Laos Airport Guide
Until 1988 tourists were not allowed access to Laos, but the
country has now opened up and it is perfectly feasible to travel
all over the country, preferably with a recognised tour company.
The number of tourists is expected to continue increasing over
the next few years.
Vientiane (Discount
Vientiane Airfare)
One of Asia's most relaxed and quiet capital cities, Vientiane
is nestled in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River.
Many buildings reflect the country's past links with Europe,
such as the old French colonial houses and the capital's Victory
Monument, which bears a striking, if somewhat rococo, similarity
to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. An important national monument
is the 16th century That Luang (Royal Stupa) that symbolises
Buddhist and Lao union. Other interesting sights include the
Lao Revolutionary Museum; Wat Ho Prakeo, a former royal temple;
Wat Sisaket, one of the capital's oldest temples; Wat Xieng
Khouang (Buddha Park), situated 24km (15 miles) south of the
city and displaying fascinating Buddhist and Hindu structures.
Xiang Khouang
Xiang Khouang province in the northeast of the country is characterised
by lush green mountains and Karst limestone. The capital, Phonsavan
enjoys a favourable climate being at an altitude of 1200 metres.
The unusual Plain of Jars is accessible from the city and offers
the mysterious sight of hundreds of stone jars, some weighing
up to six tonnes, scattered over the landscape. The jars are
over 2000 years old and legend says that they were used to ferment
rice wine in the sixth century in order to celebrate a victory
in battle. 52km north of Phonsavan visitors can enjoy bathing
in two hot springs; Bo Noi and Bo Yai.
Luang Prabang (Discount
Luang Prabang Airfare)
This ancient royal city has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site
since 1995. Located between the Mekong and Khan River, it is
the cultural and religious centre of the country, boasting 32
large temple complexes. Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most impressive
temples, decorated with coloured glass and gold. Testament to
the fact that it had been the royal capital until 1975, the
royal palace there contains fine artwork and gifts made for
former kings. Nearby, in the town centre, visitors can ascend
Mount Phousi for a panaromic view of the city and surrounding
rivers. Also worth seeing is the Palace Museum, (the former
royal palace) easily recognisable by its golden spired stupa,
which houses an impressive collection of artefacts from old
rulers of the Kingdom of Lane Xang.
Khammouane
Khammouane province is accessible from Vientiane by bus. The
region is currently being explored for its potential as a place
for ecotourism, and its amazing limestone formations, caves,
rivers and jungle make it a unique environment. Its capital,
Tha Kek, is a good place to reach other sights, such as the
Tham Xieng Lap Caves and the That Skihotabang, a stunning stupa
built by King Nanthasen in around the tenth century.
Savannakhet
Within easy reach by bus from Khammouane is Savannakhet province.
Positioned between Thailand and Vietnam, the province acts as
a useful trading junction between the two. Most of the town's
architecture is French colonial, including a large Catholic
church, although there are several buddhist temple buildings
worth seeing such as Wat Sainyaphum. It is possible to walk
the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a former clandestine route used by the
North Vietnamese Army to transport military gear to South Vietnam.
The trail was bombed by the USA during the Vietnam war and parts
of this devastation can still be viewed. However, the trail
must be seen with a guide as large parts of the route still
contain unexploded bombs.
Champassak
Pakse, captial of Champassak province is easily reached by air
from Vientiane. Pakse is home to many ethnic minority groups,
much of the Bolaven Plateau and the famous, although relatively
unvisited, Wat Phu temple. Wat Phu was constructed around the
fifth century on a mountain top near fresh spring water by the
Khmer Hindus, who went on to settle their empire at its former
capital - Ankor Wat (Cambodia). There are breathtaking views
across the Mekong valley from the temple. The complex can be
reached by chartered boat along the Mekong river. Other excursions
worth making are to the Bolaven Plateau, where visitors can
enjoy elephant riding and trekking, and to Sii Pan Dan (Four
Thousand Islands), where islands are formed during the rainy
season on the Mekong river. There is the opportunity to see
spectacular waterfalls and the endangered irriwaddy dolphins.
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