Laos

Laos is often overlooked by its more popular neighbors. A visit to Laos is, in many ways, a trip back in time. Travelers are drawn here by a laid-back lifestyle that has disappeared elsewhere in the region. The forested mountains of Northern Laos, the gothic limestone karsts of the south and the mystic city of Luang Prabang are all worth a visit. For us the highlights of Laos were found in less visited places further north, in quiet riverside villages overlooked by craggy green mountains.

Discover the serenity of Luang Prabang, wander the tranquil monasteries and experience the French colonial influence while sipping a coffee at a café. The French influence is still present: you smell freshly baked bread in the morning and coffee mingles with exotic local aromas.

As Laos is covered with thick jungle-covered mountains which in the north rise to a maximum elevation of almost 3.000 meters, it is a perfect place for nature lovers and adventure seekers. Laos is home to over one hundred species of large mammal. Many of these are familiar Asian species such as Tiger, Asian Elephant and Gaur (a species of wild cattle).

For such a small country, Laos is surprisingly diverse in terms of its people. Colorfully dressed hill tribes populate the higher elevations, while in the lowland river valleys, the ethnic Lao. Lao people are frank, open and friendly, and they possess a strongly developed sense of courtesy and respect.