Sitting cosily in Southeast Asia, the Republic of Laos is a landlocked country with sparse population. Known for its spectacular landscape, the country comprises of lofty mountains, lush jungles, glistening rice fields and tea leaves covering the mountain surface. The remote tribal villages, ancient Buddhist caves, rich cultural heritage, cafe culture in cosmopolitans, elegant colonial architecture and peaceful stupas adds to the charm of this land of lotus-eaters.

You can enjoy a holiday in Laos any time of the year as each season has something different to offer. The best time to visit is between the months of November and April, when rainfall is low and temperatures are cooler. The temperature can drop in the north in December & January, but this period rewards with clear blue skies, pleasant temperatures and low levels of humidity across the country.

In Laos, the staple ingredients of their food is boiled or steamed sticky rice, which is eaten with a variety of vegetables, meats, fish, poultry with a range of spices and flavours. One can also see the influence of Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese cooking on Lao food through wide use of chilli, fish sauce, soy and Asian herbs like lemongrass, ginger, galangal and Asian basil. Other ingredients used for flavouring include garlic, tamarind, sugar and lime juice. Native sausages, noodles and fresh salad are other main staple in Laoss food. Accompanying food is often beer, water or fruit juice. Green tea is usually served free in most restaurants while Beer Lao is favourite among local. A strong French influence is also visible in larger towns with baguette sandwiches, pates, coffee and salads.

Laos is known for its exquisite handicrafts produced locally in the country. The markets of Vientiane and Luang Prabang are worth visiting for their exclusive products such as silk, cotton fabrics, hill tribe embroideries, woodcarvings, garments, bags, wall hangings pottery and silver jewellery. Also, look out for local art, antiques and paper products in the markets. As souvenirs, one can buy Lao sarongs hill tribe bags. While in Vientiane, try out morning market, a popular place frequented by tourists along with weaving district of Ban Nong Bouathong.

Lao language also called Laotian, one of the Tai languages of Southeast Asia, and the official language of Laos.

1. VIENTIANE

Vientiane is the capital of Laos. This city unlike the other busy or noisy places present in Southeast Asia, is very quite as well as is a place where you can relax. This city is set up on the banks of the Mekong River and is designed as per the French architecture. This place which was initially laid back a bit is now experiencing rapid growth and is receiving investment from the outside companies as well as firms. This place is home to numerous temples as well as to other bars and restaurants and has an ambience that will definitely keep your mesmerised.

Places to visit in Vientiane: That Luang, Wat Ong Theu,  Wat Ho Phra Kew, Lao Textile Museum, Buddha National Park

2. LUANG PRABANG

Laos is a country where you will not see anything Western or ultra modern. There are no McDonalds, KFC, Pizza Huts or Starbucks Coffee there. Luang Prabang is a wonderful patchwork of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture. It is a city in north central Laos, consisting of 58 adjacent villages, of which 33 comprise the UNESCO Town of Luang Prabang World Heritage Site.

Home to a unique marriage of French colonial and Indo-chinese architectural styles, itês easy to see why the main centre had World Heritage status. Every visitor should start one day off by giving alms to the local monks. There are so many monks in Luang Prabang – more than 1,200 live here (ten percent of the cityês population) – that sometimes the whole city can seem like a monastery. A number of colonial mansions here have been converted into hotels and restaurants. In the night Market, one can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by the local and hilltribe people surrounding Luang Prabang.

Places to visit in Luang Prabang: Mount Phousi or Phusi, Palace Musuem, Wat Xieng Thong Buddhist Temple, Wat Mai, Elephant Sanctuary, Pak Ou Cave Monastery, Night Market, Royal Palace

3. SAVANNAKHET

Savannakhet is a city located on the banks of the Mekong River in Laos. Bordering Thailand, it is the capital of the province of the same name. It is a quiet town, which is mostly used as a stopover by tourists passing into Laos and Thailand, and offers not much for people looking for attractions.

But this little town has its charm for visitors, including the rich colonial architecture, lovely old Buddhist temples, and a chance to experience the laid-back life along the Mekong including enjoying the beautiful sunsets.

Places to visit in Savannakhet: Wat Xayaphoum Buddhist Temple, Savannakhet Night Market, Phonsavanh Temple, Dong Notad Forest, St. Therese Cathedral, Savannakhet Dinosaur Museum

4. PHONSAVAN

Located in central Laos, Phonsavan is the capital of Xieng Khouang province. It is known for the fertile plateau lined with rolling hills, caves, waterfalls and series of archaeological sites consisting of the mysterious plain of jars. It is one of the recommended places for tourists visiting Laos to explore Phonsavan for its natural beauty and ancient history.

Phonsavan is a city located in Central Laos and is the capital of Xieng Khouang province. It is known for the fertile plateau lined with rolling hills, caves, waterfalls and series of archaeological sites consisting of the mysterious plain of jars.

Places to visit in Phonsavan: A great combination of nature consisting of caves and waterfalls along with abundant historical sites make Phonsavan an excellent destination to travel in Laos.

5. LUANG NAMTHA

Luang Namtha is located in the north of Laos and is the capital of the province of Laos of the same name. Luang Namtha city lies on the bank of the river Tha and borders with China on the northern front and Burma on the northwest.

Luang Namtha attracts nature lovers from all over and provides a base for trekking and biking to the nearby tribal villages. It is worth visiting for tourists looking to explore the natural beauty of Laos and to know the ethnic communities.

The province is known for sugar cane and rubber production with plantations spread around hundreds of acres. The Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area is also located here.

Places to visit in Luang Namtha: Nam Dee Waterfalls, Luang Namtha Night Market, Chedi on the Hill, Phom Pouk Buddhist Stupa, The Handicraft Village Ban Pieng Ngam, Nam Tha River

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