Volunteering In Laos

TEFL Jobs in Asia

By Chris Soames

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With travel becoming cheaper and the world getting smaller, it might be tempting to think that there are no new experiences to be had. Well, we have news for you: this definitely isn't the case in Asia! It's one part of the world that has managed to keep the flame of its ancient traditions burning brightly, despite its gleaming, modern side. Its history, diversity and great respect for tradition are amongst the things that Asia is famous for. There's also an abundance of sights worth seeing: the Great Wall of China, the Taj Mahal, Sunkakuwan Bay, the Tubbataha Reef, Mt.Kinabalu and the industrial hubbub of Tokyo are just the tip of the iceberg!

Though it is a veritable feast for the eyes, Asia is much more than a tourist destination. With so many interesting things to see and experience it's no wonder that people flock to Asia, but you can still find areas untouched by the tourist boom.

Working in Asia will give you a completely different perspective, as you're not just going to lie on the beach (although you'll be forgiven for relaxing by the sea on your days off!). Rural areas are often less-visited and are also where English teachers are scarcest, so you'll see a way of life entirely removed from your own as well as some stunning scenery. In the major cities, living amongst the people you're teaching will give you a chance to try your hand at the local language as well as finding everything from the best street food, to the best place to buy a Kimono and the best place to hear traditional Sitar playing!

Culture

Not only does Asia have the largest market for English teachers, it's absolutely huge (breathe in...): Afghanistan, Armenia, Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brunei, Burma, Cambodia, China, Hong Kong, India, Indonesia, Iran, Iraq, Israel, Japan, Jordan, Kazakhstan, North Korea, South Korea, Kuwait, Kyrgyzstan, Laos, Lebanon, Malaysia, Maldives, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Oman, Pakistan, Philippines, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Singapore, Sri Lanka, Syria, Taiwan, Tajikistan, Thailand, Turkey, Turkmenistan, United Arab Emirates, Uzbekistan, Vietnam, Yemen... phew!

With so many countries, it's no wonder that cultural diversity is one of the things Asia is so well known for! From riding an elephant in Sri Lanka, to fishing with the locals in Mongolia, sipping green tea in China and surfing the waves in Taiwan, everywhere is open to exploration!

Educational standard

Asia countries are famed for their advances in mathematics and medicine, hundreds of years before the West began to develop, and many countries in Asia are still very forward-thinking. Japan and China have experienced massive economic growth and education is considered a vitally important part of maintaining prosperity, with English language as an important part of both lower and higher levels of education. Countries such as South Korea are improving education and emphasising the importance of the English language and the use of modern technology. In fact, they were the first country to provide high speed internet access to primary, secondary and high schools!

Unforunately, some poorer areas haven't benefitted from the commercial success of the cities and when an education is costly it is all too often forgone. Kerala is the only Indian state to have achieved anywhere near full literacy in primary education, while Bihar struggles with less than half. Learning English is hugely beneficial in these poorer areas, but many have to rely on volunteer work.

Teaching opportunities

The most popular areas for English teaching are Taiwan, Thailand, Japan, China, South Korea and Vietnam. Increasing populations and expanding economies have created a high demand for the English language and the growing middle classes view education as essential for both children and adults alike, so you'll have a wide range of pupils! There's also a great variety of places to teach in, including primary schools, secondary schools, language schools and private schools.

With their increasing appeal to English teachers some countries, have tightened up entry requirements. Japan, Taiwan and Thailand are amongst those where it is now a visa requirement to have a degree if you want to teach English. If you're volunteering, it may not necessarily be an issue but one thing's for sure: any paid work requires a work or working holiday visa, so doing your research is worthwhile.

The Indian subcontinent offers less pay but lots of enthusiasm and appreciation for your hard work. Though paid opportunities can be limited to the more affluent areas, poorer countries have no less to offer culturally and the experience is rewarding enough in itself!

Facilities

Accommodation in Asia can be as varied as the climate, which ranges from glorious sunshine to chilly snow capped peaks. Wealthy countries have higher standards of accommodation which also reflects the cost of living. Japan is famously expensive but the placements are usually well paid: US$1000 per month on average. Homestays and shared accommodation are kinder to your budget and are more likely to be find when working in the South, where pay is less but so is the cost of living. When a meals costs as as little as 50p, there's not much room for complaint!

Chris Soames - Online TEFL courses with over 20,000 course graduates each year, international accreditation and certification recognised by schools worldwide.

To Teach English abroad is the perfect opportunity for any English speaker to explore the world and immerse themselves in new cultures. Whether you're a trained teacher or a complete beginner, a TEFL qualification is your ticket for the journey of your life.

Contacts: For interviews, images or comments contact: Chris Soames - Marketing & PR
Email: chris@i-to-i.com
http://www.onlinetefl.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Chris_Soames

12th Korea Freedom Federation volunteering in Laos

Hostels Laos

Travel the World on a Budget

Traveling the world is a dream that so many of us have, but never get to fulfill. The reasons that so many people never achieve this dream is because it doesn't fit into "society's plan", they are too scared to travel, and also because most people think that they just can't afford to travel. The truth is that traveling doesn't have to be as expensive as you think. If you do your research you can travel all around the world on a budget. Some destinations cost more than others, for example traveling in Asia is a lot cheaper than traveling in Europe. But it doesn't matter where you go, there is always a way to save money to make your dream of traveling around the world a reality.

The first thing you need to do is work out your finances. If you are like most people living in western society, you will probably be in some sort of debt, and will spend your money on buying "things". It is these "things" that generally cause you to go into debt in the first place, and do you really need these things? Or do you just think that you do because everyone else around you has them? The fact is that things can't make you happy if you are not living your dreams. Instead of buying "things" you could be putting your money towards fulfilling your dreams, to traveling the world, experiencing new cultures, meeting new people and just truly living and loving life. There is no better feeling in the world than achieving your dream.
So stop spending money on things that you don't need, pay off your debts and then save save save. But how much do you need to save to travel the world? Well it all depends on where you are going, and how long for. If you want to take a typical year long around the world trip, spending time in a mixture of cheap countries and expensive countries, then a lot of people spend around $20000. It sounds like a lot of money, but think about it. That is all you need to travel around the world for a whole year! How much do you currently spend each year living the life that you don't want to live?

Some people spend more, some people a lot less. It all depends on what you spend your money on, where you stay and where you eat. But $20000 is about an average price.

If you don't do your research however, that $20000 will be gone in no time! So you have to be careful, and always think about what you are spending your money on. What you need to spend your money on to travel around the world is transport, accommodation, food and activities. Carry a backpack or bag with a few clothes and accessories such as a camera. You don't need to pack your whole wardrobe, nor do you need to buy endless amounts of souvenirs, your photos and memories are the best souvenirs you can get!

Have a good look around for flights in advance, there are always plenty of airlines competing for the best price, so don't just pick the first one you find. Compare a whole bunch until you find the cheapest one. Take public transport where ever you can, and walk whenever possible because not only is it free, you also see a lot more!

The cheapest places to stay are hostels and guest houses. Most places around the world have dorm rooms which are cheap and you get to meet a lot of other travelers and have some great experiences. In places like Asia, you can get private rooms in guest houses extremely cheap. In Laos for example, you can find rooms for as low as $2-$3 a night! And even in more expensive places like Australia, you can find dorm rooms for around $20 a night. That is a lot better than paying over $100 for a hotel room, and it's a lot more fun!
Most hostels around the world also have kitchens, so you can buy and cook your own food, saving you a lot of money. If you want to eat out, try to avoid touristy areas, and eat where the locals eat. Street stalls have some of the cheapest food you can find, and are often delicious and local. In South East Asia you can get street food for around $1 per meal. In Italy I got delicious pizza for about $2 a slice.

As far as sightseeing goes, try to visit places that have free entry, and avoid booking expensive tours when possible. Many cities, especially in Europe, have free walking tours. Of course you can't do this everywhere, some places will cost money, and you still want to have fun and see what you want to see. So make sure to budget some of your money for activities.

Traveling the world IS possible. It's not just for rich people. Anyone can do it! All you have to do is put the effort in to make it a reality. Make you dreams come true, get out and see the world!

Learn more about traveling the world by visiting my blog.

About the Author

The Road to Anywhere - A world travel blog with great travel articles, destination guides, photos and travel tips.

2 Months in 5 Minutes

Guesthouse Laos

Discovery Laos tours with the Mekong and Nam Ou

By : John MayerK

The return to Laos is very well! Initially, we applied for the post-frontier for information in order to leave the next day, but as we could do it now so we thought why not! To enter Laos you must cross a small part of the Mekong by boat, which was still pretty fun with our big backpacks. A little more … and it was stalling in the Mekong! Once made in Laos, getting our visa cost us $ 42 U.S. each for one month. By comparison, in other countries Canadians pay $ 10 more for the visa. We found that strange. But hey! When you pay, you pay! It is from here that our journey begins for two days on the famous Mekong River. This river of Southeast Asia is the tenth in the world by its speed, and its length is about 4700 km. The Mekong River passes through China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam. The first day is 7 hours a navigation that takes us to the village of Pakbend. We were very surprised at the number of tourists who travel to Laos. For this first day of sailing we were more than 125 on board. Several people were seated audience. We were really amazed by the landscape, but really disappointed in the atmosphere that prevailed on board. Most tourists arepartying in putting the music and super strong believer in alone in the world. So that the boat was heavy, we were with the flow and we hit the rocks (see photo). It was quite an experience! After arrival, we found a guesthouse quickly to $ 3 and then it is directed to an Indian restaurant for dinner. Thirty minutes later, MC Kids that sell scarves made selling scarves made of silk started having stomach cramps at night and she was very sick and for 4 consecutive days. We had to stay in this small village for three days, for another day of 9 hours of navigation we expected with only one toilet on board and over 100 people. It was very long for Seb, but once MC was restored us to continue to Luang Prabang. The city of Luang Prabang in 1995 officially received the certificate proclaiming its Unesco World Heritage designation of humanity. We rented a scooter to visit the falls, which are 30 km from the city and rented bikes to explore this beautiful city. We are three days left. Accessible only by boat through the Nam Ou River, we visited Muang Ngoi. This village is seven hours by boat north of Luang Prabang. Imagine a village of a few people who do not yet have a phone and there is electricity only from 18:00 and until 22:00. We loved our short stay of three days in this small village surrounded by mountains. We even made a trekking than five hours is about 20 km into the forest to take us in the little village still remoter from civilization. We even rented a small boat to walk on the river. It unfortunately is around Seb to be sick, but luckily only for a day. Our return to civilization was a bit in the smoke. To avoid repeating the river to Luang Prabang, we decided to take the only means of transport by land a small truck. Usually, we returned 15 people, but they decided to return it to 20 people and three hours in more than one dog and one fish. Needless to say it really was not comfortable. You have to believe that here in Laos; they care about the convenience of tourists. The goal is simply to make all the most money possible. We returned to Luang Prabang to spend the night and the next day we left for Vang Vieng.

Author Resource:- Do you have ever taken the laos tours, laos luxury tours, enjoy vacations in laos or nothing? Let's see the amazing thing that you have never seen before in your holiday in Laos. With plans to visit Laos this season, there are many exciting events that are worth taking part of during your stay in Laos, you can take a tour to laos and customized by laos motorbike and more short-trip or multiple countries: http://www.asiakingtravels.com/tours/country/3/Laos-Tours.html

"The Boloven Plateau" Laine's photos around Tad Lo, Lao Peoples Dem Rep (hostel boloven plateau)


 

Food Of Laos

SE Asian cultures - Laos Food

Author:

China Odyssey Tours

Lao  cuisine is very different from the cuisines of other SE Asian cultures and has features which it does not generally share with its neighbours. The Lao food tradition does not belong only to the country of Laos, but to the ethnic Lao people many of whom are inhabitants of Northern Thailand (the Isaan). Indeed, Thailand has more Lao people than Laos! As a result, Lao food is well known, and popular, throughout Thailand and especially in Bangkok.

The main difference in Lao food is a fondness for raw foods which are shunned in other parts of the region. The most famous dish in Lao cuisine is \'laap\', a spicy mixture of marinated meat and/or fish mixed with lime juice, garlic, chilli pepper, onion and mint. The meat and fish are often served raw, although cooked versions (laap suk ) are also available. Meals are often accompanied by heaps of fresh raw greens, vegetables and herbs on the side. Salads are also popular and the most well known is tam som, a spicy salad made of green papaya with chillis, garlic, tomatoes, ground peanuts, field crab, lime juice and fish sauce.

Flavourings include lime juice, lemon grass and fresh coriander as well as a wide variety of herbs. Unlike in surrounding countries, there is a heavy use of mint and dill in Lao cooking. Salt is derived mostly from fermented fish sauce.

Being land-locked, Laos depends on rivers for its fish. The Mekong  dominates Laos and supplies most of its fish. Sadly, many species have been wiped out by over-fishing. Chicken, duck, pork, beef are also widely available. In the northern countryside, pangolin, monitor lizard, civet, wild dogs and field rats are also eaten.

Almost every meal is accompanied by sticky (glutinous) rice, klao niaw. The locals gather together a ball of this rice and dip it into one of a number of condiments or eat it plain. Workers in the fields carry a small pouch containing some sticky rice and a little meat to make their mid-day meal.

Lao people are fond of bitter foods and kaeng jeut, a mild soup with minced pork and bitter gourd, is a popular dish. Other popular dishes include \'or lam\' from Luang Prabang which is a spicy green stew with wood ear mushrooms, eggplant, yard long beans, meat, lemongrass, kaffir lime leaves, sweet basil, and chillies. Dried buffalo meat and crisp-fried pork skin are often added.

Despite their gastronomic independence, one of the most popular foods in Laos is actually Vietnamese. They have their own version of pho (feu in Lao), the famous Vietnamese dish of rice noodles in soup. Here, it is served with meatballs and each customer adds his preferred amount of fish sauce, chilli sauce or even sugar. This is available in snack shacks all over the country and is often the only dish on offer in out of the way places. Chinese food is also common and the Lao people have adopted the technique of stir-frying.

The French colonists also made their mark on the cuisine of Laos and a popular breakfast, especially in Vientiane, is French bread, khao jii which is freshly baked each day and served with pâté, fried eggs and omelette. Alternatively, it is easy to find croissants in Vientiane. These can be enjoyed with a cup of the excellent local coffee. You can visit Indochina Odyssey Tours to get more information about Laos.

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/travel-articles/se-asian-cultures-laos-food-2812979.html

About the Author

Indochina Odyssey Tours - Your trustworthy Indochina Vietnam tour operator since 1987. Personalized and worry-free service in tours, hotels and tickets in Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Thailand.

Lao Food


 

Pakse Hotel Laos

Laos Trekking Package Tours With Highlights

Author:

Viet Long Travel

(14 Days / 13 Nights)

Day 1: Highlights of Laos Tour: Arrival - Luang Prabang Sightseeing Package Tour

On arrival at the airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Luang Prabang was the royal capital of the former Lane Xang Kingdom, with its gleaming temple roofs, colonial architecture and stunning mountain backdrop retains a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. Here is plenty to see, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham and Wat Mai with five tiered roofs. We include these sights in a half day guided tour, which ends with a climb to Phousi Hill to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. There are 329 steps leading us on zigzag way past various temples to the sacred, gilded stupa of Wat Phousi at the summit. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 2: Highlights of Laos Tour: Luang Prabang - Pakou Cave Adventure Tour (B)

Today we continue our tour of Luang Prabang with the temple of Wat Xieng Thong, a magnificent piece of architecture, which nestles at the meeting of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River. The temple structures are decorated in various ways with gilded stuccoes as well as doorways and the main sim has a marvelous \'tree life\' mosaic pattern on an outer wall.



We embark on a boat for a leisurely trip on the Mekong River, stopping en route at Ban Xang Hai to see the production of and to sample the local rice wine. Upon leaving this village we pass through stunning mountain landscape to the mysterious Pak Ou Caves. These two linked caves are crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes, all brought there by devout villagers. After the river trip we drive towards Ban Phanom, a small village known for its hand weaving. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 3: Highlights of Laos Tour: Luang Prabang - Adventure Package to Khouangsi Waterfall B)

The exploration of Luang Prabang would be not complete without a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace. This interesting structure displays a lovely collection of treasures and artefacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign. Heading out of town we drive southbound passing some verdant and rugged scenery on our way to visiting some hill tribe people at Ban Lao Soung and Ban Ou. Here we take a walk to the beautiful Khouang Si waterfalls, where water tumbles over multi tiered limestone formations into cool and crystal clear pools,

ideal for anyone seeking an enjoyable escape when the heat becomes unbearable. Overnight in Luang Prabang

Day 4: Highlights of Laos Tour: Luang Prabang – Xieng Khouang - the mysterious Plain of Jars (Road) (B)

Today we leave this charming town and drive to Xieng Khouang, an area famous for the mysterious Plain of Jars.These back roads are a great way to explore the real Laos. We see very few other travellers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are of theirs. The drive is very long, but we can make many stops at our pleasure, to stretch our legs and take some wonderful photographs. In the afternoon there will be time to see the old capital of Muang Khoun Province and its\' nearby villages. Overnight in Phonsavanh.

Day 5: Highlights of Laos tour: Xieng Khouang – Vang Vieng (Road) (B)

The 'Plan of Jars' is an impressive archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered all over a plateau. These huge jars are supposedly over 2,000 years old, but most of archaeologists still question their purpose. We have time today to explore the site and some nearby villages, populated by the Hmong hill tribe and Tai Dam people; they are very poor but possess a vibrant local culture and an interesting history. We leave Xieng Khouang for our scenic drive to Vang Vieng, a small town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.

 



Its stunning scenery with its limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. Depending on road and traffic conditions, we will arrive at Vang Vieng by mid or late afternoon. Overnight in Vang Vieng.

Day 6: Highlights of Laos Tour: Vang Vieng – Vientiane (Road) (B)

An impressive way to start our day is a walk around the bustling central market. Heading out of town we enjoy a short bamboo raft along the Namsong River, which gives us a taste of adventure. The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding the resort complex of Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We also cross the river to Ban Huai Ngai, a very pleasant village where we can explore the different local lifestyles. We bid farewell to Vang Vieng and drive to Vientiane. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, this capital conjures up exotic images, with a curious mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French influences. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 7: Highlights of Laos Tour: Vientiane - The Capital & biggest city in Laos (B)

Our full day sightseeing tour of Vientiane commences with a visit to Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple standing in Vientiane. This amazing structure features remarkable frescoes and Buddha statues. The following sight is the former royal temple of Haw Pha Kaew, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. We also visit the imposing Patouxai Monument well known as Vientiane\'s own Arc de Triomphe before continuing to the great sacred structure and symbol of Laos, That Luang Stupa. We also head out of town to see the Buddha Park, a scattered enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge. There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Admiring the spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.

Day 8: Highlights of Laos Tour: Vientiane – Thakhek – Ban Na Hin (Road) (B)

We depart early for our drive towards Khammouane province. Along the way we can make several stops to stretch your legs and take some wonderful pictures of the breathtaking scenery of Lao Countryside. Depending on road and traffic conditions, we will arrive at Ban Na Hin, the gateway to Khong Lor Cave, by mid or late afternoon. On arrival we enjoy a short walk around this charming village, enabling us to understand a little more about their culture and lifestyle. Overnight in Ban Na Hin

Day 9: Highlights of Laos Tour: Ban Na Hin - Khong Lor – Ban Na Hin (B)

Today we take the short drive to the amazing cave of Khong Lor is 7.5km long and was formed by the Hinboun River, which flows though the cave all year round. The cave boasts many impressive stalactite formations. We also stop en route for a walk to That Mouang and That Namsanam Waterfalls. Overnight in Ban Na Hin.

Day 10: Highlights of Laos tour: Ban Na Hin - Savanakhet – Pakse (Road) (B)

 

We leave Ban Na Hin and continue venturing in southern Laos, towards Pakse, the capital city of the south. Along the way we make stop at Sananakhet. This fast growing town has become an important trade center between Vietnam and Laos. There is not much to see in this town but it is a necessary stop for lunch. We arrive in Pakse Town by mid afternoon and have time to stroll around and catch our first glimpse of the town. Overnight in Pakse.

Day 11: Highlights of Laos Tour: Pakse –Tadlo (Road) (B)

The next destination of our trip will be Tadlo. On our way we pass many lush plantations, hills, forests and villages. Part of our pleasure of travelling in this region is to observe the beautiful countryside and meet local people. We stop over at some of the nearby villages, home of the Kato hilltribe group. The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smilling faces. These ethnic minorities still retain their age and old cultural traditions and are recognisably distinct from each other by their dress. We continue our journey through the Paksong and Boloven Plateau. The Boloven Plateau is known for its cooler temperature being located high above the Mekong Valley.



Rivers run off this high plateau in all directions and then plunge out to lush forests along in a series of spectacular surging waterfalls. The scenery around Tad Fan waterfall is spectacular with twin waterfalls plummeting into a deep gorge surrounded by flourishing vegetation. A trip to the plateau provides a refreshing break from the heat and allows you to see the cultivation of rich coffee, tea, cardamom, bananas, and other crops that are grown in the area. This trip gives visitors the chance to venture off the beaten track and to discover some of the lesser-known areas of Laos, exploring the wild beauty of this southern region. Overnight in Tadlo

Day 12: Highlights of Laos tour: Tadlo - Wat Phou – Donkhone

The views of tumbling water and lush vegetation around the waterfalls are nothing short of spectacular. We leave this lovely destination and drive back to Pakse and enjoy a leisurely trip to the former royal capital of Champasak, our base for exploring the ruins of Wat Phu. One of Southeast Asia\'s most dramatically situated temples. We have time to explore these intriguing Khmer ruins, which are perched at the base of Mount Phu Kao. Wat Phu is one of the Lao World Heritage sites recognized by UNESCO in 2001, this wonderful archeological site of Khmer civilization dates back to the 9th century, predating the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.



A festival of this site is held yearly during the full moon in February and attracts numerous pilgrims from all over southern Laos. We continue our journey by motorboat to Don Khone, in the South Mekong river region known as the 4000 islands, one of the most scenic areas in Laos. Overnight in Don Khone Island

Day 13: Highlights of Laos Tour: Donkhone – Khong Island – Surrounding (River Road) (B)

Heading out of town we embark on a long tail boat for venturing into the widest reach of the Mekong River, where during the dry season the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islets, giving this area a lovely name' Si Phan Done'. We explore the local peaceful villages of Ban Khone, where you will see an array of relics from the French colonial era and retrace the old colonial past, including old French colonial buildings and the remnants of the first Lao railway with it\'s locomotive. We continue to discover the 4000 islands area by boat and visit the marvelous Liphi waterfall, also called the 'Corridor of the Devil' one of the most beautiful waterfalls marking Lao border with Cambodia. If we are lucky, we may even see the rare freshwater Irrawaddy Mekong dolphin at Ban Hang Khone. Overnight in Done Khone Island.

Day 14: Highlights of Laos Tour: Done Khone Island – Cambodia Border(B)

After breakfast, we board a boat to Ban Nakasung and take a short drive to the Lao – Cambodia border, en route we visit the breathtaking Khone Phapheng waterfall, the South East Asia\'s biggest waterfall, known as the Niagara of the East. The trip ends after transfer to the Lao-Cambodia border at Veukham or Dong Kalor border gate.

End of service!

Inclusive of above prices:
•    Transportation in private
•    Accommodation in twin shared room
•    Domestic airticket as stated only
•    Boat trip as stated in above sights
•    English speaking guide
•    Admission fee to indicated sights



•    Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
•    Gov\'t tax and service charge
•    Luggage handling and drinking water

Exclusive of above prices:
•    Visa stamping fee on arrival
•    Int\'l air tickets to/from Laos
•    Travel Insurance in all kinds
•    Lunch or dinner unless where stated
•    Single room (quoted separately)
•    Other foreign language guide
•    Peak tourist season or special event rates
•    Child or adult in triple sharing room
•    Tip, drinks and other personal expenses

Additional Remarks:
•    Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability.
•    Hotels listed in above might not be upto standard of your expectation, especially in the remote area where limitation of accommodation.
•    Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuations

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/destinations-articles/laos-trekking-package-tours-with-highlights-5483316.html

About the Author

Vietlong Travel provides best tours in Laos  for customers. We will bring best services with cheapest price to tourists.Your satisfaction is always our pleasure.

To get more infomation  about  This Tour , You can log on :

http://vietlongtravel.com/laos-tours/laos-adventure-tours/highlights-of-laos-tour.html

And You can book Other  Laos Adventure Tours  Now , please take a look through this site:

http://vietlongtravel.com/laos-tours/laos-adventure-tours.html

To find more package tours, please contact us at :

Tu Pham

Sales & Marketing

cell phone : 84 906681289

YM: tupham_1989

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32/ Le Ngoc Han Str, Hai Ba Trung Dis; Hanoi - VIETNAM

Tel: (84 4) 04 39766534 & Fax: 04 39766533

Email: phamtu@vietlongtravel.com or Info@eclipsesail.com

Website:  http://vietlongtravel.com/

Pakse Lanscape in Laos


 

Laos Tours

River cruising in asia?

Hello!
I need help choosing a river cruise company and itinerary!
Can you recommend? We want to go to China, Vietnam, Thailand, Laos. Is there and itinerary that goes to these countries. If not can you recommend a company that does both so maybe we can do a back to back? Also are these lines friendly to teens. They really want to go to asia so i think they will be so immersed in the tours and culture that boredom wont be a problem. Are all teh line all inclusive? we would like an all inclusive line but its not a must1
Thanks in advance

also are te dress codes on the ships strict we like casual or no dress codes do any lines offer these?

I think Princess cruises offer a pretty good network for Asia Cruises, their itinerary ranges from departing in Vancouver and arriving in Beijing to starting in Beijing and ending in Singapore.
Generally, most cruise lines are pretty friendly to all age groups.
Anyways, I think contacting your trusted travel agent may also be a good idea.
In the source, I will put in the official link to Princess Cruises.
Have fun!

LAOS ( BUFFALO TOURS )


l

Ramayana Hotel Laos

North laos discovery tour

Author:


Mss Huong

Day 1 : ARRIVAL - VIENTIANE (-/-/-)
Meet on arrival, you are welcome to Vientiane, the city of the moon - an ancient city, situated on the bend on the left bank of the Mekong as the largest city and the capital of Laos. Transfer to hotel for check-in. In the afternoon, we take a sightseeing tour of Vientiane, to visit religious museums of Wat Sisaket, the oldest temple to have been survived from the Siamese war of 1828 and its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo, the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo, but today it contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and all artifacts found in around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa, the single most important monument in Laos, which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph), built quite recently in commemoration of those who died during the wars in the past and it is today as the land-mark of Vientiane. Meals: None. Accommodation: Hotel. Transport: Private air-conditioned.

Day 2 : VIENTIANE - LUANG NAM THA
After breakfast, transfer to Wattay airport for departure by QV flight to Luang Nathan, a land of rugged mountains, pristine forests, and rich river plains with over 20 ethnic groups, make it the most ethnically diverse province in Laos. Upon arrival at Luang Nathan airport, our guide will accompany you to your guest house. P.M visit Luang Nathan provincial museum, drive outskirt of town to visit Ban Nam Leu, a small village of Lane Tane hill tribe and also visit Ban Thongchai Neua, a silk-weaving village of Tai Dam. Meals: B. Accommodation: Guest house. Transport: Private air-conditioned, airplane.

Day 3 : LUANG NAM THA - MUANGSING
Following breakfast, we head north by car about 2-3hrs to Muangsing, a small town near Laos-China border where there are more hill tribes to be seen. There are lots of interesting villages of various ethnic groups such as Hmong, Aka…that we may visit. Check in at a good guest house and enjoy our lunch at local restaurant. Afternoon, we continue to drive to near China border area and visit villages of Ikor or Aka ethnic group as well as a village of Yao hill tribe where you will learn more traditional way of rural life with their fascinating culture of these people. Dinner is at a local restaurant or guest house. Meals: B, L, D. Accommodation: Guest house. Transport: Private air-conditioned.

Day 4 : MUANG SING - XIENGKOK - MUANGSING 
After early breakfast, it will be another highlight day to take a drive about 2-3 hrs to visit villages of various types of Aka hill tribe on the way to Xiengkok, a small village for the check point on the Mekong to Burma It\'s quite easy to see lots of ethnic Aka people, walking along the road. Arrive Xiengkok village, where we will have lunch at local restaurant and take a view of Burma on the other side of the Mekong river. Return to Muangsing in late afternoon and the rest of the day is spent free at leisure. Dinner is at local restaurant. Meals: B, L, D.

Day 5 : MUANGSING - OUDOMXAY
Early morning visit Muangsing morning market, where there are lots of Aka people, who bring their forestry products to sell and also buy their necessary goods back home. Breakfast at local restaurant, it\'s time to say good buy to Muangsing, and drive back to Luang Namtha and continue about 4 hours drive to Oudomxay, a good stop off point N or S surrounded by hills, linking China, Vietnam, Luang Prabang and Pakbeng, even it was razed during the war. There are also more villages of ethnic groups such as Hmong, Khmu that we may stop and visit along the way. There are a few good local restaurants where we can take a good simply lunch along the way. Arrive in Oudomxay, check in at a good guest house and relax after a long day drive. Dinner is also at local restaurant. Meals: B, L. Accommodation: Guest house. Transport: Private air-conditioned.

Day 6 : OUDOMXAY - PAK OU - LUANG PRABANG
After breakfast, it is also interesting visit the morning market in town, where some Hmong hill tribe people come to sell and buy things there, before we head south by car about 4 hours to Luang Prabang, the ancient first capital of Lane Xang kingdom, the center of religious life in Laos and today the World Heritage City. We also stop to relax and take our lunch at local restaurant. We en route stop to at Ban Pak Ou, a village opposite of Pak Ou cave in the side of a lime stone cliff and opposite of the mouth of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers. The sanctuaries at Pak Ou consist of two large caves, both repositories for thousands of Buddha images, which range from mere centimeter to two meters in height. We cross the Mekong by small ferry boat to visit Pak Ou cave, and we cross back to Ban Pak Ou to continue our way to Luang Prabang. This afternoon is spent free for own experience of this charming town with kind people. Meals: B, L. Accommodation: Hotel. Transport: Private air-conditioned.

Day 7 : LUANG PRABANG
Breakfast at hotel, we take a sightseeing tour of the sacred city of temples, of which nearly fifty still remain in the town and surrounding areas. visit the National Museum, the former Royal Palace which houses the collection of valuables including the famous Prabang Buddha statue, gifts received from foreign dignitaries…etc…; Visit Wat Visoun, the 16th century temple served as a small museum for religious artifacts; Wat Aham, the early 19th century temple, whose two guardian figures at the foot of the steps which represent two characters from the Ramayana - Hanuman, the Monkey God and a fierce Yaksa; drive outskirts of town to visit Ban Xangkhong, the well-known village for its wood papers and also Lao silk weavings with natural dyes. In the afternoon, we continue to visit Wat Xiengthong, the 16th century temple, which more than any temples in Luang Prabang, epitomizes all the elegance and grace of Luang Prabang architecture, Hmong market in town, where some of Hmong ladies still show their skilled embroidery works, climb Phousi Hill, the 328 steps leads to the summit of Phousi Hill that dominates the sky-line of Luang Prabang overlooking the finest panoramic view in the whole Luang Prabang and watch sunset over the hill at Wat Phabat Tai on the bank of the Mekong river. Meals: B. Accommodation: Hotel. Transport: Private air-conditioned.

Day 8 : LUANG PRABANG - KUANGSI WATERFALL 
A morning breakfast, we take a drive (30 km South) to visit Kuangsi Waterfall, which, though not very high, is spectacular and really beautiful with its green surroundings as the preserved National park. We stop en-route, stop to visit a fresh produced market namely Talad Phosy, where most of your food come from and also visit Ban Na Oune, a small village of Hmong hill-tribe group. Just before arriving at Kuangsi waterfall, there is another village of Khmu minority group, Ban Tha Pane that we may visit. Our picnic lunch is served at the shady park nearby Kuangsi waterfall. There is plenty of time for relaxing and a swim in cool water, before we head back to Luang Prabang in the late afternoon. The rest of the day is spent free for independent exploration on this ancient town. Meals: B/L. Transport: Private air conditioned. Accommodation: Hotel

Day 9 : LUANG PRABANG - DEPARTURE
After breakfast, we spent a free morning for last chance to shop and visit local sights by own, before we say good bye to Luang Prabang. Transfer to Luang Prabang airport for departure to next destination. Meals: B. Transport: Private air conditioned.

Accommodation: None.

View detail : NORTH LAOS DISCOVERY TOUR.

View more tours other : Laos Sightseeing Tours. Laos Adventure Tours

Article Source: http://www.articlesbase.com/cruising-articles/north-laos-discovery-tour-5125740.html

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Nong Khiaw Laos

The Growing Country Of Lao People's Democratic Republic

By Rhadem Morados

[caption id="" align="alignleft" width="172" caption="Lao Scarf III (Photo credit: Pleroma)"][/caption]

Sabai dee khrup!

I love to travel to places which hasn't been included yet by many tourists in their lists of must-see, must-go destinations. Every time I travel, I make sure that I get to satisfy the cravings of my taste buds for a country's national or provincial cuisine, to experience the grandeur of its atmosphere and to take advantage of its picturesque surroundings for souvenir photos. Year 2008, My sister and I went to Laos People's Democratic Republic. Its a place of great people, rich culture and well preserved historical heritage. As you read along, I will take you to an informative journey to a place I called haven.

Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a communist single-party socialist republic. A small land lock in the Southeast Asia, the country is bordered by Burma and the People's Republic of China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south and Thailand to the west. Laos is divided into 18 provinces and the Capital is the City of Vientiane.

The official language is Lao which is similar to Thai. Majority of the people are Buddhist with a significant proportion of indigenous religion. The county is a member of international organizations such as the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), East Asia Summit and La Francophonie - an international organization of governments with French as the mother or customary language, that makes some proportion of the people are Francophones (French speakers) or where there is a notable affiliation with the French language or culture. Laos' first, French-written and monarchical constitution was promulgated on May 11, 1947 that declared the place to be an independent state within the French Union.

The Lao economy is heavily dependent on investment and trade with its neighbors, Thailand, Vietnam, and, especially in the north, China. It has also experienced growth based on cross-border trade with Thailand and Vietnam, and the tourism sector has grown rapidly from 14,400 tourists visiting Laos in 1990, to 1.1 million in 2005. Annual tourism sector revenues are expected to grow from $250 to $300 million by 2020.

Swiss, Japanese and Russian nationals are free to enter Laos at anytime, while all other tourists need a visa (for one or possibly two months) issued by the Lao embassy or consulate. A visa on arrival is also available to most people entering at the airports in Vientiane and Luang Prabang, as well as in the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge between Nong Khai in Thailand and Vientiane.

Laos offers no fancy bars or nightlife venues and other luxurious amenities. However, the country boasts the friendliness of its people and warm hospitality, the distinctive warmth of their countryside, breathtaking nature destinations, deliciously superb variety of cuisines and a unique culture that has been enriched by its history and the modern contemporary time.

There's a wide array of choices to eat in the place, though I don't remember now what the names of those foods we ate there, but I tell you, you would surely forget your name for a while once you tasted any of those.

When in Laos, its a "must" (and I really mean that the trip would never be complete if not experienced), to take the 2-day Eco-tourism trekking on Ban Nalan Trail in the north of Laos, Angkor style Khmers Temples which is considered as World Heritage site. Nong Khiaw offers slow boat ride between beautiful Karst cliffs where you can discover amazing natures structures and hill tribes. The other part of Laos has this Iron Age cemetery, limestone caves and tubing on the Nam Song river and a cave with 200 Buddha statues of all sizes that are also meant to be unmissed.

Laos has no railways, except a short link that connect Vientiane with Thailand over the Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge and Vietnam Airport. To be able to Enter the Country of Laos, you need to be from Vietnam or Thailand.

Travelling to Laos gives the best value for you money. For 2 days we spent over 10,000 Thai baht, if you convert it to Kip, its around almost 1 million Kip for the hotel accommodation, food, the adventures, and fares from Thailand and back.

My sister and I left the small but beautiful country of Laos with a heart filled with joy and satisfaction.

Rhadem

[http://mypieceofplot.blogspot.com/2010/11/lao-peoples-democratic-republic-growing.html]

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Rhadem_Morados

"Nong Khiaw" Doireann_brian's photos around Nong Khiaw, Lao Peoples Dem Rep


nong khiaw laos

Laos An Untouched Gem

Laos – Untouched Gem And Picturesque Country Of Southeast Asia

 by Mark Lee

 Laos is perfect destinations for travelers who like to go to a place before it has "discovered" by others. Until 1988 it was fully closed but now Laos is slowly and steadily beginning to attain status as an ecotourism destination, with its many rivers that cross the country and its unspoiled national parks. It offers a exclusive prospect for hiking and canoeing, one with nature. The landscape is profoundly wooded with jagged mountains and waterfalls. It has a tropical monsoon climate the visit time to is from December to April.

Laos south-east Asian country is bordered in the north by Burma and China, East by Vietnam, South by Cambodia and the West by Thailand. This neighboring countries c culture reflection can be seen a lot in Laos. The country was known as the kingdom of Lan Xang, which means "Land of a Million Elephants", which portrays exactly their individuality removed, natural from 14 to 18 centuries.

Infrastructure in Laos is old, there is no train, and most of the villages are linked by poor roads. Roosters strut, children play and mobile phones have not yet been introduced to the rural of the country, but this is what makes Laos a perfect place to visit and relax. To visit Laos is to step back in time and appreciate life without the stress of the 21st century. While the capital, Vientiane, is more developed when compare to other parts of the country, but the country capital has so far avoided major modern developments and traditional and colonial architecture still prevalent?

Regardless of its previous development, or perhaps for that reason, Laos has two World Heritage Sites: like Wat Phu.Luang Prabang travel in Laos cans an exclusive one, the city is well known for its number of Buddhist temples and monasteries. The Plain of Jars is also worth a visit as it is scenery littered with hundreds of stone jars, some up to 6 tons. It is a place that raises more questions than answers. Those who endeavor further than the main tourist route will find dazzling countryside, friendly people and glimpses of a lifestyle of rural people, which most people can barely remember. The flavor of the ancient imperial court can be experienced in the temple full of Luang Prabang in the northern mountainous area. It was the old royal capital of Laos and the center of Buddhism now over 600 saffron-robed monks live in the magnificent pagodas here thirty. The pièce de résistance is the 16 th century Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Templet.

That even the mayor of Angkor Wat in Cambodia is the extensive Wat Phu. Built between the ages 6 and 14, some buildings remain intact, but contain some of the best Khmer art in Southeast Asia. Up the steps of the great ninth-century temple dedicated to Hindu god Shiva and see the magnificent scenery below, with regard to Vietnam and Cambodia on a clear day. Below is the mighty Mekong River, one of the wonders of Laos to be explored, perhaps cruise aboard a barge, restored, many visits from the sites most important historical Laos.

Whether you want to join an organized tour with a guide or a set of independent, Laos tours can be memorable for you as the country still a virgin for she is yet to be discovered. It offers some unique experiences - for those brave enough to go out into the unknown.

About the Author

 

The author is the expert writer having vast experience about the travel industry. Currently he is writing on various topics related to travel industry like: xian terracotta warriors, malaysia travel package, safari tours africa,shanghai tourism, southeast asia tours, laos tours etc.

The pool and courtyard at Vansana Vangvieng Hotel


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vansana hotel vang vieng

Tubing Laos

Traveling to Laos in July, people who have been; please answer!?

I'm going to Laos for a week in July and I need some info:
- I want to go tubing so i'm def going to viet vang (spelling?) but where else should I visit?
- Any recomendations on accomodation? Nice youth hostels etc.
- I'm flying out of Hong Kong, a flight with no connections is looking like 1000 USD, which seems a little high, any other suggestions/stop over information?
- Any other info would also be appreciated. Thanks!

You only have a week and that's your first problem sadly, we spent a week alone in Vang Vieng.

tubing i can tell you, depending on the type of person you are is AMAZING a LOT of drinking and if ur into it A LOT of drugs. the experience alone is amazing, its a hub for young people just a buzzing amazing place!!!

but as you want to do other things ill tell, the captial Vientien .... isnt worth a visit, although having said that if you can get tehre u'll be able to pick up a bargain, the markets as usual in asian countries are great, im wearing my $2 Calvin Klien undies and $10 jeans as i speak.

recommendations on accomdation, i dont really reccomment hostels, its cheap enough you can get ur own room for $20 a night EASILY so unless you want to meet people do that. although you can get a room then start a conversation easily at the various restauratns that cater for tourists.

my last bit of advice, get a lonely planet book, you can get these in laos for a lot cheaper (a rip off copy) but yeah.

enjoy.

Laos Tubing - Vang Vieng nam song river Laos Tubing


 

Best Hotel Laos Reviews

Laos Hotels and Holidays

 

 by Darshi Chohan

 You can see ancient Indochina culture and green forests on holidays in Laos. Travellers who are more experienced will enjoy the country's "off the beaten track" character, but there are also Laos luxury hotels for comfort and relaxation.

Properly known as Lao People's Democratic Republic, Laos is a country in South East Asia. Like the neighbouring countries of Vietnam and Cambodia to the south, Laos's architecture reflects the traditional styles of Indochina combined with French colonial influence of the nineteenth and twentieth centuries. On Laos holidays you will see buildings and temples with staggered, overlapping roofs like the shell, and golden temples with ornate carvings.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, a popular tourist destination and UNESCO World Heritage site, is located in the North of Laos where the Nam Khane River meets the Mekong. Although it is a small town, Luang Prabang was once the capital city of Laos. You will quickly notice the strong influence of Buddhism here, the town being home to eighty monasteries. As well as its many monks, this area was once known as "the kingdom of a million elephants," so you will be able to enjoy an elephant ride on your Laos holidays here.

The 3 Nagas Hotel

One of the most historic of the Laos luxury hotels in this region is the 3 Nagas by Alila. It is a boutique Laos hotel comprised of three buildings that are each more than a hundred years old. One of the buildings was constructed in 1898 for a visit from the Laos Royal Family. Each has been modernised to make this a luxurious and peaceful place to stay, but the restoration has kept this Laos hotel's historical charm intact.

To maintain its intimate feel, the 3 Nagas by Alila has just 17 rooms, individually furnished and decorated, featuring wooden beams and smooth wooden floors. Balconies look out over the lush green garden with its pentagonal pond where you can lie on a lounger and enjoy the peaceful surroundings.

La Residence

Another of the Laos luxury hotels in this region is La Residence (Phou Vao), located just ten minutes from Luang Prabang's centre. It is decorated to reflect the country's culture, with an indoor water feature, as well as a lily pond in the garden. But the best feature of La Residence is this Laos hotel's amazing mountain views over the forest.

Places to Visit and Sites to See

Places to visit during your visit to Luang Prabang on your Laos holidays include the Royal Palace, the Kuang Si Falls and the Pak Ou Caves. Since the communist government deposed the royal family in the 1970s, The Royal Palace has been a museum for people on Laos holidays to explore.

The Kuang Si Falls are about 20 miles away from Luang Prabang, where you can see the pools and cascading water, taking in some nature before returning to your Laos hotel. It takes two hours to reach the Caves at Pak Ou by boat, during which time you can take in the atmosphere of the jungle. At the caves, holidaymakers can see hundreds of icons and figurines lining cave walls, another example of Laos's historical ties to the Buddhist tradition.

About the Author

 

Darshi Chohan is a Far East holiday expert for Tropical Locations, a specialist operator offering the best Laos hotelsfor Laos holidays and for other destinations in the Far East, Indian Ocean, Arabia & India. Tropical Locations has a dedicated team of experienced travel consultants ready to share their knowledge and help you to plan and book your ideal holiday.

Best Hotels Deals Laos

Pick the best of Laos short breaks for magnificent holidays   

by Amit

The most emasculating land covered with natural attractions and beauties with strong traditional and spiritual values which are still unfold and glittering the ways of its habitations, Laos is the only place in the entire South East Asia for a splendid vacation for most of the people. Since this place is located at the dense tropical and subtropical forests it provides a great rendezvous with the natural landscape and greeneries to spend outstanding holidays in Laos.

Making a holiday trip is not an easy task especially if you are devoid of ample of time. Visiting the most attractive and pleasing location in a limited time is your priority and keeping it in mind here presents some of the best Laos short breaks for you which can make your Laos tours an unforgettable moment:

Vientiane Stopover

Visit the lovely capital city of Laos, Vietnam which offers every tranquil moment when you plan for the two day visit. Get the glimpse of the leisurely pace of Laotian life and the impressive historic and cultural beauty. With finger licking dinner you can also get a chance to enjoy the traditional music and dance at one of the famous Laos hotels. The very next day you can explore the famous Wat Sisaket where you can find thousands of miniature Buddha statues, the huge golden That Luang monument, and Vientiane's own Victory Monument resembling the Arc de Triomphe. You can also find eternity and peace at Xieng Khouan Buddha Park where a Buddhist monk carved the magnificent, eerie statues out of concrete, based on Hindu, Buddhist and Brahman iconography.

Luang Prabang Retreat

It is a great moment to visit the charming Luang Prabang to have a splendid countryside view amidst the lush and eye-soothing mountains. Since Luang Prabang is the sacred city of golden temples and saffron robed monks it is a great opportunity for wonderful sightseeing. Also visit the famous Wat Xieng Thong temple, the gilded carved façade of Wat Mai and the national museum in the former royal palace. By climbing the 328 steps of the Phousi Mountain you can have the enchanting view of the lovely city and the surrounding mountains. An adventure lover can cruise along the Mekong River to visit the famous and sacred Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si waterfall for a thrilling Laos holidays.

Luang Prabang Explorer

Find the best of Luang Prabang with Laos short break options as this UNESCO World Heritage city provides the lush bank of the tropical river surrounded by great mountains in the tranquil atmosphere. Spend some peaceful moments at the sacred city of golden temples and have a thrilling an exciting cruise along the sacred river to explore the famous Pak Ou Buddha caves and also enjoy swimming at the beautiful jungle waterfall. You can also attend a traditional silk dyeing and weaving class for a change. For an exotic cooking class in the exotic school, visit the most colorful and vibrant Phosy market.

About the Author

 

Get best deals on Laos tours at Buffalo Tours. Be it a short breaks tour, Buffalo tours has the best Laos short breaks tours to offer. Popular Vientiane Stopover, Luang Prabang tour is also available. Visithttp://www.buffalotours.com for more details.

Tour Laos

Enjoy Laos' Renowned Laid Back Atmosphere at Houay Xay and Experience Unique Ethnic Villages   

by Exotissimo Travel

Houay Xay, sometimes known as Ban Houay Xay is a town near the Thai border and is the capital of Bokeo Province. The town lies on the Western banks of the Mekong River opposite Chiang Kong Disctrict of Chiang Rai, Thailand and serves as the northernmost border crossing between the two countries. The town is home to several eye-catching temples as well as being a gateway to some of the region's most unique ethnic villages and the almost mystic-like Mekong Giant Catfish.

The most prominent temple in Houay Xay is Jom Khao Manilat Temple. It was built in 1880 and follows the Shan-style of architecture, with bright colorful paintings and murals. The temple's location on top of a hill allows visitors to watch the sun set over the Mekong River, a truly beautiful sight in itself. The temple is a short walk away from the ferry pier.

The local market, known as Talad Sao is a great place to experience the lifestyle of Houay Xay's residents and to observe the local products on hand. The best time to be at the market is early morning, when it is at its busiest and certainly at its most colorful.

About 20 kilometers away from Houay Xay is Ban Nam Sing Village. What makes this village interesting is that it is home to the Lao Huay ethnic group, one of the rarest in Southeast Asia. Their way of life has not changed much over the centuries, so it is best not to offer gifts to them as this will surely change their traditional lifestyle. A donation to the headman will be greatly appreciated instead, of which the proceeds will be used for the local school.

Ban Yong Hin Village, home to the Thai Lue people features a unique attraction. Here, the people live in mobile wooden houses. This is done by placing the house's stilts onto stones instead of into the ground. Not only does this provided mobility if the situation calls for it, but this distinctive architectural feature also protects their residences from termites.

If one wants to see how rice vermicelli (kanom jeen) is produced, then head over to Ban Khao Pun. Once there, having the kanom jeen with fermented fish sauce is a must try. The noodles here are of top quality along with the fish sauce.

An interesting attraction at Houay Xay is the Mekong Giant Catfish. There are reports of this fish growing to a length of three meters and some with a mass of about 300 kilograms. The catfish, sadly is in danger of extinction due to overfishing and development. They can however, be seen in the river during mid-April and May.

Houay Xay is certainly a pleasant town with its fair share of attractions. The town is easily accessible by foot and the whole town can be explored within a day. Your first destination in Exotissimo's Laos in Depth tour is at the laid-back border town. This tour is the perfect in-depth introduction to Laos, immersing you to its friendly people, intriguing spiritual culture and natural wonders.

If you like cycling, then why not try our Splendors of North Laos Biking Tour? This tour takes you to the wonders of this region, often overlooked by visitors to the country. The last leg of this memorable cycling tour is at Houay Xay. You can contact us if you would like to extend your stay at this charming town by the Mekong or if you would like to tweak any of our tours.

About the Author

 

Established in 1993, Exotissimo Travel is a well known Tour Operator with 16 offices throughout Southeast Asia. We have the expertise and connections to create your perfect tours in Vietnam, Thailand, Cambodia, Laos, Myanmar and Indonesia at the best possible price.

laos tour(ban nongbouatha)(5)


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Laos Travel Guides

Janet Arrowood is a long-time and frequent visitor to South east Asia. Huge lakes, tremendous waterfalls, elephant rides, jungles, wonderful people, fabulous food. The sense of the new and unknown will amaze you. Prices? Phenomenally low. And the scenery is spectacular. Canoe on Vietnam's historic lakes, kayak the South China Sea, see some of the largest waterfalls in the world, visit the islands, trek to hill-tribe areas, visit former royal palaces, wander through local markets. The imperial temples along the Perfume River are unforgettable. Laos and Cambodia, almost undiscovered by Westerners, are lands of stunning scene. "Adventure Guides" are about living more intensely, waking up to your surroundings and truly experiencing all that you encounter. Each book offers an ideal mix of practical travel info along with culturally enriching activities and physical adventures. And the fun is for everyone, no matter what his or her age or ability. Comprehensive background information - history, culture, geography and climate - gives you a solid knowledge of each destination and its people. Regional chapters take you on an introductory tour, with stops at museums, historic sites and local attractions. Places to stay and eat; transportation to, from and around your destination; practical concerns; tourism contacts - its all here! Detailed maps feature walking and driving tours. Then come the adventures - both cultural and physical - from canoeing and hiking to taking dance or cooking classes. This unique approach allows you to really immerse yourself in the local culture.

"Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng" Mattandsarah's photos around Vang Vieng, Lao Peoples Dem Rep

laos travel guides

Laos Plain of Jars

 

Laos Plain of Jars   

by cedric canierro

 Considered one of the poorest nations in Southeast Asia, you may think that Laos has nothing to offer being a tourist destination. That didn't hinder tourists to discover this archaeological wonder that has the makings of being an asia travel spot. Haven't you heard, there's this historical landmark that consists of thousands of jars scattered in the highlands of Laos called Plain of Jars. Situated at Xieng Khouang plain, this Laos pride consists of thousands of stone jars big and small distributed in the place.

It is believed that this stone jars ages from 1,500-2,000 years and older. According to a local folktale, the emerging of jars began when the king of the giants Khun Jeuam fought and won a battle against the evil ruler Chao Angka. The king, whose fond of throwing parties brew and store huge amounts of lao lao rice wine in this huge stone jars. When the archaeologists studied the jars, they have found burned bones, beads and iron tools leading them to the conclusion that these jars were used as giant urns to bury the dead. Another mystery yet unsolved is how the jars are made. Locals believed that these jars were made from clay, sand, sugar, and animal products mixing together to form a cement-like mixture.

Since the time of Pathet Lao-American war began, most of the jars were destroyed by bomb explosions leaving bomb craters and trench systems in the area. This makes the area dangerous until today due to unexploded bombs that was a result of massive bombardment of the recent wars. In fact only three sites of the plain is safe for visitors and locals alike. Aside from the huge stone jars, you can also found original artifacts like Buddhist statues, colonial items and scraps from the exploded bombs in the US war. Like no other, Plain of Jars is the mute witness of Laos' historical occurrence in the past and in the years to come.

http://asia-travel-freeport.blogspot.com/2008/05/laos-plain-of-jars.html

About the Author

 

Haven't you heard, there's this historical landmark that consists of thousands of jars scattered in the highlands of Laos called Plain of Jars. Situated at Xieng Khouang plain, this Laos pride consists of thousands of stone jars big and small distributed in the place.

Villa Santi Laos

Set amidst 10 hectares of valleys and beautiful gardens and surrounded by mountains and a natural stream leading to the Mekong River, this Luang Prabang resort is a walk back in time. Boasting 67 elegantly designed rooms, bungalows and suites all with a terrace or balcony, the resort is just ten minutes from the airport and the city center. Onsite dining is available at Torseng Restaurant, serving international and Laotian dishes, with a view of the surrounding mountains and a 2-hour nightly cultural show. You also have Kinnaree Café, the Pool bar and the Lobby Terrace Bar for your enjoyment. Suited for business travelers, Pikaneth Conference Hall seats 150 participants for meeting or seminars, whereas guests on holiday can enjoy in one of the largest swimming pools available onsite. Rise early one morning and enjoy a walk in the gardens while the mist lingers over the mountains and drums can be heard from the nearby monastery. Villa Santi Resort & Spa guarantees a wonderful experience when visiting Luang Prabang.

Laos 2005 Luang prabang Villa Santi resort


villa santi laos

Tour Lao

Lao Travel Planning Tips

By Duangpy Rasavong

Planning a trip to Laos? By now you might have done your research, and know a bit about Laos. You might already get excited and dream of the place you're heading to. But wait! You need to plan your trip a bit before you go.

A careful planning plays an essential role in determining your travel experience (good or not so-good). Here are some tips to keep in mind when planning a trip to Laos.

If you plan to go to other countries in the region before or after Laos (e.g Thailand, Cambodia or Vietnam), at least determine where to go first, next and last plus the entry/exit points in Laos. It's important to have a clear plan to avoid doubling back that can eat up your time and money.

• Plan your itinerary carefully. It helps saving hassle, time and money if you plan your routs thoroughly.


• Decide where and how to get your tourist visa. Tourist visas are now valid for 30 days. Here are two ways to get the Lao visa:


• Arrange it with the Lao Embassy, either in your neighbor countries if there isn't one in your own country or in one of Laos's neighboring countries (Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam and China). Allow plenty of time if you chose this option.


• Get it at Lao border or airport. Tourist visa is issued at most Lao ports of entry. Visa fee ranges from US$20 (China) to US$42 (Canada). Remember to take exact amount of money and 2 passport photos for that.

 

Please note that not everyone is eligible for Lao visa-on-arrival, you better checkto make sure you aren't in the list of "not entitle" nationalities.

• Get your passport ready. Make sure your passport is not expiring within the next six months. You won't be given a visa to enter Laos if your passport has less than six months validity. It can be worse if you plan to get a Lao visa-on-arrival, and arrive at a Lao border or Airport only to find your passport is invalid.


• If you consider taking anti-malarial drugs, take it well in advance because you might have awful reactions to anti-malarial. If you take it too close to your travel date, you may still feel awful on your vacation. It's best to ask your doctor.


• Sort out your traveler check or credit card(s) for use in Laos. Take some cash as well. Small notes make it easy when you need to buy things on the go like bottled water and snacks.


• Book/buy your tickets early. Book your ticket as soon as you have a clear plan. You can save good amount of money by purchasing your ticket early. Stay with the same airline during your entire trip to receive round-trip or connecting fare discounts.


• If you're on medication ask your doctor for your prescribed medicine. Take enough for the period of your travel. It's a good practice to keep them in their original packages (in case you have to declare at the airport security checkpoint). Putting them in your carry-on bag to ensure that you have your medicine whenever you need.

 

Duangpy is the owner and author of http://www.laos-guide-999.com. Her website provides a wide range of information on Laos from Lao travel tips to the rich culture of Laos

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Duangpy_Rasavong

"Giant jars and a little whiskey lao lao" Ristohannah's photos around Phonsavan (travel pics)