Laos

Dates: March 23rd - March 30th, 2010

Dry Season: Dec-Apr

Rainy Season: May-Nov

 

Luang Prabang

Plain of Jars

Wat Phu

Vang Vieng's jagged cliffs

Bolovens Plateau

Nam Tha National Biodiversity Conservation Area

4000 Island region

 

Festivals:

February: Boun Khao Chee (A morning temple ceremony at which a special sticky-rice bread is offered)

Mar 8: Women's Day

Mar 22: People's Party Day

Apr 13-15: Boun Pimailao (Lao New Year)

 

Exchange: $1 = 10,000 KIP

 

- Vientiane

Accomm: Mixok Guest House ($2)

See: That Luang (gold stupa), That Dam (Black stupa, protector of city), Wat sokpaluang (sauna and massages), Talat Sao morning market, Talat Khuadim evening market

- Nam Ngum Lake, Santipap Island: Sleep in hammocks

- Tha Deua

 

- Vang Vieng

Inner tubing down Nam Song river, exploring the limestone caves, Tham Xang Elephant caves

 

- Luang Prabang

Sisavangvong Road, Wat Xieng Thong (Temple of the golden city), Mount Phousi (Marvelous Mountain, good for sunsets), Wat Mai, Wat That Luang

- Khouang Sy Waterfall (tiger in a cage?)

- Pak ou Caves, Phimai (new years) people come to pray, Xang Hai Village famous for rice whiskey

 

- Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang)

Accomm: Kong Keo Guest House ($2)

Thong Hay Hin (Plain of Jars)