Laos

Exploring tiny villages that scatter verdant mountainside, tubing among raucous backpackers, and a laid-back attitude pervading makes Laos a favorite for many backpackers.

Intro to Laos Backpacking

Hello: Sabaidee

Thank you: Khop chai (lai lai)

How are you: Sabaidee baw/bo

Currency and exchange rate (2018): $1=8485 Laotian kip

Climate: dry season lasts from November to April (the best time to visit) and wet season is from May to October

One of my favorite cities in Asia - lots of day trips outside the city, amazing food and housing options, a killer night market. Laos was colonized by the French and that influence is apparent in the architecture and food in this northern city. **If arriving by slow boat from Thailand, opt to book a tour that drops you off in this city.

EAT:

Night market downtown
Utopia restaurant (great place to chill riverside)
Any of the French bakeries
Specific foods: Tam mak hoong (green papaya salad), khao niaw (sticky rice), meat/tofu larb, amok (curry)

DRINK:

Specific drinks: Beerlao - the national beer of Laos
Utopia Bar
Sakura Bar
All the bars close by 11:30pm, when they do ask a tuk tuk to take you to the bowling alley for drunken speakeasy-esque bowling

TO DO:

Rent scooters and visit Kuang Si Falls - a swimming hole is located up the stairs above the main waterfall
Visit Nahm Dong Park - a hidden gem, make sure to scooter further up the road to see a rural village
Climb Mount Phousi at sunset
Catch a movie at L’Etranger Books and Tea - nightly english movie showings, be sure to try their milkshakes

An easy bus ride from Luang Prabang, find solitude in smaller crowds, mountain scenery and outdoor excursion

STAY: Delilah’s Cafe - be sure to try the free rice wine and the desserts

EAT: many people recommend Deen Indian Food but the portions are very small

DRINK: not many options in this town but had a pretty fun night playing pool at Hive Bar

TO DO:

Hike Phadeng Peak viewpoint for sunrise - spiritual above-the-clouds experience
Visit the Tham Pha Thok caves
Do a jungle trek - didn't do one of these myself but had friends say it was a highlight of their Asian travels

A half hour boat ride from Nong Khiaw, I definitely recommend doing a day trip to this remote, rural village. Ask your guesthouse in Nong Khiaw if you can leave your big bag with them and take a day pack for easy travel.

GETTING THERE: Boat trips leave daily from at 10:30am and 2pm for 25,000 kip (~$3)

STAY: when you get off the boat you will be bombarded by homestay and hostel deals, I recommend walking around and finding a cheap riverside bungalow

TO DO:

Explore the town by foot
Hammock riverside
Rent a kayak back to Nong Khiaw (I didn't do this myself as the rental is about $34)

BE AWARE:

No ATMS
Spotty to no wifi
If exploring, stick to the beaten path as there are still explosives as residual from the war

While it is known as a party city among backpackers, Vang Vieng has remarketed itself as an eco-tourism capital, offering hikes, lagoons, mountain biking and kayaking within biking distance of the city.

EAT:

Vang Vieng walking street
Chantheo's Restaurant
Sandwich stalls - plentiful and cheap (most sandwiches are 10,000 kip)

DRINK:

Many hostels will offer free whiskey for two hours, followed by bars offering free alcohol at staggered hours...chase the free alcohol
Attend a jungle party on Friday night

TO DO:

Go tubing - the must-do backpacker experience, buy beers ahead of time to take with you in your tube
Visit the Blue Lagoons (numbered 1-5) but be aware these will not be private experiences
Rent a scooter and ride around the Vang Vieng Loop
Hike Nam Xay top view and eat at Sae Lao Restaurant on the way
Explore the caves around the city
Go hot air ballooning - I didn't do this but there are many companies that offer services in the city