Nestled in the midst of Vietnam, Cambodia, China and Thailand, landlocked Laos is all too often overlooked as a holiday destination. Despite its lush tropical forests and welcoming people, the tiny nation still remains relatively unexplored by western travellers.

In recent years, its popularity with foreigners has grown, however, with gap year backpackers often stopping over on their way through south-east Asia. The country has a huge amount to offer intrepid holidaymakers looking for an exciting adventure and not just for pre-university travellers. As with many countries in this part of the world, Laos is teaming with wildlife, much of which has been left to its own devices and thrived in huge areas of jungle and mountainous landscape which have been virtually untouched by humans. Known as the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos is a haven for nature enthusiasts, with many creatures which were previously believed to be extinct being discovered there.

Particularly abundant with animal life is the Mekong region with all types of species being drawn to the area's wetlands and river. The river itself has been described as the "lifeblood" of south-east Asia, travelling thousands of miles across China, Tibet, Myanmar and Thailand, Laos Cambodia and Vietnam. It certainly lives up to its reputation in Laos where it is integral to everyday life both as a transport system and a provider of water for cooking, washing, playing, fishing and irrigation.

Here, animals and particularly birds, reptiles and amphibians are flourishing alongside endangered species such as the Irawaddy dolphin which makes its home in the river.
Other areas of the country are also home to a large number of rare beasts including the Asian golden cat, the leopard cat, the lesser panda, various monkey species and the lesser mouse deer.

As well as its wonderful offering of wildlife, Laos' tiny population – smaller than that of London - is also proud of its rich heritage and culture. Festivals are widely celebrated and are normally linked to the agricultural seasons or religion. One of the most delightful to watch is the Boun Ok Pansa and Boun Souang Heua or Boat Racing Festival held over two days in mid-October. Here, hundreds of paper boats decorated with colourful patterns and flowers are set afloat on the Mekong River to symbolise dispelling bad luck, bad deeds and disease. This ceremony is followed by boat races on the river in the Vientiane, Savannakhet and Champassak Province. Other festivals include Boun Bangfai or Rocket Festival, where people pray for rain following the dry season. The celebrations include the building of homemade rockets which compete for various prizes.

Back to News