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Vientiane       Luang Prabang

The People's Democratic Republic of Lao is located in the centre of Indochina, sharing 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 area of just over 200,000 sq.km around 70% of its terrain is mountainous, reaching a maximum elevation of 2,820m in Xieng Khouang province. The landscapes of northern Laos and the regions adjacent to Vietnam in particular are dominated by hills.

The main geographical feature in the west is the Mekong river and this forms a natural border with Thailand (in some areas) and flows through nearly 1,900 km of Lao territory shaping the lifestyle of the people of Laos. In the south the Mekong reaches a breadth of 14 km, creating an area with thousands of islands that beg exploration.

The country has one of the most pristine ecologies in South East Asia with about half of its woodlands consisting of primary forest, in particular tropical rain forest. In addition to this fascinating vegetation, Laos plays host to a diverse animal kingdom. Several exotic mammals are endemic such as leopard cats, the Javan mongoose, goat-antelopes, rare species of gibbons and langurs, the Malayan sun bear, Asiatic black bear, gaur and others. In southern Laos, near Khong Island, Irrawaddy (Ayeyarwady) dolphins inhabit the Mekong river and these though living in mainly fresh water are classified as saltwater mammals and they too are on the endangered list.

General run down on what’s to see and do in Laos

Champasak Province Champasak was a part of the Khmer Angkor empire between the 10th and 13th centuries. Champasak's heritage is best explored by river boat (both public ferries and private charters are available) down the Mekong to sleepy Champasak town. From here, you can hire a three-wheeled tuk-tuk to nearby Wat Phu, the impressive hillside ruin of a temple complex that was once an outpost of Cambodia's Angkor civilization. Continue by boat or bus to Don Khong, a charming island of rural villages and Khon Pha Pheng, a series of thundering waterfalls just above the Cambodian border (about a half day's journey from Wat Phu) 525 km southeast of Vientiane.

Luang Prabang a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the most beautiful places in Laos. Its attractions include dozens of historic Buddhist temples (wats), graceful aging French-era houses and pretty streets that are perfect for strolling.

Here one can hike up Phusi (a steep hill with wonderful views over the town), followed by a visit to Wat Xieng Thong, a classic of Lao architecture, dating from 1560 and decorated with sculptures depicting the Ramayana (an epic Indian poem). Be sure to take in the sights at the old Royal Palace Museum, home of the last king/s of Laos. Visitors must have an "invitation," which hotels gladly supply to their guests upon request. Another worthwhile jaunt if visiting the area is to go on a river excursion to sacred Pak Ou Cave, which contains 3,000 wooden Buddha images. The longboats typically stop at hill tribe villages along the way, where tourists are welcome to explore and buy handicrafts.

Luang Prabang has plenty of hotels, ranging from rustic to fancy. These are often full during the peak tourist seasons of December and the Lao New Year in April so be sure to book early.

Muang Sing Located 360 km northwest of Vientiane in Laos' far northwest corner, near the borders of Myanmar and China, Muang Sing is a good place to see some of the country's most colourful hill tribe people. Once the largest opium market in the Golden Triangle, Muang Sing still has a number of opium dens (no matter what anyone tells you, opium is illegal in Laos), but the city is also a centre for more legitimate commerce for a great variety of ethnic groups. To get there, fly to Luang Nam Tha and then take a passenger truck (a type of local bus service).

The Plain of Jars 160 km northeast of Vientiane is a vast green plateau named after the large, stone-like funeral urns found here. The purpose of these jars, dating from the 6th century, is unknown. Local legend has it that they were used to ferment rice wine to celebrate the overthrow of a tyrannical Angkor chieftain. Unfortunately the area was bombed by the U.S. Air Force during the Vietnam War and not much has been left standing. A notable exception is the Xieng Khouang Pagoda, which is certainly worth seeing. The new capital of this area, Phonsavan, has several small hotels for visitors (the old capital, Xieng Khouang, was destroyed). Warning: An unknown number of un-detonated bombs remain in the area so if you intend visiting, be aware of the dangers you may encounter and take a guide.

Saravan The pride of this province in southern Laos is the Bolaven Plateau, a scenic area of waterfalls and forests located 485 km southeast of Vientiane. The Bolaven (Phu Thai) tribes, who live in houses arranged in circles and who hold annual water buffalo sacrifices are interesting people to meet. Because of its proximity to the Ho Chi Minh Trail (the North Vietnamese supply line that traversed Laotian territory), the provincial capital, Saravan town, was almost completely levelled during the war and today, little of historic value remains. There is a nice market that sells some of the local cash crops (coffee, fruits and cardamom), as well as the occasional animal bound for the illegal animal export trade, that is worth a look see.

Savannakhet 280 km southeast of Vientiane lies just across the border from Thailand, is the country's second-largest city and is the capital of Savannakhet Province. This is Laos' most populous region, a fertile, productive agricultural area and is not worth a special trip for visitors on a tight schedule, but if you are passing through on the way to Thailand or the south of Laos, spend half a day strolling the colonial-era Old Town or driving around the countryside.

Vang Vieng is an easy four-hour car ride (or six-hour bus ride) from Vientiane. This town is a centre for its karst formations (similar to those found in both Thailand and Vietnam). Nearly vertical limestone cliffs and spires jut up from the floor of a bucolic river valley that lies about 160 km north of the capital. Tubing trips along the Nam Song river are popular. Warning: The current is very fast in places and inexperienced swimmers have been known to have drowned on these trips. Check river conditions locally before signing up for any trip. Several spectacular caverns (some developed, some not) are within a few hours' walk from town. Vang Vieng also has a number of opium dens but visitors are advised to steer well clear of these unless they are looking for trouble.

Vientiane Laos' capital is one of the most low-key, friendly capital cities in the world. Here tree-lined avenues, decaying colonial-era houses and manageable traffic greet visitors and the city still retains an old-fashioned charm, despite its haphazard attempts at economic development. Rural tribes come in to shop at the ubiquitous street stalls and markets (the all-day Morning Market is the most interesting for travellers) and water buffalo can still be seen just a few km from downtown.

Major points of interest include That Luang (the national symbol of Laos, built in 1566) and Wat Sisaket and Wat Haw Pra Keo . Then there is the National Museum (formerly known as the Revolutionary Museum, full of propaganda against the "running-dog" Western imperialists) and Patuxai, Laos' concrete-and-rebar answer to its former colonizer's Arc de Triomphe.

For a quintessential experience of old Southeast Asia, toast the red sunset over the Mekong with beer and Lao snacks at one of Vientiane's riverside salas. Then, catch a performance of traditional Lao music and dance.

A good time to visit Vientiane is in early November during the That Luang Festival, a week of candlelit processions, fireworks, carnival games and general partying. Also around this time (late October or early November) are the Awk Phansaa festival boat races, in which teams paddle traditional dragon-prow longboats on the Mekong, much to the merriment of the spectators who line the banks.

Visit the Xieng Khuane Stone Garden (about 25 km from Vientiane), which has a distinctive amalgamation of Hindu-Buddhist sculptures. Later, ride around the Vientiane Plain and visit the 11th-century Khmer Buddhas at Vang Sang.

Climate

Laos enjoys a tropical climate with two distinct seasons - the rainy season from the beginning of May to the end of September and dry season from October through to April. The yearly average temperature is about 28 C, rising to a maximum of 38 C in April and May. In Vientiane minimum temperatures of 19 C are to be expected in January. In mountainous areas, however, temperatures drop to 14-15 C during the winter months, and in cold nights easily reach the freezing point.

The average precipitation is highest in southern Laos, where the Annamite Mountains receive over 3000 mm annually. In Vientiane rainfall is about 1500-2000 mm, and in the northern provinces only 1000-1500 mm.