Tourism in Laos is governed by a ministry-level government agency, the Lao National Tourism Administration, located in Vientiane. Tourism has grown rapidly, from 80,000 international visitors in 1990, to 1.876 million in 2010.[1]
Most of the year is hot and humid, with two distinct seasons. The rainy season is from the beginning of May to the end of September, and the dry season is from October through to April. The yearly average temperature is about 28 degrees Celsius, rising to a maximum of 38 degrees Celsius during April and May. [2]
Theravada Buddhism is the religion of about 90% of Lao people and is an inherent feature of daily life and casts a strong influence on Lao society. Laos has one of the most pristine natural landscapes in Southeast Asia. An estimated half of its woodlands consist of primary forest. [3]
Attapeu Province is rugged, wild and scenic. Transportation can be challenging, especially by land in the rainy season. Parts of the Ho Chi Minh Trail can be explored with the aid of a local guide. Other attractions include the Tad Saephe Waterfall, Nong Fa lake, and Wat Sakae Temple. Part of the Bolaven Plateau stretches into Attapeu. [4]
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Bokeo ProvinceHuay Xai, the provincial provincial of Bokeo, has a number of old temples and is also the gateway for boat journeys on the Mekong to-and-from Pak Beng and Luang Prabang. Bokeo is also the home of the Gibbon Experience, where tourists can live in tree-top houses and travel using zip lines in the forest canopy. The funds received are reinvested to protect the forest. [5] [6]
Attractions and tourist sites include Ban Na Hin (Stone Forest) in Phou Pha Mane Region, housing thousands of rock pinnacles, reminiscent of limestone outcrops of southern China. Wat Phabath and Wat Phonsanh Temple are an important pilgrimage site between Vientiane and Pakxanh, with a huge “footprint” of Lord Buddha, colorful murals and views of the Mekong River. Lak Sao is a new town with a wild-west atmosphere, providing a border for crossing to Vietnam (Nampao Checkpoint) and access to limestone Karats Mountains and the Nam Theun protected wildlife area. [7]
The small town of Champasak is the location for one of Laos' two UNESCO World Heritage sites - the Khmer ruins of Wat Phu. Wat Phu is a Khmer temple complex, although there are some elements on the upper terrace that pre-date the Khmer Empire. It was originally a hindu temple complex, associated with nearby Linkhaparavata Mountain, which is topped by a Linga-like rock formation. [8]
Other tourist destinations in the province include Si Phan Don or as they are known in English, the Four Thousand Islands, where attractions include an old French railway, the Irrawaddy dolphin and Khone Phapheng Falls. The provincial capital, Pakse contains some colonial buildings and the Champasak Provincial Museum. The Bolaven Plateau stretches from north-west Champasak into neighbouring provinces. [8]
Highlights of this north-eastern province include Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area (NPA), covering 5,959 km2 in three provinces - Houaphan, Luang Prabang and Xieng Khouang. Viengthong, a small town in Houaphanh Province is the location of the Nam Et-Phou Louey NPA headquarters and visitor centre. The park includes a 3,000 km2 core area where human access and wildlife harvest is prohibited, and a 2,950 km2 buffer area where pre-existing villages are allocated land for subsistence living. [9]
The area has a high level of biodiversity, and a number of endangered species including tiger, leopard, clouded leopard, Asian golden cat, marbled cat, civet, gaur, Sambar deer, white-cheeked gibbon, sun bear, black bear, Asian elephant, dhole, hornbill and three species of otter. [10]
It is possible to do a night safari in a traditional long-tail boat steered by ethnic guides. The trip includes bird watching, wildlife tracking at the Boung Man salt lick, night time wildlife spotting, medicinal plant discovery and moderate hiking. Visitors can spend one or two nights in a local village. [11]
Nearby is the provincial capital of Sam Neua, where it's possible to visit Pathet Lao refuges in the Viengxay caves, which the Lao government is trying to promote as a tourism destination. [12]
Khammouane is a land of rugged karst mountains which were once the refuge of ethnic groups fleeing the Haw invasions in the north during the 19th century. The provincial capital, Thakhek, has a number of colonial buildings. Mu Gia pass at the end of route 12 was one of the main transit points of the Ho Chi Minh Trail during the Indochina Wars. [13] The province is home to wild animals that were unknown to scientists until the 1990s, including the khan you, a small rodent-like creature the size of a small squirrel, found in the early 21st century.[13]
There are numerous caves, including The Buddha Cave (Tam Pa Fa) discovered in 2004 and housing 229 Buddha images. Kong Lo Cave is perhaps the most well-known in the province. It is 7.5 km long and as high and wide as 90-100 m in some places. The province has three national protected areas (NPA) that cover an enormous area about 6,295 km2 in total. Phou Hin Poun NPA encompasses much of the limestone Forest and has 43 recorded species of bats. The Hin Namno NPA is located in the area where the Central Indochina Limestone meets the Annamite Chain, and as a result, has prominent limestone escarpments and caves. The most important area in terms of biodiversity, however is the Nakai-Nam Theun Biodiversity Conservation Area with its complex range of habitats and newly discovered species of mammals such as the saola, giant muntjac, and Indo-chinese Warty Pig.[13]
Locally made products include handmade incense sticks, naturally dyed cotton and silk weavings produced in the Kong Lo area. The province’s favorite snack, khaonome parn, is a soft sticky green and black colored sweet wrapped in banana leaves made with yellow soy beans and coconut in the middle.[13]
The province is one of the main eco-tourism destinations in Laos, with a highlight being the Nam Ha National Protected Area,established in 1993 and stretching from the Chinese border to the middle of the province, covering over 222,400 square-hectares. The park's landscape is characterized by an ever changing mosaic of Sweden fields and regenerating forests,with primary forest in remote areas. Within the NPA boundaries there are two peaks that exceed 2,000 meters, as well as an abundance of rivers and streams. Species such as Tiger, Leopard and Gaur still roam remote part's of the forest. Residents that are easier to encounter are the some 300 species of birds, which include Silver Pheasant, Blue and Eared Pitas as well as a diversity of Bulbuls. On the highest peaks there are species more closely associated with the Himalayas. [14]
Trekking, hiking, kayaking, rafting, biking, mountain biking, and boat tours are all available through the villages of Luang Namtha, Muang Sing, Vieng Phoukha and Long.[14]
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a city located in north central Laos, where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong River about 425 kilometers (264 mi) north of Vientiane. Until the communist takeover in 1975, it was the royal capital and seat of government of the Kingdom of Laos. The city is one of two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos. [15]
The main part of the city consists of four main roads located on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers. The city is well known for its numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries. Every morning, hundreds of monks from the various monasteries walk through the streets collecting alms. One of the major landmarks in the city is Phou si hill, on which sits a temple called Wat Chom Si. [15]
Muang Ngoi Neua is a small village north of Luang Prabang on the Nam Ou river. It can only be reached by boat. Activities include hiking, visiting nearby villages and taking a boat on the river. The boat to Muang Ngoi Neua goes from Nong Khiaw, which offers similar activities. [16]
Eco-tourism tours can be arranged, while attractions include Tad Lak Sip Et Waterfall at Km.11 in Muong Xay District, as well as hot springs and temples at Muong La District and Phouxay Mountain. [17]
Remote Phongsaly Province is dominated by rugged, mountainous terrain and an abundance of thick forests and fast-flowing rivers. It is inhabited by 25 different ethnic groups, and most of the land is between 500 and 1,500 meters elevation, which makes the climate more suitable for trekking and other physical activities. The forests contain an abundance of animal, bird, insect and plant life. [18]
The provincial capital, Phongsali town, is the highest city in Laos PDR at 1400 m above sea level. Several trekking tours have been established by the Provincial Tourism Office Phongsali. Unlike many other cities in Laos, Phongsali town has not been destroyed in the American war. It features a remaining old quarter with Yunnanese wooden architecture. Most of the people living here belong to the Hor ethnic group, speaking Chinese. Until the 1970s there was a Chinese consulate in Phongsali town, now the “Phu Fa Hotel”. There is also a “Museum of Ethnic Groups in Phongsali Province”. The town is built into the side of Phu Fa Mountain (1,625m). The 45 min hike up to its stupa on top offers views of the town from above and the mountains in the far distance.[18]
Visitors can trek to remote villages around the province, such as Boun Neua, Muang Khoua at the Nam Ou River and in Boun Tai district’s “Nam Lan Conservation Area”. In the northern most district of the country, Gnot Ou, tourists can visit Vat Luang, a Tai Lue style Buddhist monastery dating back to 1445 AD. In the future “Phu Den Din National Protected Area” along the border with Vietnam will be opened for boat trips. Wild animals like monkeys, Asian elephants and tigers can be found here.[18]
The province offers a variety of Lao and Yunnanese cuisine that consists of wild forest ingredients such as fragrant herbs, bamboo and rattan shoots. Organic Chinese-style green tea is another speciality.[18]
Hongsa is a centre for booking activities such as elephant riding and trekking. Inteam Waterfall is located at Nongchong mountain, 8 km away from Hongsa, surrounded by green forests. Khamsane Waterfall is near the Mekong River close to Thaxuang village. Lak Mueng Stupa is located on a hill 1 km away from Hongsa. It was built in 1572 AD and is still in use. It is also a viewing point to overlook the valley of Hongsa, especially at sunset.[19]
Ngeun District has Natural Sites Earthpillars (Saodin) lime stone formations, a few hours walk through rice fields. Grandfather Khamphan Cave (near Thong village) and Houyting Cave (near Houyngeuay village) are located in a remote forest and are now opened for visitors. [19]
Xienghone District has Two big waterfalls Houy Lae (near Mekong) and Houay-Sakhaeng (near Dong village), while the The Ban Kham Cave is located 2km from town. Remote Namkhom Cave (42 km from town) can be reached by walking from Namkhom village with a tour guide. Namkhom is also famous for its bamboo weaving.[19]
Phadaeng Mountain conservation area in Khop district is dominated by a 10km long mountain massive which covers an area of 2,200 ha and includes several mountains. The area can be accessed from Sathan village and is a 4 hours walk, offering many different trees, flowers, orchids and plants. Footprints of wildlife can also be found, although bears and tigers usually prefer the deep jungle.[19]
Salavan Province is home to the 1,000km2 Phu Xieng Thong National Biodiversity Conservation Area, thought to be inhabitaed by Asiatic black bear, banteng, clouded leopard, Douc langur, Asian elephant, gibbon, guar, Siamese crocodile and tiger. The Bolaven Plateau covers part of the province. [20]
Savannakhet Town features plenty of French colonial buildings and food. Sites include Wat Inghang Temple, originally built about 2,000 years ago and is meant to mark the place where Lord Buddha rested while visiting the Kingdom of Sikhottabong. It was rebuilt in 1548. Festive rites are held annually and organized to coincide with the first full moon of the lunar calendar. Other attractions incude the Heuan Hin or Stone House, built by the ancient Khmer to the glory of their “Sikhottabong” empire. That Phon Stupa is also another important religious figure found in the Province, built between the years 557 to 700.[21]
Part of the Ho Chi Minh trail and remnants of American tanks and warplanes can also be visited in Phin District on Route 9, close to the Lao Bao border checkpoint. [22]
Remote and sparsely populated Sekong Province has abundant tropical forest and is home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Part of the Bolaven Plateau stretches into Sekong. [23]
Vientiane
Laos' capital city contains many temples and Buddhist monument including Pha That Luang, a Buddhist stupa. The original was built in 1566 by King Setthathirath, and was restored in 1953. The golden stupa is 45 meters tall and is believed to contain a relic of the Lord Buddha.[24] Other temples include Wat Si Muang, built on the ruins of a Khmer Hindu shrine, the remains of which can be seen behind the ordination hall.[25] It was built in 1563.
A prominent landmark is the Patuxai monument, completed in 1968, known as Laos' version of the Arc de Triomphe. Outside of Vientiane, Buddha Park was built in 1958 by Luang Pou Bounlua Soulilat and contains a collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures, scattered amongst gardens and trees.[26]
The well-trodden backpacker haunt of Vang Vieng has become well-known for its tubing, where tourists float down the Nam Song river, visiting bars along the way. The area is surrounded by karst scenery, and there are also opportunities for hiking, rock climbing, visiting caves and other outdoor activities. It has become known as a party town, and there are some concerns about the impact of tourism.[27] [28]
Phou Khao Khouay, a National Protected Area, is an extensive sandstone mountain range 40 kilometers northeast of Vientiane. The area encompasses a variety of landscapes and habitats, ranging from sheer sandstone cliffs and pristine river gorges to rough mountainous terrain. Three large rivers and numerous tributaries empty into the nearly Mekong in this area. The diversity of forest types in the area includes evergreen, mixed deciduous, dry dipterocarp and pine, all of which are waiting to be explored. The forest habitat is home to a range of large animals including elephants, tigers, bears, gibbons and langurs, as well as for various reptiles, amphibians and birds. The Green Peafowl, a bird believed to be close to extinction in Laos, can still be found here. [29]
The Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars in Xiangkhoang Province is situated about 12 kilometers from Phonsavanh, the provincial capital. There are over 300 giant jars scattered across the plateau. The jars vary in size from 1 to 3 meters height and up to 2.7 meters in diameter with the heaviest jar weighting 6 tons. There are three main sites, and around 60 sites in total. The purpose of the jars, thought to have been carved from solid rock around 3,000 years ago, remains a mystery - although it is possible they were used as funeral urns. [30]
Another feature of the Plain of Jars is its links to the Secret War. Un-detonated bombs, land mines and other UXO still contaminate more than 35% of the province's total land area. A project involiving the Laos Government, UNESCO and Mines Advisory Group is working to rehabilitate the plateau's agricultural land and identify priority areas for protection for archaeological research and tourism development. The old city of Muang Khoun, the provincial capital during French colonialism, was heavily bombed at the Laos Civil War. It is possible to see the runied city, including the remains of a temple, Wat Piawat. [30]
Tham Pa Buddha Cave contains hundreds of Buddha statues, stashed away to protect them from Chinese Haw invaders in the second half of the 19th century and includes a large Buddha, said to be over 1200 years old can be admired. During the last war the upper cave had been used by the Vietnamese army as a hospital. The cave has basic infrastructure, such as lights, toilets and steps and very knowledgeable Lao guide. Within walking distance are "Water Cave" and "Stupa Cave", which contains the ruins of an old stupa. [31]
There are also ecotourism opportunities, including a two day trek to the remote Hmong village Ban Phakeo or a one day trek to Ban Napia and Ban Namka to learn about sustainable energy and the making of “War Spoons” from UXO war scrap. It is also possibel to see the distinct Xiengkhouang style of architecture that incorporates bomb shells as building material and décor for houses. [31]
Apprximately 52 kilometers north of the provincial capital of Phonsavanh in Muong Kham District there is a natural mineral hot water spring in a forested area. In Muong Khoun District there are Hmong villages that have markets on Sunday. [31] [30]
Notes and references
- ^ "International visitor data". World Travel & Tourism Council. http://www.wttc.org/eng/Tourism_Research/Economic_Data_Search_Tool/. Retrieved 20 January 2011.
- ^ Laos National Tourism Association. "Laos in brief - climate". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=6. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
- ^ Laos National Tourism Association. "Laos in brief - religion". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=6. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
- ^ Laos National Tourism Association. "Attapeu". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=57. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
- ^ Lao National Tourism Association. "Bokeo Overview". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=43. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ The Gibbon Experience. "Gibbon Experience, The Project".
- ^ LaosTourism.org. "Borikhamxay Province". http://www.laotourism.org/borikhamxay.htm. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ a b , Champasak Overview,Lao National Tourism Association, retrieved 25 December 2011
- ^ Jan Kamler (10 November 2010). "The Ecology of Dholes in a Zoned Reserve in Laos". http://www.ruffordsmallgrants.org/rsg/projects/jan_kamler.
- ^ Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area (11 June 2011). "Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area". http://www.namet.org/Home.html.
- ^ Nam Et - Phou Louey National Protected Area. "Nam Nern Night Safari". http://www.namet.org/namnern.html. Retrieved 22 November 2011.
- ^ Lao National Tourism Association. "Houaphanh Overview". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=46. Retrieved 25 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d Khammouane Overview, Lao National Tourism Association, Retrieved 22 December 2011
- ^ a b , Luang Nam Tha Overview, Lao National Tourism Association, Retrieved 22 December 2011}}
- ^ a b , Luang Prabang Overview, Luang Prabang Overview, Lao National Tourism Association, Retrieved on 25 December 2011}}
- ^ Lonely Planet (17 February 2011). "Introducing Muang Ngoi Neua". http://www.lonelyplanet.com/laos/northern-laos/muang-ngoi-neua.
- ^ Lao National Tourism Association. "Oudomxay Overview". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=44. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ a b c d , Phongsaly Overview, Lao National Tourism Association, Retrieved on 22 December 2011}}
- ^ a b c d , Sainyabuli Overview, Lao National Tourism Association, Retrieved on 22 December 2011}}
- ^ Laos National Tourism Association. "Salavanh". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=54. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
- ^ , Savannakhet Overview, LaosTourism.org, Retrieved on 21 December 2011}}
- ^ LaosTourism.org. "Savannakhet". http://www.laotourism.org/savannakhet.htm. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
- ^ Laos National Tourism Association. "Sekong". http://www.tourismlaos.org/web/show_content.php?contID=56. Retrieved 21 December 2011.
- ^ Lao National Tourism Administration - Tourist Sites in Vientiane Capital
- ^ Wat Si Muang - Vientiane - Laos - Asia for Visitors
- ^ Buddha Park - Vientiane - Laos - Asia for Visitors
- ^ "Vang Vieng tubing". goseasia. 2011. http://goseasia.about.com/od/laos/a/tubing_vang_vieng_laos.htm.
- ^ "Down the tube". sydney Morning Herald. 30 June 2011. http://www.smh.com.au/travel/down-the-tube-20110727-1hzzc.html.
- ^ LaosTourism.org. "Vientiane Province". http://www.laotourism.org/vientiane%20province.htm. Retrieved 22 December 2011.
- ^ a b c , The Prehistory of Lao and the Amazing Stone Jars, Plainofjars.net, Retrieved on 21 December 2011}}
- ^ a b c , The Plain of Jars - Laos Northern Heritage, Laos National Tourism Administration, Retrieved on 21 December 2011}}
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