Laos: Top 10

So it has been decided. Laos is my favourite country in South East Asia- so far. I loved it so much that I have compiled a list of the top 10 reasons why 'I heart Laos'.  It is in no particular order of importance as they all contributed to my love of Laos.  Here goes…

10. BeerLao

When you enter Laos, you are immediately bombarded by the over abundance of BeerLao t-shirts.  It seems that every other Farang (white person) is wearing one or in the process of buying one.  They rival the Full Moon Party t-shirts of Thailand and dare I say, maybe even the iconic 'I heart NY' Tee, and for good reason-  It is locally brewed and on the local beer market it takes the prize with a whopping 90% of the total beer sales.  It happily comes in both a dark and a light lager and at only $1 for a large bottle, Beer Laos became a staple of our diet while touring through Laos.  What is better than having an ice cold beer in a hammock, on a boat, at a restaurant, or while walking down the streets enjoying the sights?  Refreshing :)

Beer and ice cream?

9. Food

  Food, food, Oh the food!  In all honesty, nothing will beat the food from India but Laos is an easy second.  Not only was it easy to dine on the cheap local eats such as noodle soup (my favourite), Laap or various rice or noodle frys, there is also a huge abundance of International fare to satisfy your pallet.  Since Laos was formerly under French Rule, you can still see the influence in the French Cuisine.  Breakfasts are served with a baguette, you can order a fantastic cup of coffee and enjoy it along with a sinfully delicious French pastry or two…or maybe three :)  If that isn’t enough, you can also dine on Indian, Chinese, Mexican, Vietnamese, Thai, Malay or Western Food- just to name a few.  Now don’t be fooled, many other countries serve up ethnic cuisine but Laos has outdone them all with quality, value and taste.  Eat up and enjoy! :)







8. Accommodation

  This is important.  When you move from town to town and room to room it is nice to know that 4 out of 5 guesthouses in Laos are well priced, clean and comfortable.  This was not always the case in other countries we have visited.  To be honest, I was fearful at first to visit a country that is still one of the poorest in the world.  On top of that, they are just beginning to get flows of tourists and for that reason, Laos still remains off the beaten path.  So you can imagine my surprise when we arrived in Laos and checked into our first guesthouse and were taken aback by the beauty of the place.  Many guesthouses in Laos are brand new or heritage, they are clean and come with amenities that are often non existent in other more well-travelled countries.  For somewhere between $5 to $7, Dan and I could get a large clean room with attached bathroom, fan, sometimes TV, towels, soap, bottled water, toilet paper and sometimes even a toothbrush and toothpaste.  Brilliant.  Come stay in Laos and you will be pleasantly surprised to see just how far your money can go.



This was the best overnight bus we have taken to date.

7. History

  Dan and I spent many weeks in northern, eastern and central Laos, learning about the history of this beautiful country.  Yes, at times I was horrified, sad and depressed but being in the country, meeting some locals and feeling the vibe, I left uplifted and positive.  The Laos people have pulled together during hard times and supported one another, and throughout the struggle managed to stay united and strong.  Their history made me stop and realize just how important family is and through thick and thin, anything can be accomplished.  So, if you are a history buff or intrigued at all, with a little effort, you can learn some world history and in the process, possibly a little something about yourself.

The famed 'Plain of Jars' in Phonsavan



The caves at Viang Xai

6. Laos Time

  Is your life a little too hectic, or maybe you just need a little time out?  If that’s the case, come to Laos- where you are forced to slow down, take a breather and chill out!  It’s bizarre and I am still having a hard time wrapping my mind around it.  In a country mostly supported by agriculture, the daily life of the average Laos is back breaking.  Plant some rice fields, tend to the corn patches- all day- every day.  That’s hard work- so it still boggles my mind that it is such a chill place. Don’t expect to get the food you ordered in a timely fashion because the girl that took your order has stopped to chat or watch TV before she has even taken it to the kitchen.  That 5 hour bus trip has turned into 8 because every other passenger has a motorcycle, bags of rice or crates of eggs to load but no one cares, they will still wait on the side of the road for the bus to arrive. I think us westerners could learn a thing or two from the Laos people.  What's the rush? 

Chillin' on our hammocks at the 4000 islands

5. Countryside

  As I have mentioned in previous posts, Laos is beautiful :)  With its jagged limestone peaks, rolling hills and vast rice fields, Laos is sublime to the eye.  One of the highlights of our trip through Loas has been the time we have spend on Tuk Tuks, buses, scooters and bicycles as they have afforded us the oppourtunity to see one of the most beautiful places on earth.  So, if you have time- Laos time that is- spend some of it on transport through Laos.  Avoid the night buses because you will miss all the action.  Oh, except for the firefly spotting- that's fun too :)

A couple pics from our stop in Viang Xai



4. Animals

  The fauna in Laos ties in to create a countryside that is unrivaled- so far, but I have decided that the animals of Laos deserve their own category.  Unfortunatly, because of the secret war and the bombs that assaulted their country, much of the native wildlife had fled or parished, resulting in a rather quiet forest.  Don't fret if you are an animal lover as there are plenty of water buffalow, pigs, chicken, ducks, cats, dogs and cows to go around.  It never fails that Dan and I will attract a small following of pets while we eat at open-air restaurants, all of which we would love to adopt and bring home with us.  The abundance of farm animals running around never ceases to brighten my day and put a smile on my face.

Aww- so cute ;)

Some of our kitty friends at dinner.

3. Mekong River

  The Mekong is a vast river that snakes it's way through Loas, Thailand, Cambodia, China, Myanmar (Burma) and Vietnam.  It springs life on its banks and provides food and water to the countries that it flows through.  Without the Mekong, I don't know what SE Asia would have become; for that reason it is one of the top sights during our visit to Laos.  Whether you are on a slow boat making your way to Luang Prabang, or spotting some rare freshwater river dolphins, the Mekong has the power to calm you heart and slow you down to a crawl.  So, rent a bungalow, grab a hammock and enjoy the sunset over the River Mekong and don't forget your Beer Laos :)



The sunsets on the Mekong are stunning.

2. Architecure

  Oh my, the buildings in Laos are pretty to look at and offer some great photo opportunities if you enjoy old buildings.  There is something to be said about walking hand in hand, down cobblestone walkways, past French Colonial buildings with wood shutters, big balconies and twinkle lights.  Romantic.  So, if Europe is a little pricey for you, you could get your fill of colonial charm in Luang Prabang, Loas. And if Soviet era construction is your thing, you can find it too if you go far enough off the beaten path (not the most inspiring, but it adds to the diversity that is Laos.)



1. Vientiane

  Finally, Vientine- our favourite.  Dan and I have seen quite a few places now and none have captured our hearts like Vientiane.  It has a lovely island feel because of Laos Time, the colonial buildings of Luang Prabang and the night life of the 4000 islands.  It is happy medium between city and island life.  The water front walk is buzzing at dusk on, the street food is in plentiful supply and it offers all the comforts of home.

Take a week in Vientiane, absorb the culture, food and definately the water front.  Nice :)

Dan playing some hacky sack with a couple locals and a fellow traveller.

L'Arc de Triomphe or The Victory Gate.

Hee Hee- good times