|
|
| |
 |
|
 |
| |
| |
|
| Kayaking |
The
mighty Mekong cuts through Laos and is fed by
a range of rushing mountain rivers, making for
one of the most adventurous kayaking destinations
in Asia. There are several areas for kayaking
around the capital Vientiane, including the vast
reservoir of Nam Ngum with its hundreds of tiny
uninhabited islands. A little further north lies
Vang Vieng and the spectacular karst scenery here
makes for the perfect backdrop for a gentle paddle
along the Nam Song River. Luang Prabang marks
the convergence of the Nam Ou River and the Mekong
and exploring the remote tributaries of the Nam
Ou by kayak is increasingly popular, as visitors
an access places that just can’t be reached
by road. Switching to the south, the Mekong reaches
its widest point near the Lao-Cambodian border
and this area is known as Si Phan Done or 4000
Islands. This area is home to Laos’ remaining
freshwater Ayerwaddy dolphins and some spectacular
waterfalls. Exploring the gentle stretches of
river in this region by kayak is the most rewarding
way to get about. For the really adventurous,
it is possible to ride the Sekong River, which
eventually flows into Cambodia. This passes through
some of the most isolated country in southern
Laos. |
| |
|
|
| |
| Trekking |
Trekking
is the best way to experience rural Laos, as thanks
to a combination of isolated communities and a
poor infrastructure, going on foot is often the
only way to get somewhere. Trekking possibilities
are almost endless in Laos, but most tours focus
on the north due to the amazing diversity of minority
groups and stunning scenery. In the far north,
near the border with China and Burma, are Muang
Sing and Luang Namtha. These are both bases for
some of the best trekking in northern Laos, with
more than 35 different ethnic minority groups
in the region and natural attractions in abundance.
For those wanting something really different it
is possible to trek into the northern forests
of Phongsali province, a region that has seen
few visitors. Further south, Luang Prabang is
a charming base for some gentle treks through
the surrounding countryside that offer the perfect
introduction to rural life in Laos. Vang Vieng
offers a similar diet, but with the added bonus
of some incredible karst scenery such as that
seen at Yuan Shou in China or Hoa Lu in Vietnam.
Wherever you trek in Laos, the local people make
it an experience to remember. |
| |
| Cycling |
| Laos
is another cycling frontier, like Cambodia, but
the mountainous terrain in most regions tends
to limit the options to more experienced hill-climbers.
However, the rewards for a hard day in the saddle
are immense, thanks to a combination of the constant
flow of breathtaking scenery and the friendly
reception from locals surprised to see foreigners
using a local means of transport. There is flat
terrain in areas along the Mekong to the south
of the capital of Vientiane, but it is better
to go the whole distance and make for the mountains,
as that is where the most memorable rides are
to be had. We always travel with support vehicles
so it is easy enough to break up the tough stretches
with some time off the saddle. Cycling between
Vientiane and Luang Prabang is an interesting
option, as traffic is reasonably light, as everywhere
in Laos, while the road is in great shape. Elsewhere
we can arrange day rides in many popular areas,
including Don Khong Island and the Bolaven Plateau
in the south, to Buddha Park near Vientiane or
around the sights of Luang Prabang. |
| |
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
|
|
