Backpacking Tips for Laos

Laos is a peaceful location with happy and carefree locals who enjoy a slow pace to life. It has a lot to offer; from the party haven of Vang Vieng to the little explored jungle of Lang Probang Nam Tha. Take a walk along the cobbles streets, pop into the small shops selling trinkets, past beautiful Buddhist temples and scenic green areas.

Ban Kong Lo is a must see location which you can get to by bus. Take 2 days exploring the Tham Kong Lo Cove, which is 7km long making it the longest cave in Asia. The best way to explore it fully is by boat and there is no shortage of locals offering boat tours. After this take a walk or trek around Bang Kong Lo to see traditional agricultural practices and ways of living.

As Laos has a developing transport system you do need to be prepared to stay in a location for a few days, allowing you to fully explore the hidden delights of each area. Why not stay at Ban Nathane, which has some charming traditional cafes and small shops. Homestays and hostels are often very basic because tourism is less common here but cosy nonetheless.

Head on to Pakse and stay at Sabaway2 Guesthouses or Tim’s Guesthouse. Both are ideal places to spend the night and can arrange elephant trekking and swimming. You can see all manner of wildlife and even camp over in the wilderness. Enjoy the night time market then head to Hive Bar where you can chat to locals and play a game of volleyball. Laos really is somewhere that you won’t need technology and can just forget what time of day it is completely!