48 Hours in Laos

Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang

Arriving in Vientiane, Laos was a whirlwind for many reasons. First, I decided I wanted to go to Laos literally maybe 4 days before I actually bought the ticket. Second, I really didn't have anything planned, I only wrote down a few places I really wanted to go to. Third, I didn't do any research about how much things like tuk tuks, buses or taxis cost so I'd be aware if I was getting scammed. This trip was very last minute for me because of a vacation mishap at work. Usually I'm pretty well organized, I like having a list of sights I want to see and plan which days I will see certain places to make sure I get to see everything I want to see. This was actually my first time not having a plan while traveling solo and I would never do it again! I felt like I missed out on seeing places because I didn't really look.

​Laos is a beautiful country located in-between Thailand and Vietnam. Most people who have visited this country rave about how relaxed it is in comparison to Thailand. In Thailand the locals seem to be quite pushy with foreigners, wanting them to buy things or use a tuk tuk. Waterfalls are normally the first thing you may hear about the country as well. Next will probably be the food, however I found it to be similar to Thai food. I actually could not tell the difference if there is one. Overall, I enjoyed my short time in Laos and actually want to go back again in the near future. Take a look at some of thing things I did on my trip!

VIENTIENE

My first stop was Vientiane. Vientiane is the capital and largest city in the country. Once a French colony, you will notice a lot of the influence in Vientiane.  I actually met a man who spoke to me in French after learning I was Canadian. Unfortunately, my French language skills suck! There are a lot of great sights in this city, take  look below.

That Dam

The first place I went to after lunch was That Dam. That Dam is a neglected large black stupa that sits in a roundabout in the centre of town, near the US embassy and a market. Legend has it that a seven headed snake occupied the stupa. The snake tried to protect the Laotians from Siam (Thailand) in the 17th century but ultimately failed. The stupa is actually a very popular landmark. It hasn't been restored and is not maintained, so it's pretty cool getting to see the original structure.
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Estimated time to Spend: 10 mins
Cost: Free!

Patuxai Victory Monument

Patuxai was built in 1962 and was built to pay homage to those who fought to gain independence from France and died in WWII. Strangely it resembles the French Arc de Triomphe whom they wanted independence from. The monument is an arch located in the centre of a round-about just like the Arc de Triomphe. That being said, Patuxai Victory Monument is one of the most important structures in the country.

The building also has a roof that is open to the public, however there is a small fee to climb to the top. There is also a museum and souvenir shop in the monument. There is also a park where you will see a lot of people relaxing by the palm trees and wandering around.

Estimated time to Spend: 1 hour
​Cost: Free entry, climbing to the top is 3,000 kip ($0.50cad)

Presidential Palace

I was unaware that the presidential palace was so accessible. There was a lack of security and the actual palace was pretty close to the gates and the road. However, the palace is quite elegant looking. Unfortunately, the palace is closed to the public, so you can only take pictures from outside.

Estimated time to Spend: 10 mins
Cost: Free!

Wat Si Saket

Sitting across the street from the Presidential Palace is the Wat Si Saket Temple. Built in 1820, this temple was built as a Buddhist monastery by the last king of Vientiane. It is actually one of the very few temples that still stands after the invasion of the Siamese military. This temple has over 10,000 Buddha images in gold, silver and bronze. This temple is not as fancy as others you may have seen but it's unique because there is minimal restoration work which is very visible. There is a courtyard just before you go into the main entrance where you can relax before or after you walk around the temple. 

​Estimated time to Spend: 40 mins~ 1 hour
​Cost: 10,000kip ($1.60 cad)

Buddha Park

The Buddha Park is amazing! It's quite a ways from the city centre and a hot, bumpy and dusty ride to get there but it's so worth it. There are around 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures in the park, as well as one large reclining Buddha statue. The statues are all very unique and detailed. Make sure to take a look at them all! You cannot miss the large pumpkin like statue with the demon head entrance, make sure to go inside. There are very steep stairs that lead to the rooftop which gives you a birds eye view of the park. 

Estimated time to Spend: 1 hour
​Cost: 5,000 kip ($0.80 cad)

One of the downfalls of not properly planning your trip is forgetting about sights that you wanted to see or not having enough time to do some other things that you wanted to do.

Here are a few other places you shouldn't miss:

• Pha That Luang
• Wat Phra Kaew
• Lao National Museum
• Vientiane Night Market

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LUANG PRABANG

Luang Prabang is the 4th largest city yet it is the most visited city in Laos. This city is about an 8 hour road trip north of Vientiane. This city is very popular amongst backpackers probably because of it's relaxed and quaint lifestyle. Luang Prabang has only become accessible by plane since 2011 which means before that you would have to take one of those uncomfortable sleeper buses from Vientiane to get up there. Not fun! I did it! Luang Prabang is also a UNESCO World Heritage Site. I didn't get to spend a lot of time here because my bus arrived a few hours later than I expected.

Kuang Si Waterfall

Getting to Kuang Si Waterfall from the city centre was rough. Much like the trip to the Buddha Park in Vientiane the trip was extremely bumpy, however this time I did not take a tuk tuk, I went in a truck. Obviously this cost a bit more than a tuk tuk would but it was very hot and the drive was about 40 mins. 

You don't get dropped off right at the falls, the is a bit of walking to do before you get there. On the way up is a Black Bear sanctuary where you can see the endangered Asiatic Black Bears. As you keep walking on you will see the river  and all you have to do is keep following it up until you reach the base of the waterfall. For more adventurous people you can keep hiking until you get to the top of the waterfall. I attempted to but I visited in the rainy season so the hike up with extremely muddy and I was close to taking a tumble a few times. The rainy season is May-Oct. In the dry season you can actually swim in the river but obviously in the rainy season the currents are too strong so it is prohibited.

Estimated time to Spend: 90 mins & up 
Hiking time to the base: 15~20mins
​Cost: 20,000 kip ($3 cad)

Once you visit Luang Prabang you will understand why is it the most visited city. The city offers so much in terms of sights and natural beauty. There's a lot more things to do up here to keep you busy. I wish I had spent more time up here than in Vientiane, but you live and you learn.

Here are a few other places you shouldn't miss:

• Phu Si
• Royal Palace
• TAEC Museum
• Wat Xieng Thong
• Tad Sae Waterfall
• Mount Phousi
• Tourist Nightmarket
• Pak Ou Caves