Lonely Planet Laos

Kate Morgan, Tim Bewer, Nick Ray, Richard Waters

Description

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet Laos is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Whiz through the jungle on ziplines in Bokeo Nature Reserve, dine on French cuisine in historic Luang Prabang, or trek to minority villages on the Bolaven Plateau -all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Laos and begin your journey now! Inside Lonely Planet Laos Travel Guide: Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interests Insider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, prices Honest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer, more rewarding travel experience - history, environment, wildlife, religion, culture, music, literature, film, dance, architecture, handicrafts, sport, politics Over 40 maps Covers Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Luang Namtha, Phonsavan, Xieng Khuang, Hua Phan, Ban Phanom, Paksan, Savannakhet, Pakse, Champasak, Si Phan Don and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Laos, our most comprehensive guide to Laos, is perfect for both exploring top sights and taking roads less travelled. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos & Northern Thailand; and Southeast Asia on a Shoestring guides. About Lonely Planet: Since 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel media company with guidebooks to every destination, an award-winning website, mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet covers must-see spots but also enables curious travellers to get off beaten paths to understand more of the culture of the places in which they find themselves. The world awaits! Lonely Planet guides have won the TripAdvisor Traveler's Choice Award in 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015, and 2016. 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times eBook Features: (Best viewed on tablet devices and smartphones) Downloadable PDF and offline maps prevent roaming and data charges Effortlessly navigate and jump between maps and reviews Add notes to personalise your guidebook experience Seamlessly flip between pages Bookmarks and speedy search capabilities get you to key pages in a flash Embedded links to recommendations' websites Zoom-in maps and images Inbuilt dictionary for quick referencing Important Notice: The digital edition of this book may not contain all of the images found in the physical edition.

Sujets

• Laos

Informations

• Publié par: Lonely Planet
• Date de parution: 01 juin 2017
• Nombre de lectures: 2
• EAN13: 9781787010611
• Langue: English
• Poids de l'ouvrage: 29 Mo

Extrait

Laos

Contents

Plan Your Trip

Welcome to Laos
Laos' Top 10
Need to Know
If You Like
Month by Month
Itineraries
Outdoor Adventures
Regions at a Glance

On The Road

Luang Prabang & Around
Luang Prabang & Around Highlights
Luang Prabang
City Walk
Wat Wisunarat (Wat Visoun) Area
Around Luang Prabang
Pak Ou Caves
Tat Kuang Si
Tat Sae
Ban Phanom & Beyond
Northern Laos
Phonsavan
Around Phonsavan
Sam Neua (Xam Neua)
Around Sam Neua
Sam Neua to Vietnam
Sam Neua to Nong Khiaw
Vieng Thong (Muang Hiam)
Nong Khiaw
Muang Ngoi Neua (Ban Ngoi Kao)
Around Muang Ngoi Neua
Muang Khua
Phongsali ()
Around Phongsali
Udomxai (Oudomsay, Muang Xai)
Around Udomxai
Muang La
Boten
Luang Namtha (Namtha)
Around Luang Namtha
Muang Sing
Xieng Kok
Huay Xai
Around Huay Xai
Pak Beng
Hongsa
Sainyabuli (Sayaboury)
Pak Lai
Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Around
Vientiane, Vang Vieng & Around Highlights
Vientiane
Cycling Tour
Around Vientiane
Phu Khao Khuay NPA
Ban Na
Ban Hat Khai
Tat Xai, Pha Xai & Tat Leuk
Ang Nam Ngum & Around
Vang Vieng
Motorcycling
Vang Vieng towards Luang Prabang
Central Laos
Paksan
Pak Kading
Ban Khoun Kham (Ban Na Hin)
Tham Kong Lor
Lak Sao
Tha Khaek
Around Tha Khaek
Savannakhet
Around Savannakhet
Dong Phu Vieng NPA
Phu Xang Hae NPA
Sepon (Xepon) & the Ho Chi Minh Trail
Southern Laos
Southern Laos Highlights
Pakse
Around Pakse
Don Kho & Ban Saphai
Phou Xieng Thong NPA
Champasak
Around Champasak
Don Daeng
Wat Phu World Heritage Area
Uo Moung (Tomo Temple)
Kiet Ngong
Se Pian NPA
Bolaven Plateau Region
Paksong Area
Tat Lo
Salavan
Around Salavan
Sekong
Around Sekong
Motorcycle Tour
Attapeu
Around Attapeu
Si Phan Don
Don Khong (Khong Island)
Don Det & Don Khon

Understand

Understand Laos
Laos Today
History
People & Culture
Environment

Survive

Directory AZ
Accommodation
Bargaining
Climate
Customs Regulations
Electricity
Embassies & Consulates
Etiquette
Food & Drink
Insurance
Internet Access
Legal Matters
LGBTI Travellers
Money
Opening Hours
Post
Public Holidays
Safe Travel
Shopping
Telephone
Time
Toilets
Tourist Information
Travellers with Disabilities
Travel with Children
Visas
Volunteering
Women Travellers
Transport
Getting There & Away
Getting Around
Health
Before You Go
In Laos
Language
Behind the Scenes
Our Writers

Special Features

River Life
Welcome to Laos

A land of the lotus eaters amid the bloated development of its neighbours, Laos brings together the best of Southeast Asia in one bite-sized destination.


An Authentic Asia
Laos retains many of the traditions that have disappeared in a frenzy of development elsewhere in the region. It's hard to believe somnolent Vientiane is an Asian capital, and there's a timeless quality to rural life, where stilt houses and paddy fields look like they are straight out of a movie set. Magical Luang Prabang bears witness to hundreds of saffron-robed monks gliding through the streets every morning in a call to alms, one of the region’s iconic images. Intrepid travellers will discover a country untainted by mass tourism and Asia in slow motion – this is Lao People’s Democratic Republic (Lao PDR), or ‘please don’t rush’ as the locals like to joke.

A Kaleidoscope of People
Laos is one of the most ethnically diverse countries in the region, reflecting its geographic location as a crossroads of Asia. The hardy Hmong people live off the land in remote mountain communities of the north, remote Kahu and Alak communities of the south have the last remaining traditional face tattoos, and the Katang villages of central Laos sleep with the spirits of the forest. Whether it is the cities of the lowlands or the remote villages of the highlands, Laos offers some wonderful opportunities for local interaction.

Fifty Shades of Green
With its dark and brooding jungle, glowing emerald rice fields, and the glistening tea leaves that blanket the mountains, the landscape in Laos changes shades of green like a chameleon. But it's not just the luscious landscapes that are green: when it comes to ecotourism, Laos is leading the way in Southeast Asia. Protected areas predominate in remote areas of the country, and community-based trekking combines these spectacular natural attractions with the chance to experience the 'real Laos' with a village homestay.

Eclectic Asia
Travellers rave about Laos for a reason. Adventure seekers can lose themselves in underground river caves, on jungle ziplines or while climbing karsts. Nature enthusiasts can take a walk on the wild side and spot exotic animals such as gibbons or elephants. Culture lovers can explore ancient temples and immerse themselves in Lao spiritual life. Foodies can spice up their lives with a Lao cooking class or go gourmand in the French-accented cities. And if all this sounds a little too strenuous, then unwind with a spa session or yoga class. Laos has something for everyone.

Hot air balloon over the Nam Song, Vang Vieng | RAY HEMS/GETTY IMAGES/ISTOCKPHOTO ©


Why I Love Laos
By Nick Ray, Writer
I first came to Laos as a backpacker in 1995 and quickly succumbed to the natural charms of the landscape, not to mention ice-cold Beerlao overlooking the Mekong River. Fast forward more than two decades and Laos still delivers adventures. On my latest visit I explored the pristine province of Khammuan, took a trip into the underworld of Tham Kong Lor, got a buzz motorbiking the Loop, and spent time trawling the authentic eateries and lively bars of Vientiane, Laos' underrated capital. A travel tonic to slake your thirst for the real Asia, Laos will leave a lasting impression long after you return home.
Laos' Top 10

Luang Prabang
Bordered by the Mekong River the Nam Khan (Khan River), this timeless city of temples is the stuff of travel legends: rich in royal history, saffron-clad monks, stunning river views, world-class cuisine and some of the best boutique accommodation in the region. Hire a bike and explore the tropical peninsula’s backstreets, take a cooking class or just ease back with a restful massage at one of the many affordable spas. Prepare to adjust your timetable and stay a little longer than expected.

Wat Ho Pha Bang, Royal Palace museum | AVIGATOR THAILAND/SHUTTERSTOCK ©


Top Experiences
Vang Vieng
The riverine jewel in Laos' karst country, Vang Vieng sits under soaring cliffs beside the Nam Song (Song River) and is the undisputed adventure capital of Laos. Since the party crowd moved on, tranquillity reigns again with more family-oriented visitors dropping in to soak up such well-organised activities as hot-air ballooning, trekking, caving and climbing. And don't forget the original draw: tubing down the river. Where once there were only budget guesthouses and same-same traveller cafes, now they have been joined by smarter boutique hotels and restaurants serving delicious food.

Hot air balloon over the Nam Song | THANACHET MAVIANG/SHUTTERSTOCK ©


Top Experiences
Si Phan Don
Laos’ hammock-flopping mecca has been catering to weary travellers for years. While these tropical islands bounded by the waters of the Mekong are best known as a happy haven for catatonic sun worshippers, more active souls are spoilt for choice. Between tubing and cycling through paddy fields, grab a kayak, spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins, and then round off your day with a sunset boat trip.

SEBASTIAN VOIGT/500PX ©


Top Experiences
Vientiane
Meandering along the banks of the Mekong, Vientiane is surely Southeast Asia's most languid capital. The wide streets are bordered by tamarind trees and the narrow alleys conceal French villas, Chinese shophouses and glittering wats. The city brews a heady mix of street vendors, saffron-clad monks, fine Gallic cuisine, boutique hotels and a healthy vibe that sees visitors slinking off for spa treatments and turning their time to yoga and cycling. It may not have Luang Prabang’s looks, but Vientiane has a certain charm all of its own.

Spa treatment in Vientiane | MATTHEW WAKEM/GETTY IMAGES ©


Top Experiences
Trekking & Homestays
Laos is famous for its wide range of community-based treks, many of which include a traditional homestay for a night or more. Trekking is possible all over the country, but northern Laos is one of the most popular areas. Trekking around Phongsali is considered some of the most authentic in Laos and involves the chance to stay with the colouful Akha people. Luang Namtha is the most accessible base for ecotreks in the Nam Ha National Protected Area (NPA), one of the best-known trekking spots in the Mekong region.

Akha woman near Luang Namtha | HADYNYAH/GETTY IMAGES ©


Top Experiences
Vieng Xai Caves
This is history writ large in stone. An area of outstanding natural beauty, Vieng Xai was home to the Pathet Lao communist leadership during the US bombing campaign of 1964–73. Beyond the breathtaking beauty of the natural caves, it is the superb audio tour that really brings the experience alive. When the bombers buzz overhead to a soundtrack of Jimi Hendrix you'll be ducking for cover in the Red Prince's lush garden.

DANITA DELIMONT/GETTY IMAGES ©


Top Experiences
Gibbon Experience
Whiz high above the forest floor attached to a zipline. These brilliantly engineered cables – some more than 500m long – span forest valleys in the lush Bokeo Nature Reserve (habitat of the black-crested gibbon and Asiatic tiger). Some of the proceeds go toward protecting the eponymous endangered primate and guides are former poachers turned rangers. Zip into and bed down in vertiginously high tree houses by night, listening to the call of the wild. The Gibbon Experience is Laos’ premier wildlife and adventure playground. is Laos’ premier wildlife and adventure playgroun