“Land of a Million Elephants” Laos is a neighboring country of Vietnam with many attractive destinations for tourists and can be explored at any time of the year. Choosing to travel to Laos in any season will bring different interesting experiences. However, if you want to fully enjoy the beauty of Laos with the most ideal weather, consider traveling between September and March every year. At this time, the weather is cool, with little rain, suitable for all tourist activities and unforgettable experiences.
“Land of a Million Elephants” Laos is a neighboring country of Vietnam with many attractive destinations for tourists and can be explored at any time of the year.
Below are 5 "unique" experiences that Dam Quoc Khanh suggests for you when you set foot in the "forgotten tourist paradise" of Laos:
Climb to the top of Nam Xay to admire the sunset
For tourists who love to exercise and explore, Nam Xay peak is a place not to be missed when traveling to Vang Vieng - a small town with peaceful, fresh and cool air, hidden in the middle of the vast mountains and forests of Northwest Vientiane. This place is famous for its majestic natural scenery that allows visitors to see the whole view of Vang Vieng town and the surrounding limestone mountains.
From the center of Vang Vieng town, you can take a tuk tuk or motorbike to the foot of Nam Xay mountain. Starting the mountain climbing journey, you will be immersed in the wild nature with cool green trees and chirping birds. After about 45 minutes of climbing, you will set foot on the top of Nam Xay. From here, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the poetic town of Vang Vieng, the majestic limestone mountains and the gentle Nam Song River. In particular, do not forget to capture the beautiful moments at the top of Nam Xay with impressive "virtual life" photos. After sightseeing and taking photos, you can rest, relax and enjoy the snacks you brought.
Experience checking in at the top of Nam Xay with a motorbike and surrounded by a vast area.
According to Quoc Khanh, because you have to climb for 45 minutes, the path is quite steep and rocky, you need to be in good health to ensure your safety. You should bring shoes with good grip to easily move on steep and slippery terrain. There are no food and drink outlets along the way, so bring enough water and snacks to replenish your energy.
Kayaking and tubing on the Nam Song River
“Kayaking and tubing are both popular water sports in Vang Vieng. With the hot and humid weather of Laos, water recreation is a top priority when traveling here. You can kayak or simply lie on a tubing float and relax on the cool river,” Quoc Khanh said.
Exciting water activities
Water sports are quite popular.
If you are a fan of adventure games, kayaking on the Nam Song River will definitely bring interesting experiences for those who love to explore. This place is fortunate to be blessed by "mother nature" with a wild landscape from the green of the trees to the year-round river flowing gently around the limestone ranges. You will easily be fascinated by the experience of kayaking while enjoying the majestic and poetic nature of the town "back to the mountain, face to the river".
In addition, tubing is an extremely popular tourist activity in Vang Vieng, attracting tourists because of its uniqueness and does not require much skill. When participating in tubing, you will be provided with a large round buoy, helping you sit inside and float along the river. The tubing journey usually lasts about 3 km, along the town of Vang Vieng. The excursion will help you immerse yourself in nature, enjoy the fresh air and explore the wild beauty of Vang Vieng. In addition, along the riverbank, there are also many bars and restaurants where you can stop to rest, enjoy drinks and immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere.
Wild natural scenery
Feel free to check-in at Patuxay Triumphal Arch
For those who come to Laos for the first time, the Arc de Triomphe is an ideal destination. The Patuxay Arc de Triomphe is located at the end of Lan Xang Avenue (or Thanon Luang Avenue) in the northeast of Vientiane. This place is also known for its meaning of commemorating the soldiers who died in the resistance war against French colonialism in Indochina.
Patuxay Triumphal Arch is located at the end of Lan Xang Avenue (or Thanon Luang Avenue) in the Northeast of Vientiane Capital.
Stepping up to the tower, you will be overwhelmed by the breathtaking view of the capital Vientiane appearing before your eyes. This place is like a miniature painting embracing all the quintessence of this beautiful city. Especially, when walking to the Arc de Triomphe in the evening, you will be immersed in the simple life of the Lao people. This peaceful and warm scene is like the soul of the Lao people.
Patuxay Triumphal Arch is not only an architectural work bearing the heroic historical mark of Laos but also shows respect and gratitude to the heroes who sacrificed for the independence and freedom of the country. Coming here, visitors will listen to heroic historical stories and feel the national pride of the Lao people.
In particular, when walking to the Arc de Triomphe at dusk, you will be immersed in the simple life of the Lao people.
Take a walk around Vientiane night market
When the sunset dyes the Mekong River red, the red-roofed stalls gradually open, awakening the bustling night market in the heart of Vientiane. Located in Chao Anouvong Park, Vientiane Night Market is like a colorful silk strip along the mysterious Mekong River. Here, all kinds of goods are sold, from clothes, shoes, handbags to unique souvenirs such as phone cases, embroidered paintings, embroidered bags, brocade baskets, exquisite handicrafts...
When the sunset turns the Mekong River red, it also awakens the bustling night market in the heart of Vientiane.
The market sells all kinds of goods.
The special feature of Vientiane night market is the calm and gentle atmosphere, completely different from the hustle and bustle often seen in other traditional markets. “The food court at the night market is a highlight that attracts you with a series of stalls selling attractive and eye-catching street food. The prices of food and drinks at the night market are quite affordable, suitable for tourists' budgets,” said Quoc Khanh.
Attractive street food
Food prices are quite affordable.
Witnessing the Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang
The Alms Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat) is an important cultural and religious ceremony that takes place early in the morning in Luang Prabang. This ceremony has become a long-standing traditional beauty and has deep spiritual significance for local people.
The Alms Giving Ceremony is an important cultural and religious ceremony that takes place early in the morning in Luang Prabang.
Monks in orange robes walk along the streets of Luang Prabang.
At dawn, as the sunlight begins to filter through the treetops, monks in their orange robes walk along the streets of Luang Prabang. They walk in long, silent, serene lines, holding alms bowls to receive food offerings from locals and tourists.
“Normally, tourists will not be able to prepare food such as sticky rice or candy to participate in the offerings. But don’t worry, on the streets where monks pass through, there are many people selling baskets full of items for the ceremony with prices starting from about 80,000 kip. When buying, you will sit on the chair that the seller has prepared to participate in the offerings. My experience is that you should buy on Sisavangvong Street because if you buy elsewhere, there is a high possibility that there will be no seats available,” Quoc Khanh shared.
Monks walk in long lines, silent and serene, holding alms bowls to receive food offerings from locals and tourists.
Laos travel tips:
-Move: There are 2 ways to travel from Vietnam to Laos: by road and by air. Traveling by road will take more time (total time about 24-25 hours) because you have to go through 2 border gates and do immigration procedures. Choosing a plane will save time but the cost is quite expensive. Currently, there are not many flights to Laos and they are not frequent, leading to high airfares.
-Means of transportWhen traveling in Laos, tourists have many options for traveling between places such as tuk tuk, minivan, motorbike... or between big cities, they can choose high-speed train.
-Accommodation: Tourists can use apps to book and pay in advance in Vietnam.
-Money exchangeThere are two ways to exchange money: at the border and in Laos.
-Phone SIM: There are 2 network operators that people often use: Lao Telecom and Unitel.
