52 Top: Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos Left: Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos Right: Kuang Si Waterfalls, Luang Prabang, Laos Laos Relatively untouched by mainstream tourism due to decades of isolation and landlocked seclusion, Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s hidden gems. A fabled ‘Kingdom of a Million Elephants’, Laos enchants visitors with its unspoiled nature, Asian spirituality, historic treasures and authentic cultural experiences. A deeply spiritual nation, Buddhism permeates every facet of Laotian life, from sacred Buddhist rituals to omnipresent gilded temples, while its rich history is evident in a legacy of well-preserved historical sites and architectural wonders — several of which are protected under UNESCO World Heritage status. Laos also presents a land of untamed natural beauty, characterised by mist-shrouded mountains and stunning interiors brimming with biodiversity, highland waterfalls and verdant forests. Meandering through the entire length of Laos, it is the timeless Mekong River, however, that truly beguiles, setting the rhythm for everyday life in pristine river valleys that have witnessed relatively little change over the years. Besides remote local communities, some of the nation’s most important and compelling destinations flank the Upper Mekong’s tranquil shores. Former royal capital, Luang Prabang emanates an almost ethereal ambiance and is considered the heart of Laotian culture and spirituality, enchanting with its well-preserved Old Town. Further south, Southeast Asia’s smallest capital, Vientiane, still exudes a laid-back ambience and ‘Old-World’ charm; the faded colonial architecture a reminder of its former role as a French Indochina trading post. Located in-between these gems amid the interior, the quaint riverside town of Vang Vieng is also noteworthy for its dramatic limestone karst and cave scenery. Travelling through Laos, expect a more relaxed way of life that moves along at a delightfully unhurried pace and a warm welcome from the gentle Lao people.
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