have acquired over the years a tourist reputation.

Among them, Don Khong, suitable for hiking and whose tourist accommodations are comfortable; Don Det where you can settle in bungalows and finally Don Khone, famous in particular for its culture of bamboo and coconut. The mountains of the north will allow you to discover the ethnic minorities of the Mongs and Lantans. The jungle, forests or rice fields also constitute explosive landscapes. Cities are also the source of incredible discoveries. A trip to Laos would thus be justified by the visit of Luang Prabang, which is the former royal capital. Its monasteries and Buddhist temples are of all beauty. Without forgetting the capital Vientiane, which, in addition to its position as a tourist centre of Southeast Asia, offers to see very beautiful monasteries, such as those of That Louang, Wat Phra Kheo or Wat Simuang, and very beautiful wooden houses. Architecture lovers must also make a detour to the Pak Ou caves, located west of the city of Luang Prabang: 4500 Buddha statuettes in various positions are preserved. In the east of the country, the Plaine des Jarres, which takes its name from a pile of stone jars gathered on plains, always arouses the interest of tourists. Despite the profusion of explanations given, the nature of the function of these jars has never been established from a reliable source. However, the hypotheses have been rocketed: sarcophagi, containers intended for the fermentation of alcohol etc... everything is allowed and each traveller has the right to bring a bit of explanation. This is undoubtedly part of the mystery of Laos and its attractiveness, which can be seen growing. More secure than a large majority of Asian countries, Laos has nevertheless seen a small increase in crime in recent years, particularly in Ventiane: the number of thefts of mobile phones or handbags has risen sharply, particularly against foreigners, on foot or on two wheels. So we have to be very careful.

Art and culture in Laos
The importance of Buddhist temples goes far beyond the place of worship and also serves as a meeting place. It therefore occupies a central position in Laotian society. Not surprisingly, each village has one, most often financed with money donated by the faithful. The Laotian culture also passes by the presence of a traditional music and dance, which, unfortunately, tend to disappear before the emergence of more modern musical genres. The country also has a tradition of popular theatre.

What to visit in Laos
A stay in a hotel in Laos obviously amounts to visiting its Buddhist monasteries and temples, which are called vats. In addition to the monuments already mentioned, the Khmer site of Vat Phu is worth a visit. If you are interested in the culture of the Laven tribe, you should visit the Bolaven plateau.