Laos
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- Moni & Alex
Some tipps and recommendations for Laos... -
- Moni & Alex
Phongsaly
If you like adventure, you are after real authentic experiences and do not mind staying in very basic conditions, you should really to go up to Phongsaly. Literally nothing in Phongsaly is mainstream or even close to touristic (12 tourists in town when we were there) and this was probably the most authentic excursion we did in Asia.
Head out to do some trekking to see the Akha hill tribes, there are 2 agencies in town offering treks: the tourist office going south of Phongsaly and Amazing Lao Travel exploring the more remote northern areas.
We do recommend an overnight stay (min 1 night) in one of the villages to see how the tribes are living, and if you go north with Amazing Lao, make sure you pass by Peryenxangmai, the Gallic village with the most amazing sunrises ever. If you are after socializing with the tribal people, then Ban Paicho might be the better choice. A combination of both gives you a perfect inside to society and nature. -
- Moni & Alex
Muang Ngoi Neua
In a beautiful surrounding on the banks of the Nam Ou river, this tiny village can only be reached by boat from either Nong Khiaw (upstream) or Muang Khua (downstream).
It is a very relaxed village where you ca(or better should) just hang around in the hammock on the balcony or do some easy trekking in the area. Take it easy and chill out! -
- Moni & Alex
Luang Prabang
Even though one of the more touristic places in the country, it is definitly worth spending some days in this very pretty town. The atmosphere is very relaxed (a general Laotian thing) and the old town is just stunning with all the splendid temples and old colonial buildings around.
If you want to eat good food, Luang Prabang offers a great variety of cuisines for all budgets.
Don't miss the daily collection of alms by the monks in the early morning. -
- Moni & Alex
The Loop @ Thakhek
If you like riding a motorbike and/or seeing some stunning landscape, the 3-5 days loop to/from Thakhek is definitely worth it. The roads are all paved now, but the tourist masses have not arrived yet. There are some good and cheap guesthouses on the way (Sabaidee guesthouse is one of the most mentioned ones and we admit, the vibes there are pretty good) and there are many caves, lakes, rivers and springs to explore along the road (many of them still for free). -
- Moni & Alex
Konglor Cave
One of the highlights of the loop, apart from the road and scenery, is definitely Konglor, a 7km underground river. You have to take a boat (max 3 people) through the literally pitch dark cave, which is quite an experience. Make sure you bring good torches (and make sure the batteries are not yet empty) and be prepared to ride through the dark for a good 45-60min. Yoou will still see some impressive stalagmites and domes and hey, don't worry, the boatmen know their way through the rapids. -
- Moni & Alex
4000 Islands
A good place to relax a bit (you don't come here for cultural experience), life on the 4000 islands in the very southern waters of the Mekong river is running at an even lower pace than in the rest of the country.
Get yourself a bungalow with river view and the mandatory hammock on the balcony and take a time-out. Of course you can also do some activities (kayaking, tubing, fishing, cycling,...) - get yourself a bike and see the waterfalls and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins on Don Khone. Don Det is more the party place while Don Khone is a bit quieter. -
- Moni & Alex
The Gardens Don Khone
This tiny restaurant on the main road in Don Khone is probably offering the best food around.
Be prepared to wait a bit as the passionate chef is cooking all by himself, but he prepares each dish completely fresh and you can really taste this. He is cooking with love and we have eaten at his place 3 times.
The Massaman curry is incredibly delicious just as the steamed fish in banana leaves and don't even think of leaving without trying one of the desserts (yummy fried bananas and a heavenly sticky rice with mango). -
- Moni & Alex
Money
A small hint regarding cash in Laos: Moni was not able to get cash at any of the ATMs around all of Laos with her bank card. Only credit card worked! With the rather modest exchange rate and the fees and commissions you pay, it actually pays off to bring € or $ and exchange them in Laos itself. At least around Luang Prabang we saw some money exchangers offering excellent rates compared to the ones we got from our banks.
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