Are you looking for an authentic holiday away from the crowds of tourists? If the discovery of a singular and preserved culture inspires you, as well as breathtaking natural landscapes, Laos is for you. Far from experiencing the globalisation of its neighbouring countries, this small Asian country is slowly opening up to tourism and will welcome you with great kindness. Discover right away why this little corner of paradise should be your next destination!
Discovering Laos means immersing yourself in a unique culture and discovering the warm-hearted inhabitants whose smiles reflect their desire to share their culture with you, but also to learn more about yours. Indeed, you will be surprised by the welcome and the great kindness of the Laotians whose main language is Lao. French remains, but is only spoken by some powerful elderly people. As for English, it is gradually making a place for itself in society and is more and more used by young Laotians, so you will be able to exchange easily in English during your stay. Laos is a country where the social classification and hierarchy of individuals remain important and play a role in their evolution, there is, in particular, a great heterogeneity of traditions due to this pyramidal social system. The Buddhist religion also occupies a central place in Laos even if some rites are officially forbidden today. Indeed, more than 60% of the population belongs to Theravada Buddhism, one of the oldest versions of this religion. At the same time, Christianity from the common history of Laos and France is still present, but like the Muslim religion, only in very small communities.
It will not be rare to find references to French culture during your stay. Indeed, after long years of colonization, Laos has kept many French influences in its culture, but also in its gastronomy. For example, you will be able to watch games of pétanque between locals or even have French bread and baguette served to you in some of the country's restaurants that still offer French cuisine. Laotian gastronomy also has Thai inspiration due to its proximity to Thailand. Among the most famous ingredients of the local cuisine are sticky rice, vegetables, but also fish. As for the seasonings of choice, lemongrass and fresh coriander are widely used and appreciated. Numerous street vendors will offer you to taste local specialities, and this, at ridiculously low prices.
Laos has many traditions and unmissable events throughout the year that you will not want to miss. There are notably magnificent festivals and celebrations such as the Lunar New Year called Pii Mai which takes place in mid-April. The faithful then take advantage of this festival to make offerings of fruits and flowers in the temples and then sprinkle themselves with water in the streets, an unmissable festival of Luang Pradang. If you travel to Laos in May, you will discover the rocket festival whose traditional name is Bun Bang Fai and which hosts music, songs, traditional dances and processions as well as rocket launches. Finally, in November, the city of Pha That Luang hosts the full moon festival, That Luang where for a week you will vibrate to the rhythm of music and fireworks before participating in the magnificent torchlight retreat of this ceremony. Choosing Laos is the key to a great experience!
A multitude of splendid landscapes
Laos is a rather poorer country that is now trying to develop economically, especially by opening up more to tourism. You will thus find several tourist itineraries, allowing you to discover all the wonders of this country without finding yourself in a flood of tourists. The ideal period to put down your luggage in Laos is between November and February, as rainfall is scarce and temperatures are pleasant to visit. Formerly nicknamed the "kingdom of a million elephants", Laos has a wide variety of landscapes, each one more magnificent than the next, and you will be surprised by the restful and tranquil atmosphere that reigns at all times, even in the most crowded places in the country. So, if you are looking for a destination to recharge your batteries, discover, but also rest, this small country is for you. You will observe large forests and numerous limestone cliffs all over the country, but especially on the banks of the Mekong river which crosses Laos vertically. River transport has long been the preferred mode of transport in the country and today remains one of the simplest ways to get around. The great plains and rice fields stretch as far as the eye can see and contrast wonderfully with the mountainous landscapes for breathtaking views. Many small picturesque villages exist throughout the country and we strongly recommend that you go to meet them and get to know the local people who will share with you the secrets of their culture and know-how.
If you have a short stay in Laos, we advise you to visit the north of Laos through excursions which will be a good way to discover a lot in a short period of time. Vientiane is today the capital of the country, but we recommend you to visit first Luang Prabang, the former royal capital which has many historical monuments. Indeed, its discovery, as well as the surroundings of the city, will keep you busy for at least 5 days. You will find Buddhist temples and monks in traditional costumes, but also sumptuous views of the river, the timeless city and numerous spas to relax in. Also in the north of the country, the Bokeo nature reserve and its lush forest is a must in Laos where you may see gibbons, elephants and tigers. You will surely also appreciate the tropical islands of Si Pha Don called the "Four Thousand Islands" but also the historical caves of Vieng Xai. All you have to do is fly to this incredible destination!
