An Introduction to LAOS

Laos provides the traveller a chance to truly experience Asia as it once was. Largely undeveloped, devotedly Buddhist and blessed geographically with natural beauty, this country will forever leave a lasting impression on all travellers.

Time - GMT + 7 hours

Language - The official and dominant language is Lao, a tonal language of the Tai linguistic group but English is spoken in the main cities as is French by the older generation. Thai and Vietnamese are also common.

Entry Requirements - Passport must be valid for 6 months beyond the length of stay. Visas are required for South African passport holders and are issued on arrival. USD30.00 per person is required (Updated Feb 09)

The countries of Indochina hold some of the most spectacular scenery, ancient monuments and friendly warm people in the world. Despite the huge increase in travel to this region over the past ten years, every time I go back there I am constantly struck by the endearing charm of the countries that make up Indochina and how little things have actually changed. The proliferation of modern high rise buildings, super highways and smart shopping centres that usually spring up in developing regions when tourism takes a hold, has not happened in any large degree to Indochina and so a visit here is still an exciting and fascinating experience for even the most seasoned traveller. Because of the success of our group tours to Indochina and in particular Vietnam, over the years, we have had the privilege of showing many thousands of Australians and hundreds of South Africans the charms of this part of the world.
Some small changes have been made to our IndoChina the itineraries in response to the feedback we have received over the past year. These changes will make our group tours more enjoyable for participants as they will add some previously unvisited areas or eliminate sections that do not hold enough interest. As well as having a great deal of success in operating group tours to Indochina, Wendy Wu Tours can also offer a wide range of independent and tailor made arrangements, in fact we send almost as many people to Indochina independently as we do on our groups and they are all looked after in the same great Wendy Wu Tours way. No matter what is your preferred travel option, group or independent, I hope you will join us in Indochina and see for yourself what wonderful countries these are.

VIENTIANE

Weaving along the Mekong River, Vientiane, is the capital of Laos and the largest city in the country, yet is still small enough to get to know easily. The tree-lined boulevards and old temples impart an old world charm in spite of passing traffic.

LUANG PRABANG

Set amidst a striking mountainous skyline, Luang Prabang is a beautiful town retaining its original enchanting character and is perhaps the best preserved traditional city in South East Asia. This UNESCO listed city is the crown jewel of Laos and royal residence of the last king Sisavan Vatthana.

VANG VIENG

Vang Vieng is the Laos equivalent to Guilin with similar limestone mountainous landscape. Once a favourite destination for backpackers, Vang Vieng is fast becoming a destination for more mainstream travellers.

PAKSE

Located on the confluence of the Mekong and Se Don Rivers, the capital of Champasak Province is the departure point for Wat Phou, Four Thousand Islands and the coffee plantations of Bolaven Plateau. From here you can also visit Khone Pha Pheng Waterfalls, reputed to be the largest waterfalls in Asia.

PLAIN OF JARS (Phonsavan)

Situated in Xieng Khuang Province, the Plain of Jars is home to the mysterious and reputed 2000 year old stone jars. Phonsavan (Phonsavanh), the official provincial capital is the closest city and airport to the Plain of Jars.

CHAMPASAK (Wat Phou)

A small and quiet former French colonial town, Champasak is now better known for its Pre-Angkorian temple dating back to the 8th century AD which has been listed as a World Heritage site. Wat Phou is thought to have been the possible capital of the first Khmer Kingdom before they moved south to the Ton Le Sap area. 

 

Country Map

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Images from LAOS

Country Info