Serene, rustic, undescended upon by the tourist armadas, Laos is a revelation. The caprices and unnavigable waters of the upper Mekong have allowed Laos to keep its ancient charm largely intact. Though small, the country has an exceptionally varied topography, which in turn has led to a multilayered culture.
Down south, we cross the flat plains of the cool and remote Bolovens Plateau, “one of Asia’s last frontiers,” and explore a host of almost forgotten Khmer temples built long before Angkor. Throughout the little-visited provinces of Attapeu and Sekong, we discover a world bursting with ethnic diversity and color, rich with unusual tribes and customs.
Up north, we visit Phonsavan and the mysterious Plain of Jars—imposing, beautiful, and an archaeologist-stumper of long-standing. Further north we find charming Luang Prabang, gritty Lao-China border towns, and conservation parks of virgin forest. And everywhere in this peaceful Buddhist land, we hear the chanting of its orange-clad monks.
Up north, we visit Phonsavan and the mysterious Plain of Jars—imposing, beautiful, and an archaeologist-stumper of long-standing. Further north we find charming Luang Prabang, gritty Lao-China border towns, and conservation parks of virgin forest. And everywhere in this peaceful Buddhist land, we hear the chanting of its orange-clad monks.
Southern Laos
Highlights: Boloven Plateu, pre-Angkoran temples, Attapeu and Sekong, Khong Islands, Mekong
The Mekong, Top to Bottom
Highlights: Gyelthang, Tiger Leaping Gorge, Lijiang, Golden Triangle, Luang Prabang, Khong Islands, Siem Reap, Angkor Wat, Phnom Penh, Mekong Delta
