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Laos is a fascinating country. It’s not really an off the beaten path destination anymore, but it often still feels that way. This landlocked country in Southeast Asia has a tiny population compared to some of its huge neighbours, and it actually shares a border with five different countries, which perhaps is the reason for its interesting cultural diversity. Laos seems to share cultural similarities with its close neighbours.
I’ve now taken two trips to Laos and I’m constantly drawn to its stunning natural beauty, its culture and its quiet but friendly people. From the relaxed, lazy atmosphere of the South, to the culture and history of Luang Prabang and the lush jungle and mountain scenery of the North, Laos just has so much to offer for the intrepid traveller. I just know that I will keep going back.
Today I’d like to share some of my favourite photos that I’ve taken during my trips to this interesting country. I was planning on limiting this to 10, but like my post on Italy, I couldn’t even get below 30 ;). I think that these 33 photos are sure to make you want to travel to Laos.
Storm clouds gather over the Mekong River in Luang Prabang
That Luang in Vientiane – the largest stupa in Laos
Somphamit Waterfall in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
Wat Sensoukharam – a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang
Rice fields and limestone karst mountains in Vang Vieng
Old shopfronts in Savannakhet
The main street in Nong Khiaw
View of Luang Prabang and the Nam Khan river from the top of Phou Si
Boats being built on Don Khone in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
A man selling fruit from his bicycle on the streets of Luang Prabang
A village below a tall limestone karst mountain on the Mekong River in Northern Laos
A vibrant flower at Kuang Si Waterfall
Old Buddhist relics at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang
This little local girl came up to me for a photo during a bike ride through a small village outside Vang Vieng
Sunset over the Mekong in Vientiane
An old crumbling building in Savannakhet
Wat Nong Sikhounmuang under a stormy sky in Luang Prabang
A quiet street in Pakse
A boat stopped at Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong River
A man standing on a cascade at Kuang Si
Buddhist offerings at Phou Si in Luang Prabang
Patuxai in Vientiane
View of the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw
Tuk tuks on the streets of Luang Prabang
View of the Mekong River in Pakbeng
The main plaza at night in Savannakhet, Laos
A picturesque street corner in Luang Prabang
The main street on Don Khone in Si Phan Don
The viharn at Wat Sisaket in Vientiane
Two young monks admire the Pha Bang pedestal at Haw Pha Bang in Luang Prabang
Old buildings and a local corner food stall in Savannakhet
A rural road outside Vang Vieng
Panorama of the temple complex of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang (Click to view in full size)
Love the pictures. Can’t wait to go back! The people are so friendly and the sites amazing.
Hi Thomas. Good to hear that you enjoyed Laos as well. I can’t wait to go back too. Thanks for checking out the photos 🙂
I don’t know about anyone else, but these pictures just confirm for me that I never want to travel to Laos. All I see are grey clouds and dirty water. No thank you.
Each to their own. It really depends on what sort of traveller you are and the type of destinations that you like to visit. For me, Laos is a fantastic destination that has all of the things that I like – adventure, friendly people, an interesting culture and stunning natural scenery. There are a lot of rewarding experiences to have. You won’t find beach resorts, shopping malls or high speed trains to get around on, but I have no interest in those things anyway.
Nice shots! Laos is definitely an interesting destination.
Thanks! It certainly is an interesting place.
Yep, I want to go there 🙂
Yay 🙂
nice article