Laos

The Mekong River is home to the 4,000 Islands, also called the Si Phan Don, which vary in size from that of a large town to being no bigger than an impressively sized boulder. The islands of Don Dhet and Don Khong, at the southern end of the archipelago near the border of Cambodia, are two of the most popular islands for visitors and contain several bars and restaurants. The waters of the Mekong River are the habitat of the rare Irrawaddy dolphin, which is easily identified by its bulging head and can often be spotted around the 4,000 Islands. Some of the islands in this archipelago are completely uninhabited and have been untouched by humans for decades.

Bokeo is the smallest province in Laos and borders both Thailand and Myanmar. It is a very diverse but sparsely populated province, and is well known for its position in the gold and gem mining industry. Visitors to Bokeo can stay in Huay Xai, the capital city of the province, where they will find old temples and quaint villages, but Bokeo also offers a fantastic peek at some stunning natural rainforests, which visitors can see from the unique treehouses located above the green canopies. From here, tourists can spend a night in the wilderness, zipline through the trees, or walk the swinging rope bridges that connect the houses.

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The Bolaven Plateau is a beautiful part of Laos, with an elevation of over 3,300 feet above sea level. Located in southern Laos, the Bolaven Plateau has a very mild climate compared to the rest of the country and is a center for agriculture, with lots of large farms that produce tea and coffee, two of Laos’ largest exports. The Bolaven Plateau is also home to some stunning nature, including some of the most magnificent waterfalls in Laos. Tad Fane marks the convergence of two rivers with a spectacular drop of almost 400 feet and is one of the most dramatic and beautiful waterfalls in southeast Asia.

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Kuang Si Waterfalls are a popular destination for tourists visiting nearby Luang Prabang, which is about 20 miles north of the jungle where this beautiful waterfall complex is located. A rental car or a local guide can bring visitors to the falls, which cascade down three tiers of rocks and small pools before once again becoming part of the jungle river below. Near the bottom of the falls, the pools become larger and are a great spot for a swim or just for dipping the feet as a relief from the oppressive jungle heat.

Lao National Museum in Vientiane is located within an old French colonial building that is as much part of history as the exhibits inside it. Visitors will find a wide and varied collection of artifacts from Laos throughout history, from Khmer sculptures to dinosaur bones that have been found within the region. The ground floor is dedicated to more ancient items and contains an eclectic mix, whereas the upper floor is more detailed, focused on the French colonial period, the presence of American troops during the Vietnam War, and the onset of revolution and communism in the 20th century.

Luang-Prabang has a history of human civilization dating back thousands of years, and this small town, surrounded by mountains, waterfalls, and rivers, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s the most popular destination in the city for tourists, and compared to the rest of the country, Luang-Prabang is very affluent and thriving. Until the 16th century, Luang-Prabang was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang. The ancient temples, the French architecture, and the stunning beauty of the surrounding nature mark Luang-Prabang as one of the premier destinations for experiencing and learning about Laotian culture and history.

Rising over 300 feet above the town of Luang-Prabang, Mount Phousi is a large hill that creates a distinctive part of the skyline in the center of this city. Reaching the top is a matter of climbing 355 steps, but they are gentle enough that this journey can be undertaken by anyone who is reasonably fit, or willing to take lots of breaks. At the top, visitors will be greeted by a stunning 360-degree view of Luang-Prabang and the surrounding natural countryside, especially at sunrise or sunset. Several vendors at the top sell flowers and caged birds, and a legend tells that releasing a bird at the top of the hill will bring good luck and happiness.

The Xieng Khouang province has been famous for the creation of fine Laotian silk for centuries. Mulberries Organic Silk Farm is a nonprofit fair trade company that works hard to preserve the disappearing art of traditional Laotian silk weaving, while creating jobs and income for local families in the area. Visitors to the farm can take a tour to learn all about the organic mulberry trees, the leaves of which are then used as food for silkworms. Spinning, reeling, dyeing, and weaving are all done on the farm property and by villagers in their own homes, and the final results are some truly beautiful silks, dyed with natural ingredients like indigo and jackfruit, which are sold in the farm’s gift shop.

The Mekong River is one of the longest rivers in the world, and it runs through Laos surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. Near the ancient town of Luang-Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves are accessible by a short ferry ride. Visitors to the caves will find a long white staircase that zigzags from the water’s edge into the cavern, and inside, a collection of thousands of Buddha statues. The statues come in all different sizes and all different conditions, some with missing hands or facial features, some made of stone and others made of various metals. The result is an eerie and fascinating collection of figures. A visit to the Pak Ou Caves can be easily combined with a visit to the Lao Lao whiskey village, and several ferries will take visitors to both destinations.

Located in southern Laos, at the point of convergence of the Mekong and Xe Don rivers, the city of Pakse is the capital of the Champasak province and contains lots of beautiful French colonial architecture. Visitors to Pakse can visit several lavish Buddhist temples and explore the history of the region at the Champasak Historical Heritage Museum, where they will find examples of jewelry, musical instruments, clothing, and other pieces of Laotian cultural history. Mount Phou Asa, which rises near the city, provides beautiful sights of the surrounding valleys and is accessible by way of an elephant ride.