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Laos is a fascinating country. It’s not really an off the beaten path destination anymore, but it often still feels that way. This landlocked country in Southeast Asia has a tiny population compared to some of its huge neighbours, and it actually shares a border with five different countries, which perhaps is the reason for its interesting cultural diversity. Laos seems to share cultural similarities with its close neighbours.

I’ve now taken two trips to Laos and I’m constantly drawn to its stunning natural beauty, its culture and its quiet but friendly people. From the relaxed, lazy atmosphere of the South, to the culture and history of Luang Prabang and the lush jungle and mountain scenery of the North, Laos just has so much to offer for the intrepid traveller. I just know that I will keep going back.

Today I’d like to share some of my favourite photos that I’ve taken during my trips to this interesting country. I was planning on limiting this to 10, but like my post on Italy, I couldn’t even get below 30 ;). I think that these 33 photos are sure to make you want to travel to Laos.

Storm clouds over the Mekong River in Luang Prabang, Laos

Storm clouds gather over the Mekong River in Luang Prabang

That Luang Stupa in Vientiane, Laos

That Luang in Vientiane – the largest stupa in Laos

Somphamit Waterfall in Si Phan Don, Laos

Somphamit Waterfall in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Wat Sensoukharam in Luang Prabang, Laos

Wat Sensoukharam – a Buddhist temple in Luang Prabang

Rice fields and mountains in Vang Vieng, Laos

Rice fields and limestone karst mountains in Vang Vieng

Old shopfronts in Savannakhet, Laos

Old shopfronts in Savannakhet

Main street in Nong Khiaw, Laos

The main street in Nong Khiaw

View of Luang Prabang from Phou Si, Laos

View of Luang Prabang and the Nam Khan river from the top of Phou Si

Boats being built on Don Khone in Si Phan Don, Laos

Boats being built on Don Khone in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

A man cycling his fruit cart through Luang Prabang in Laos

A man selling fruit from his bicycle on the streets of Luang Prabang

A village and karst mountain on the Mekong River, Laos

A village below a tall limestone karst mountain on the Mekong River in Northern Laos

A flower at Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos

A vibrant flower at Kuang Si Waterfall

 

Old Buddhist relics at Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang, Laos

Old Buddhist relics at Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang

Little local girl in Vang Vieng, Laos

This little local girl came up to me for a photo during a bike ride through a small village outside Vang Vieng



Sunset over the Mekong River in Vientiane, Laos

Sunset over the Mekong in Vientiane

Old crumbling building in Savannakhet, Laos

An old crumbling building in Savannakhet

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang in Luang Prabang, Laos

Wat Nong Sikhounmuang under a stormy sky in Luang Prabang

Quiet street in Pakse, Laos

A quiet street in Pakse

A boat at Pak Ou Caves in Laos

A boat stopped at Pak Ou Caves on the Mekong River

A man standing on a cascade below Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos

A man standing on a cascade at Kuang Si

Buddhist offerings at Phou Si in Luang Prabang, Laos

Buddhist offerings at Phou Si in Luang Prabang

Patuxai in Vientiane, Laos

Patuxai in Vientiane

Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw, Laos

View of the Nam Ou River in Nong Khiaw

Tuk tuks in Luang Prabang, Laos

Tuk tuks on the streets of Luang Prabang

View of the Mekong River in Pakbeng, Laos

View of the Mekong River in Pakbeng

Plaza at night in Savannakhet, Laos

The main plaza at night in Savannakhet, Laos

Picturesque street corner in Luang Prabang, Laos

A picturesque street corner in Luang Prabang

Main street on Don Khone, Si Phan Don, Laos

The main street on Don Khone in Si Phan Don

Wat Sisaket in Vientiane, Laos

The viharn at Wat Sisaket in Vientiane

Monks admire the Pha Bang Pedestal in Luang Prabang, Laos

Two young monks admire the Pha Bang pedestal at Haw Pha Bang in Luang Prabang

Old buildings in Savannakhet, Laos

Old buildings and a local corner food stall in Savannakhet

Rural Road in Vang Vieng, Laos

A rural road outside Vang Vieng

Panorama of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang, Laos

Panorama of the temple complex of Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang (Click to view in full size)