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Laos is a relatively unknown wonder of the East, still waiting to be discovered. Some places have firmly established themselves in the minds of travellers and have evolved to cater to the needs of all types of travellers. Luang Prabang is renowned for its mix of tradition and luxury, while Vang Vieng has developed a reputation for hedonistic parties. However, beyond these established tropics, there is a vast wilderness with untapped and unexplored potential. For those looking to get off the beaten track and discover a more authentic Laos, we have compiled a list of great alternatives to take you deep into the unknown.
1. HOMESTAY
Nothing will immerse you in the lives of a local like staying in a home. Homestays are available all over Laos and offer an insight into the lives of the local people. Experiencing the lives of the locals first hand is a far cry from the five-star resorts and can be an eye-opening experience. While the living conditions may surprise you, you will be overwhelmed by the generosity and hospitality of the locals, who have so little by Western standards.
Experience a peaceful homestay in the mountains and forests
Staying with a family for a night or two in their village can be an incredible experience that cannot be replicated anywhere else. For those looking for the ‘real’ Laos, it doesn’t get much better than a homestay.
2. NIGHT SAFARI
If you’re looking to experience untouched nature, there’s nothing more remote and protected than the Nam Et Phou Louey Night Safari. Starting from a small village in northern Laos, you’ll travel by boat deep into Nam Et Phou Louey National Park on a journey of discovery and conservation. With the help of experienced local guides and former hunters and poachers, you’ll learn about the conservation efforts being used to protect some of Laos’ most endangered species. At night, you’ll drift quietly down the river as local experts keep an eye on the animals. Your sightings are recorded as part of conservation efforts and payments will be made to local communities based on what you see.
Experience wild nature
For the best chance to see animals in the wild, while also contributing directly to conservation efforts, the Night Safari is a unique experience in Laos. Off the beaten track, it is a wonderful blend of history, culture and conservation, hidden deep in the remote jungle. For those looking to experience the natural splendour of Laos, there is nothing better than the Night Safari.
Nam Et Phou Louey Night Safar
3. ELEPHANT CONSERVATION CENTRE
The land of a million elephants is facing an identity crisis as its wild elephant population rapidly declines. If you’re hoping to see elephants in their natural habitat, the Elephant Conservation Centre is the adventure you’re looking for.
Located on the edge of a vast wilderness area, the ECC aims to rehabilitate domesticated elephants so they can be released back into the wild. Here, you can learn about the challenges and triumphs of this complex process while observing elephants in their natural environment as they relearn the skills needed to survive in the wild.
Elephant Conservation Centre
ECCs offer a range of accommodation and include transport to and from Luang Prabang. For the ultimate experience of seeing Asian elephants in their natural habitat and helping to conserve them, look no further than the Elephant Conservation Centre.
4. NAM THEUN LAKE KAYAKING
Located on the Thakek Loop in central Laos, Nam Theun Resevoir is a huge man-made lake created when the construction of a number of dams flooded a large valley. The huge reservoir flooded vast swathes of un-cleared forest, creating an otherworldly landscape of a sunken forest as dead trees protrude from the still waters. Kayaking on the reservoir is the best way to explore this landscape and experience the eerie silence of the flooded forest.
Nam Theun Lake Kayaking
Kayaks are available for hire from Phosy Restaurant in Thalang Town. Explore the lake on your own or hire a local guide for a tour. Whatever you choose, you’re sure to have a great time exploring this unique landscape. End the day at Phosy Restaurant and enjoy the town’s famous grilled tilapia.
5. CHANH VILLAGE POTTERY WORKSHOP
Chanh Village Pottery workshop
If you’re looking for something a little less remote but still hands-on, a pottery workshop is a great option. Located just outside Luang Prabang, the village of Ban Chanh has been making pottery for centuries. Visitors to the town can learn from master artisans to create their own creations under the expert eye of local experts. Available as a half-day or full-day experience, this is a fun way to immerse yourself in local traditions without having to venture deep into the jungle.
6. THE ROCK VIEWPOINT
Located on the northern edge of Khammoune Province and surrounded by protected areas, you’ll find a vast limestone forest of jagged peaks and steep cliffs.
Overlooking this rocky landscape is The Rock Viewpoint, which serves great food and coffee. But for the intrepid adventurer who wants to explore the landscape, there are adrenaline-fueled activities that make it easy to immerse yourself in this hard-to-reach terrain.
Soar through the air on ziplines hundreds of metres long, scale cliffs on swings and traverse towering limestone karsts on suspension bridges. Rock Viewpoint is a great way to explore the untouched wilderness and have an epic adventure.
If you’re looking for an exhilarating wilderness experience, a visit to The Rock Viewpoint should definitely be on your list of things to do in Laos.
The Rock Viewpoint, Khammoune Province
7. VANG VIENG CHALLENGE
If you want to explore what Vang Vieng has to offer beyond the party scene, why not spend a night in the jungle while enjoying an adrenaline-filled adventure. The Vang Vieng Challenge offers a great combination of hiking, climbing and ziplining as well as staying in a secluded bungalow in the jungle. The perfect choice for those who want to get off the beaten track and explore the jungles of Vang Vieng.
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Abseiling during Vang Vieng Challenge
Spend the day trekking through the jungle to reach a secret waterfall, hidden deep in the forest. Here you will find a log cabin, tucked away in the trees and away from the hustle and bustle of civilization. Solar panels power the hot water and lights, giving your jungle adventure a cozy and polished feel, or take a refreshing dip in the icy mountain waterfall. Relax in the evening with a freshly cooked dinner and the sounds of the jungle. The next day, you will do a series of ziplines through water channels and abseil down giant trees, returning to the mountain on an adventure you will remember for years to come.
If you’re after a multi-day, high-octane, jungle adventure, you’ll be hard-pressed to find anything more exciting than the Vang Vieng Challenge.
8. PHONGSALI
The northernmost province of Laos is also one of its most unspoiled. Rugged limestone mountains make much of the region inaccessible and still heavily forested.
Bordering both China and Vietnam, it has been heavily influenced by these cultures as well as the cultures of the 13 ethnic minority groups that live there.
The remoteness of this cultural melting pot has created a unique provincial capital in Laos, with Yunnan and Lao architecture blending with the cultural motifs of the various ethnic groups that live there.
Rugged limestone mountains make much of the region inaccessible and still heavily forested. Bordering both China and Vietnam, it is heavily influenced by these cultures as well as the cultures of the 13 ethnic minority groups that live there.
Ekor Tribe in Phongsali
Visitors to the capital of Laos’ northernmost province can explore the ethnological museum, discover intricate handicrafts, sample strong rice whisky and sample the finest tea in Laos, harvested from some of the oldest tea trees in the world. Adventurous travelers can also take part in some trekking in the nearby protected forest or climb to the top of Mount Phou Fa for panoramic views of the town.
Phou Fa Mountain above Phongsali
If you want to get off the beaten track and explore a more ‘authentic’ Laos, look no further than Phongsali.
From authentic cultural experiences right on the doorstep of Luang Prabang to hidden traditional cultures, Laos has plenty to offer for those looking for hidden secrets.
Anvui hopes that the knowledge shared above will be useful to you. Don’t forget to visit Anvui Travel’s YouTube channel to see wonderful travel moments. Customers are looking for a professional, affordable tour operator. Don’t hesitate to contact Anvui De Voyage via info@anvuitravel.com or (Hotline): +84 912 683 908!
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