We are starting off with Laos, which is appropriate as I think 2011 will be the year of Laos! This amazing country is changing fast and now is the time to see it. With more and more travel shows and famous celebrities visiting this little country (thank you Anthony Bourdain!) I think it’s the new hot spot in Southeast Asia. Our Laos Director, Nicole Long, came up with her top places to see and things to do in 2011…I like number 5!
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Top five places to see and things to do in 2011…
- Have a full day on the small island of Don Khong exploring island life by bicycle and then relaxing at the pool overlooking the mighty Mekong at La Folie Lodge. Wake the next morning and cross the Mekong to visit the ancient ruins of Wat Phou. Continue to explore the south of Lao by adding trips to the Bolavean Plateau, Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the 4,000 islands, or Phou Asa. The choices in the south are endless!
- Visit the Northern province of Luang Namtha with a 4 or 5 day eco adventure tour enjoying the breathtaking scenery while trekking, kayaking and/or biking and getting a closer look at some of the ethnic hill tribes living within the area. Purchasing handicrafts from local sellers will make the best and most talked about souvenirs as well as supporting local artisan’s culture and craftsmanship.
- While visiting Laos make sure that you choose hotels and tours in which will allow you to give back to the communities in which you’re visiting. A great way to do that is to volunteer through Journeys Within Our Community while in Luang Prabang. Past guests have commented that their experience volunteering with the youth of Laos has been the highlight of their journey in SE Asia.
- Take a 3 day village escape on the outskirts of Luang Prabang to Nong Khiaw. Here you will have the opportunity to witness village life in Laos. Your three day adventure will include a river cruise through limestone cliffs, lunch with an historic village chief, trekking, cave swimming and so much more!
- Relax, Relax, Relax! What do most want to do when they go on holiday? Take time to relax and enjoy your surroundings. Well, Laos is the perfect place to do this! The people of Laos are pros at taking it easy so, learn as the locals and slow down! Enjoy a long breakfast, stroll through the handicraft markets, enjoy a book on your hotel balcony overlooking the landscape, take a dip in one of the many waterfalls, or sunset cocktails on the Mekong River!
- Enjoy traveling the way the explorers use to do, with a luxury boat cruise along the Mekong. Your choices range from a two day cruise from northern Thailand to Luang Prabang in Laos, or a three day cruise through the 4,000 island. If you really want to discover the explorer inside of you then the Mekong Experience 2011 is the ultimate river journey! Take a month traveling along the Mekong River with stops in China, Myanmar, Thailand, Laos, Cambodia and Vietnam.
