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Thailand, Cambodia, Vietnam – the choices when it comes to visiting Southeast Asia are beautiful.
But what if you’re looking for something a little more off-road in this region?
The answer is the beautiful and underrated country that borders all three of the aforementioned favorites: Laos.
This landlocked country saw an impressive 285% year-on-year increase in visitors by 2023 according to local mediawith travelers from the US making up a fair share of these figures.
Why is Laos grabbing its own share of the Southeast Asian spotlight and why could it be the perfect place for you to get a taste of this fascinating part of the world? Let’s find out.
An affordable access to Southeast Asia
One of the most important things that Laos (or Lao People’s Democratic Republic, to give it its full title) has to offer is the fact that it is a cheap place to visit.
That’s a general rule for Southeast Asia, but Laos is definitely cheaper than some of its closest rivals. It is not out of the question to budget as little as $40 per day, perhaps even less in remote areas.
The currency used in the country is the Laotian Kip, which at the time of writing works out to about 20,000 per dollar.
Please note that the US dollar and Thai baht are widely accepted in Laos, but make sure you have some local currency with you just in case.
You should also be prepared for mixed currency transactions, for example paying in dollars and getting change in kip.
An alternative way to cruise
Cruising? But didn’t I mention before that Laos is landlocked?
You’re right, I did, but literally hundreds of kilometers of one of Asia’s most famous rivers runs straight through the north of the country and then along the western border with Thailand.
That river? The mighty Mekong – and you can enjoy cruises up and down this amazing river to see parts of the country’s dense forest interior that are inaccessible by roads.
While no cruise is strictly “cheap,” taking a cruise like this is likely to be much friendlier to your wallet than an ocean cruise around the Caribbean or Mediterranean.
Fascinating culture and influences
Laos is a predominantly Buddhist country with many temples and religious complexes dedicated to the faith.
This creates a relaxed, almost spiritual atmosphere in many of the places you visit.
You can also see a European colonial influence in the larger towns and cities, as Laos was a protectorate of France from 1893 to 1953.
Another interesting thing to note about Laos is that it is the most bombed country in the world, with a fascinating museum in Luang Prabang dedicated to this fact.
There is still a lot of unexploded ordnance in the country, so it is best not to venture into the wilderness alone.
The friendliest people
This is something people say about many places, but take my word for it when I say that Laotian people are incredibly friendly.
Provided you treat them and their culture with respect, you will be warmly welcomed and often asked many questions about the country you come from and what it is like there.
The country is generally safe and has little crime, making it an ideal backpacking destination for solo travelers.
Three places you must see in Laos:
1. Luang Prabang
This mountain city is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers and was previously rated as one of the top 10 cities to visit in Asia.
It boasts an enchanting mix of traditional Buddhist temples and shrines, combined with a vibrant food culture influenced by a large number of European expats living here.
2. Vientiane
The capital of Laos is also the largest city in the country and an important port on the banks of the Mekong River.
The city perfectly combines ancient Buddhist architecture with more modern colonial buildings from the time under French rule.
3. Catch Vieng
This small and unassuming country town has become an iconic place to visit for travelers thanks to its incredible range of outdoor adventures and growing party scene.
Think motorcycling through jungles on mountain roads, bathing at the base of dramatic waterfalls and riding down the river in a rubber ring (yes, really).
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This article originally appeared on TravelOffPath.com
