Ask anyone who has explored Southeast Asia and they will tell you Laos is chill, laid back, and full of love. It is also delicious, packed with natural wonders and adventures, and maintains a still spirituality most of the world has forgotten. Vang Vieng is a magnificently stunning destination that most will overlook but the perfect place to relax and explore.
For most people Laos is not on the radar as a go-to dream destination. In large part because 1. It is land-locked so lacks the pristine beaches everyone is searching for. 2. Historically it was poorer than other countries in the region 3. The nation has become overshadowed by the generations of tourism in Thailand and emerging markets in Vietnam. 4. Much of it was physically unsafe for many years dealing with mitigation from the aftermath of America’s secret war. If you don’t know what I’m talking about you should stop everything and watch this five minute video from COPE Laos.
Chances are a Laos vacation is an add-on to a trip to Thailand and the two big hits will be Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Do not let it end there. Both cities are absolute dreams but there is so much more to see. Vang Vieng offers the mountains, rivers, hiking, biking, biking, and zen getaways that everyone always wanted.
You can book a luxury spa resort and get a massage while looking at the backdrop of mountains over rice paddies. You can pile into the river with tubes, friends, and Beer Lao. You can hike the limestone cliffs for mesmerizing sights. And you can hang out in a dozen different natural spring lagoons that dot the countryside.
Because of the adventure sports and carefree mentality, the region can attract a younger party crowd. Everyone does tend to stay wherever bars are serving liquor so if that is not your thing keep on walking. If it is or if it used to be, follow the music and let your hair down for a night.
Go to Laos and plan your trip well. You will not be disappointed. Three full days are ideal in Vang Vieng. One day on the river, one hiking in the mountains, and another lagoon hopping. You can stretch that out to a welcomed week with some day trips and off-roading but any less is rushing it. There is so much to explore, so much untouched wilderness, so many people to meet and friends to make. Above all it is open and free and caring, and when you go back home you’ll realize you left a small part of your heart behind.
This is a great opportunity to be the first of your flock to discover a corner of paradise. Plan sustainably and act responsibly.
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This piece was edited and posted onto SEVENSEAS Media by Giacomo Abrusci