Unseen Laos – Travel off the beaten path

PHOU KHOUN

LUANG PRABANG PROVINCE

An important junction between Luang Prabang, Vientiane, and Xieng Khouang, Phou Khoun is becoming a tourist destination on its own. In the winter months, local strawberry fi elds provide perfect opportunities for camping and the cooler temperatures are perfect for campfi res. Don’t forget to wake up in time to see a sea of clouds in the valleys below you!

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NAM NGUM RESERVOIR

VIENTIANE PROVINCE

This area was once a valley but was fl ooded by a nearby dam, and what were originally mountain peaks are now small islands. Comfortable resorts off er kayaks and boats for excursions to these islands where locals like to fi sh and forage. This is an excellent getaway for families or groups of friends.

HAYSTACK FESTIVAL (BOUN KONG KHAO) SAYABOURY PROVINCE

After the harvest ends, Lao people traditionally made merit to the rice spirits, so that they could have a plentiful harvest the next year. This is still famously celebrated with large ceremonial haystacks in Phieng District, Sayaboury Province.

THALANG

KHAMMOUANE PROVINCE

Thalang is a fantastic starting point to explore the natural wonders of the Nakai-Nam Theun National Protected Area. Camping, kayaking, and guesthouses are available to help you discover this hidden area of Laos.

BIG HOT SPRINGS

XIENG KHOUANG PROVINCE

The Big Hot Springs are a naturally occurring source of hot water. The springs themselves are too hot to bathe in, but the water is piped into nearby baths for you to soak in. This is especially nice on a cool day in the winter!

WAT BAN LAM CHAN

SAVANNAKHET PROVINCE

Wat Ban Lam Chan is one of the most interesting temples in the area due to its beautifully preserved Hor Traipidok, or library for Buddhist scriptures. This is a large wooden structure on stilts built in a pond. This is to protect the delicate palm leaf documents from insects. These kinds of libraries were once common, but due to war and neglect, many of them were lost.

PHOU HOUA XANG

XAYSOMBOUN PROVINCE

This grassy expanse of green rolling hills and blue skies has become a recent favorite for Instagrammers. The higher altitude and cooler air is also a draw for city dwellers who want to relax among such unusual beauty.

TAYICSEUA WATERFALL CHAMPASAK PROVINCE

These falls are gathering more and more notice online due to their incredible beauty. Tayicseua is located about 44km from Paksong and actually comprises an area of 7 waterfalls accessible by jungle hikes through pristine fl ora. There is also a guesthouse and restaurant for the convenience of travelers.

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