Five Reasons You Will Never Be Able To Thing To Do In Laos Like Bill Gates

I have travelled all over Europe, Thailand, Australia, as well as living in New Zealand and Laos.

The old sector of town just back from Bor Pen Yang is also a really cool little hideaway from the hustle and bustle of the city. There is no better way to finish of a day in Vientiane than going down to the Mekong waterfront in the centre of town and chowing down on some local fare on the sand then cruising up to the 3rd story bar Bor Pen Yang for a cool, refreshing Beerlao. It consists of a number of large golden temples as well as one of the largest stupa you will ever lay your eyes on. As you walk in to your left you will see a large open concrete area that most likely used to be a runway at some point.

Pha That Luang on the other hand is a more modern and far larger complex. The 450 year old Lao capital that sits on the side of the Mekong isn't exactly the most exciting prospect on the face of it, however, a little delving and there are some fairly interesting things that can be done in and around this city. South lies the capital Vientiane as well as the large man made lake of Nam Ngum Dam.

It's either north or south from Vang Vieng as Route 13 is the only road that services it. To the north lies Luang Prabang and just before this lies the turn off for Phonsovan and the amazing heritage rich north east area along Routes, 7, 6 and 1C. Have your cameras ready along this route though as it winds it way up through stunning kaarst landscape. These places really are the heart of Laos and are not really geared up for tourism (except for Phonsovan) so are truly eye opening and humbling to any regular backpacker. You can get Nong Khiaw or Phonsovan from Luang Prabang but beyond here in the northeast you will most likely struggle to find consistent and safe public transport to the amazingly isolated towns of Vieng Xai, Sam Neua, Vieng Thong and Muang Khoun.

This is often a popular option for day trips and multi-day trips should only be experienced by experienced riders as the roads (and sometimes trails) in some parts could be described by the phrase ‘poor at best'. Most towns will offer up the option of motorbike/scooter hire. Be aware the relaxed Laos customs workers don't like working on weekends so you will be charged 1 USD extra Information for Tourist in Laos entering Laos.

It doesn't matter whether you come by bus, train, boat or plane all visas are for 30 days. You can get these visas at your local Laotian embassy or the much easier option is to get them on entry to Laos. Most visas are (at the time of writing) 35 USD for 30 days.

One of the most common stories is that people only receive 15 days for Laos on entry.