Laos Thrills & Spills
Laos
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Laos is located in the heart of the Indochina Peninsula in south-east Asia. It shares borders with China to the north, Myanmar to the north-west, Thailand to the west, Cambodia to the south and Vietnam to the east.
With an enchanting history and hospitable people, this land is unspoiled and simple, and was once known as the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’.
The capital and largest city of Laos is Vientiane, the country is then made up of 18 provinces, which are split further into districts. The population is mainly Buddhist and estimated at 6.3 million.
With a total area of 236,800 square kilometres, around 70 per cent of Laos' terrain is ... (Read more...)
With an enchanting history and hospitable people, this land is unspoiled and simple, and was once known as the ‘Land of a Million Elephants’.
The capital and largest city of Laos is Vientiane, the country is then made up of 18 provinces, which are split further into districts. The population is mainly Buddhist and estimated at 6.3 million.
With a total area of 236,800 square kilometres, around 70 per cent of Laos' terrain is ... (Read more...)
mountainous; the remaining land includes plateaus and plains. The lowest point is the Mekong River at 70m and the highest, Phou Bia Mountain at 2,820m above sea level.
The mighty Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and forms a natural part-border with Thailand. In the south, at times the river reaches 20km across - its vast breadth comprises thousands of islands. The Annamite Chain of mountains form another natural border with Vietnam.
Laos is criss-crossed with rivers and streams, and the plains regions are found along the Mekong River. The pristine natural landscapes outshine all others in south-east Asia, and an estimated half of its woodlands consist of primary forest. This land is exceptionally biodiverse, home to many endemic and exotic flora and fauna, as well as resident bears. Surprisingly, in southern Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River.
The climate is tropical and monsoon, the rainy season runs from May to November and the dry season for the remainder of the year. The hot season from March to May is very dry and many river trips are not possible.
The mighty Mekong River is the main geographical feature in the west and forms a natural part-border with Thailand. In the south, at times the river reaches 20km across - its vast breadth comprises thousands of islands. The Annamite Chain of mountains form another natural border with Vietnam.
Laos is criss-crossed with rivers and streams, and the plains regions are found along the Mekong River. The pristine natural landscapes outshine all others in south-east Asia, and an estimated half of its woodlands consist of primary forest. This land is exceptionally biodiverse, home to many endemic and exotic flora and fauna, as well as resident bears. Surprisingly, in southern Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy dolphins inhabit the Mekong River.
The climate is tropical and monsoon, the rainy season runs from May to November and the dry season for the remainder of the year. The hot season from March to May is very dry and many river trips are not possible.
Cycling
There is very little traffic in most of Laos, due to the vehicular situation. For those who think this is an attractive quality, fly in to the country and cycle out to the countryside on a guided tour.
Bike trips from Vientiane allow participants to admire the scenery from river banks and countryside tracks. Cycling through places such as Luang Prabang give an insight into the countries’ history; once a royal city its golden temples sit where two great rivers merge and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
While most guided bike trips are on paved roads the terrain is hilly, so a good level of fitness will definitely add to the enjoyment of your trip. Mixing boat trips in with the cycling allows people to access the most remote parts of the country, through limestone canyons and jungle covered valleys, home to many ethnic tribes.
Cycling through places such as Luang Prabang give an insight into the countries’ history; once a royal city its golden temples sit where two great rivers merge and is surrounded by majestic mountains.
Overland Tours
Laos is sandwiched between Vietnam and Thailand and is topped by China and tailed by Cambodia, making it a perfect spot to begin an overland adventure.
Trips commonly begin in Luang Prabang before heading south in to Laos. Laotian culture takes strong influences from Vietnamese culture and is strongly tied to traditional and religious convictions.
Much of the country lacks adequate infrastructure, even though highways in Laos are continuously improving, 80 per cent remain unpaved. This just adds to the experience when travelling across the country. You’ll soon get to understand the strong connection the people here have with the Mekong: it influences everything.
Boats along the Mekong and its tributaries are useful routes, but again, the seasons dictate the services. A popular method of transport in urban areas is ‘skylabs’ which are a bit like tuk-tuks.
Whitewater Rafting
The country is dominated by the mountainous range, which helps channel tributaries, forming white-water rapids. Conditions vary although from October through March but you should expect rivers classified as Class and II. Before October, most are commonly tame, and it's not until the monsoon rains arrive that they wake up. For faster and more challenging rapids look north to Nam Ha-Nam Tha, in Uantha Province, here you find yourself on grade 2 and 3 sections of water.
Other provinces have waterways are better suited to canoeists, these pass through the centre of the countries most fertile regions.
Trekking
With so much of its surface area untouched Laos is ripe for discovery. Walking is not always easy going, thanks to the dense undergrowth.
For those happy to use two feet instead of two wheels, hiking and trekking in Laos are a fine alternative to sore bums and bumpy roads.
With a good pair of boots and a guide you’ll quickly find that the religious and cultural collide here. Imposing colonial-era buildings here are at odds with the simple village existence you find, eeked out by the country’s farmers. If you get the chance visit the salt mines at Ban Kheune and the magnificent Nam Ngum Lake. Otherwise, the pristine tropical ecosystems of Borkeo and Champasak have a multitude of wilderness hikes you can tread.
Classic Itineraries
Our itinerary takes in the green paradise that southern Laos has to offer. From Pakse tourists can relax along the banks of the Mekong. Travelling on to Vat Phou, a UNESCO world heritage temple can be visited before moving on to the romantic town of Champasak for the night.
Boat trips along the Mekong River, are great for those needing to restore some energy after all those adventure sports and staying in colonial style buildings on Don Khong will inspire even the most seasoned traveller.
Mix this itinerary up with visits to local festivals and you’ll be in for a real treat. The Ok Phansa Boat Race Festival in Vientiane always takes place on the days running up to and including the full moon in October. Dazzling boat races along the Mekong River celebrate the re-emergence of husbands, brothers and sons who have been in temples on retreat during the rainy season. A great way to catch a genuine insight of Lao culture.
Other Activities
For trained paddlers almost any of the major waterways draining from the western slopes of the Annamite Chain towards the Mekong valley are interesting. In the north, the Nam Tha, Nam Khan and the Mekong River are navigable year-round. In central and southern Laos the Mekong is still a safe bet, as are the Nam Theun, Se Don and Se Kong.
The rivers and streams of Laos have a huge potential for adventure sports, including all sorts of recreational watersports; particularly rafting, canoeing and kayaking. Tributaries which feed into the Mekong are often scenic with their rugged limestone walls and plush green jungles.
Between Champasak and the Cambodian border, the area of the Mekong known as Si Phan Done (Four Thousand Islands) is easily accessible and provides superior paddling possibilities among verdant islands and rapids.
Laos provides an off road playground for bikers, so it’s little surprise that motorcycle tours are really popular.
Sucking up the scenery at startling waterfalls such as those in Tad Lung can also reveal further wonderful sights. The Dan Khoan plateau is on-route and presents spectacular views over the Mekong River into neighbouring Thailand.
Tad Leuk is a waterfall that needs to be visited; said to morph into a wild beast during the rainy season. Hikers can continue their journey to Tad Xang waterfall and swim in its refreshing waters, during the rainy season deep tributaries flow loudly whilst surrounded by dense rainforest.
Between Champasak and the Cambodian border, the area of the Mekong known as Si Phan Done (Four Thousand Islands) is easily accessible and provides superior paddling possibilities among verdant islands and rapids.
