{"id":23000,"date":"2023-06-13T12:18:24","date_gmt":"2023-06-13T11:18:24","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/?p=23000"},"modified":"2024-03-04T14:52:50","modified_gmt":"2024-03-04T14:52:50","slug":"is-visiting-laos-worth-my-time","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/is-visiting-laos-worth-my-time\/","title":{"rendered":"Is Visiting Laos Worth My Time?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div class=\"wpb-content-wrapper\"><p>[vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content_no_spaces&#8221; equal_height=&#8221;yes&#8221; css=&#8221;.vc_custom_1709562923998{padding-top: 60% !important;background-image: url(https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-content\/uploads\/2020\/02\/Laos-Don-Daeng-2019-0018-Reduced-Size.jpg?id=16280) !important;background-position: center !important;background-repeat: no-repeat !important;background-size: cover !important;}&#8221;][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row full_width=&#8221;stretch_row_content&#8221;][vc_column][\/vc_column][\/vc_row][vc_row][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;2\/3&#8243;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>Is Visiting Laos Worth My Time?<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laos, also known as the \u201cLand of a Million Elephants\u201d, is sometimes overlooked as a dream travel destination. Being the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, Laos may not offer a coastline of sandy beaches, but it more than makes up for it in rugged, forested landscapes, lush greenery and endless rolling mountains. Get a feel for this peaceful place by watching our video below:<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_video link=&#8221;https:\/\/vimeo.com\/919093943&#8243; align=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;50px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h1>Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Laos:<\/h1>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>1. The Friendly Locals<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The friendliness of the locals can make a visit to a new country even more special, and with Laos being ranked <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/laotiantimes.com\/2021\/11\/11\/laos-voted-worlds-3rd-friendliest-country-in-rough-guides-list\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">one of the most friendly countries in the world<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> you won\u2019t be disappointed by the reception you receive.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Laotians are renowned for their hospitable, welcoming souls and it isn\u2019t unusual to be invited to join a party, or even a wedding with locals you meet along the way! The light-hearted nature of Lao people means you are unlikely to hear raised voices on your trip unless it\u2019s through laughter and jokes.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">You may also discover that the Laotians are quick to pay a compliment, and paying one back is seen as a great way to show your respect.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23803&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>2. The Lao Architecture<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Architecture in Laos is representative of the history of the country, with Burmese, Siamese, Khmer and French influences. The architectural styles co-exist, but differences can be seen across regions.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">In rural areas, Lao houses are traditionally made of bamboo and wood and are often built on timber stilts, raising them from the ground. As many of the homes are built on riversides, this reduces the risk of flooding during the rainy season. This style is slowly being replaced by a more modern design in urban areas.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The most distinctive buildings in Laos include the iconic Pha That Luang, a gold-covered Buddhist monument, and Wat Si Saket, a temple renowned for its unique style which includes a five-tiered terrace and surrounding terrace. <\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23002&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>3. The Spectacular Waterfalls<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The mountainous terrain of Laos means that there is a vast selection of breathtaking waterfalls to explore. Imagine strolling through an area of thick forest, protected from the heat of the midday sun, when you hear the roar of water. A few more steps and you discover an aquamarine pool at the bottom of a waterfall, where the cool spray from the cascades is welcomely refreshing and the concept of a dip is irresistible. In Laos, this can become a reality!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the best waterfalls to visit are <\/span><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Khone Phapheng Falls in the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/laos-guide-to-the-4000-islands\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">4000 islands<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">, the largest waterfall in southeast Asia, and the Tad Sae Waterfalls in Luang Prabang, a lesser-visited location which allows you to enjoy the natural beauty with fewer tourists around. The turquoise waters and many shallow pools at Kuang Si Falls make for another picture-perfect spot to enjoy.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23003&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>4. The Culture<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Lao culture centres around family, friends, happiness and simplicity &#8211; socialising typically takes priority over work. This laid-back way of life is part of the culture you will experience &#8211; in fact, the Laos PDR, or Laos People\u2019s Democratic Republic,\u00a0 is often joked to stand for \u201cLaos please don\u2019t rush\u201d. A refreshing, though somewhat unusual concept in comparison to the fast-paced Western lifestyle.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The predominant religion in Laos is Theravada Buddhism, and with this comes many traditions to enjoy,\u00a0 particularly if you visit Luang Prabang.\u00a0 One of the most popular rituals to observe here is Tak Bat, where monks silently walk the streets to collect offerings from the locals.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23004&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>5. The Choice of Adventure Activities<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">If your dream holiday destination is one which will keep you on your toes with adventures and activities, then you\u2019ll be spoilt for choice on how to fill your itinerary in Laos. Whether you want to fly through lush greenery and over plunging valleys on ziplines, boat through stalactites in a limestone cave or explore the Champasak province in the hunt for the ancient Khmer temple ruin, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/laos\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Laos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> has it all.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Some of the other popular activities include:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Touring through the Vieng Xai Caves, a network of caves that once provided shelter and respite from continuous bombing during the Vietnam War.\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Visiting the Elephant Village Sanctuary to admire the conservation and rehabilitation work undertaken by the locals to protect this wonderful animal which is so symbolic to Laos.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Cruising along the Mekong River to enjoy riverside scenery and get a glimpse of villagers going about their everyday life.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23001&#8243; img_size=&#8221;full&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>6. The Delicious Food<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Packed with flavour and sharing similarities with Thai, French and Vietnamese cuisine, the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/food-northern-laos-2\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">traditional food in Laos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> is enticing. Many dishes are accompanied by sticky rice, a staple which can be enjoyed for breakfast, lunch, dinner and even dessert!<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Common Laos dishes to try whilst travelling in this beautiful country are:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Larb &#8211; a minced meat salad typically flavoured with lime juice, fish sauce, herbs and chilli peppers.<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Tam Mak Hoong &#8211; a salad comprised of green papaya served with a sauce of tomatoes, garlic, lime, eggplant and other fresh ingredients<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Mok Pa &#8211; a fish dish that is usually steamed and served in banana leaves\u00a0<\/span><\/li>\n<li style=\"font-weight: 400;\" aria-level=\"1\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Nam Khao Tod &#8211; a salad of crispy rice balls, chunks of pork sausage, peanuts, shredded coconut, fish sauce and chilli served with lettuce<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">For the full Laotian culinary experience, the bustling street food markets are not to be missed!<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23005&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>7. The Coffee Culture<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Coffee lovers rejoice! Getting a cup of quality coffee in Laos is simple. In fact, Laos is famous for its production of both Arabica and Robusta varieties. Coffee was originally introduced to the country in the early 1900s by the French, who initially started trying to grow plants in the north before discovering the Bolaven Plateau.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The Bolaven Plateau is the major coffee farming region here, where the altitude, cool climate, mineral-rich volcanic soil and abundant rainfall provide ideal conditions for Arabica plant growth. Unfortunately, the region was badly impacted by bombing during the war and many unexploded devices remain, which means growing coffee is an extremely risky livelihood.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Robusta is the variety typically served in Laos, and you can often find it served sweetened with condensed milk or as an iced beverage.\u00a0<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23006&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2><b>8. The Intricate Handicrafts<\/b><\/h2>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Handicrafts of woven textiles and bamboo baskets are <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/timeless-traditions-laos\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">timeless traditions in Laos<\/span><\/a><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\"> that make for special keepsakes from your travels. Laotian people are proud of the intricacy involved in creating these goods, which means they love when visitors are able to admire the level of work that goes into them.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">Traditional weaving techniques can be observed on large wooden hand looms throughout the country, though designs and materials vary from region to region. For example, in central Laos, designs often feature diamond patterns and indigo dye.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span style=\"font-weight: 400;\">The traditional skills are passed down to the next generation, from mother to daughter,\u00a0 to ensure that the techniques are not forgotten.<\/span>[\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_single_image image=&#8221;23804&#8243; img_size=&#8221;large&#8221; add_caption=&#8221;yes&#8221; alignment=&#8221;center&#8221;][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<!-- start of ETG Country Guide CTA --> <style type='text\/css'>.country-dnload{margin:100px auto;max-width:1180px;background:#f7f4ee;width:100%;display:flex;flex-direction:row;justify-content:space-evenly}.cdnload-cutout{width:37%;max-width:320px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;background-color:#f8f4ee;padding:30px;float:none;margin:0;position:relative}#main .country-dnload .cdnload-cutout :first-child,.country-dnload .cdnload-cutout img{margin-bottom:-100px;margin-top:-90px!important}.country-dnload .cdnload-info{width:63%;padding:40px;display:flex;flex-direction:column;flex-wrap:nowrap;align-content:center;justify-content:center;align-items:center}.country-dnload .cdnload-info h3{margin-top:10px;margin-bottom:20px;text-align:center;font-size:23px;font-weight:600}.country-dnload .cdnload-info p{color:#051d3d;text-align:center;-webkit-font-smoothing:antialiased;margin-bottom:40px}.clear-button.gold{border:2px solid #b19657;color:#b19657;font-weight:600;max-width:initial;display:inline-block;padding:10px 20px}.clear-button.gold:hover{text-decoration:none;background:#b19657;color:#fff}.cdnload-info a.clear-button.gold{line-height:1em;padding:15px 20px 15px;width:auto}@media (max-width:767px){.cdnload-cutout,.cdnload-info,.country-dnload .cdnload-info{width:100%!important}.country-dnload{flex-direction:column;margin:120px 0 50px}.cdnload-cutout{align-items:flex-start}.cdnload-cutout img{width:100%;margin-bottom:-50px!important}.cdnload-info h3{font-size:20px}}<\/style>\n        <div class='country-dnload'>\n            <a class='cdnload-cutout' href='https:\/\/info.experiencetravelgroup.com\/laos-travel-guide'>\n                <img src='\/static_files\/new23\/guides\/Laos-Country-Dnload.png' alt='Travel Guide to Laos'>\n            <\/a>\n            <div class='cdnload-info'>\n                <h3>CURIOUS TRAVELLER'S GUIDE TO LAOS<\/h3>\n                <p>\n        If you would like some advice on the best dates to travel then please check out our Curious Traveller\u2019s Guide to Laos. You will also receive some great tips on our favourite hotels, experiences and beach alternatives.\n        <\/p>\n                <a href='https:\/\/info.experiencetravelgroup.com\/laos-travel-guide' class='clear-button gold'>DOWNLOAD NOW<\/a>\n            <\/div>\n        <\/div>\n        <!-- start of ETG Country Guide CTA --> \n        [\/vc_column_text][vc_empty_space height=&#8221;15px&#8221;][vc_column_text]<\/p>\n<h2 style=\"text-align: center;\">READY TO START PLANNING A HOLIDAY?<\/h2>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Please get in touch on\u00a0<span class=\"InfinityNumber clickable \">0203 993 4433<\/span><\/p>\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\">Alternatively, fill out an online enquiry form to\u00a0<a href=\"https:\/\/www.experiencetravelgroup.com\/make-enq\">start your journey<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>[\/vc_column_text][\/vc_column][vc_column width=&#8221;1\/6&#8243;][\/vc_column][\/vc_row]<\/p>\n<\/div>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>From friendly locals and endless adventure opportunities to culinary delights and epic waterfalls. Here are 8 reasons why you should visit Laos.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":79,"featured_media":23001,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"","_lmt_disable":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[10],"tags":[1333],"coauthors":[1432],"class_list":["post-23000","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-laos","tag-planning"],"aioseo_notices":[],"views":5988,"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23000","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/79"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=23000"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/23000\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/23001"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=23000"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=23000"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=23000"},{"taxonomy":"author","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/archive.experiencetravelgroup.com\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/coauthors?post=23000"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}