Laos - Exotic Vacation Destination

As a vacation destination, Laos is known for its beautiful countryside, exciting celebrations, and unique food. Village markets add to the local scene and flavour of the country, and here visitors will find crafts and souvenirs that can only be purchased in Laos. The Mekong River, which forms a large portion of the western boundary with Thailand, boasts one of the most beautiful tourist attractions in the country. Known as the Khon Phapheng Falls, south of Don Khong, the area features an exciting stretch of rapids and cascades that will thrill any visitor.

Laos culture boasts theatre, folk music unlike any other in the region, and a rich history of art. The folk music of Laos, called Lam, is rich with vocals and melodies provided by the khaen, a pipe made of bamboo that is native to the country. French influence brought ballet and a history of French cuisine to Laos. In the capital city of Vientiane, baguettes are sold on the street and French restaurants are very popular.

The weather in Laos boasts two seasons: wet and dry. The wet season, where temperatures average 84º F daily, lasts from May to November. The dry season occurs in December through April. Two major festivals are celebrated in Laos, and many tourists plan vacations to enjoy at least one of these events. The Vixakha Bouxa, celebrated around May, is held in honor of the birth, enlightenment, and death of Buddha. This festival features dances, parades, theatre shows, and puppet shows and is celebrated by all. The Festival of the Rockets, or Boun Bang Fay, is celebrated during the hot, dry season. This festival is growing more and more popular, visitors coming to enjoy the fireworks and homemade rockets that are set off during celebration.

Travelers to Laos will find this beautiful place is truly a delight to all the senses. Laos cuisine is unlike the food found in any other region. The main staple of the country is sticky rice, and it is served with almost every meal. Traditionally, the meal is only over when the rice basket is closed. A favoured method of cooking among the people of Laos is grilling. "Ping" means grilled, or grilling, though visitors from the West will find that meat in Laos is drier than what they are used to. A hot sauce called chaew that is often served with meat adds additional flavour and moisture. Every visitor should try the national dish of Laos at least once, known as laap. This is a spicy mixture of meat and fish, and though it is sometimes served raw it can be eaten cooked. Green papaya salad is another popular dish, called tam mak houng in country.

Though cooking methods are similar to ours, many of the flavours used in Laos cooking are not. Banana flowers, ginger flowers, bamboo shoots, shiitake mushrooms, and wood ear mushrooms are all popular ingredients in Laos cuisine. Also, visitors may be surprised to learn that fresh, raw greens are almost always served with meat dishes in Laos, and food is eaten at room temperature. Many people in Laos eat with their hands, mainly because sticky rice is hard to handle any other way. In traditional Lao homes, having a guest in the house is an occasion that requires a great feast.

Lao coffee is known as Pakxong coffee, and the strong brew is said to be an acquired taste. Laos boasts two popular alcoholic beverages, lao hai and lao lao. Lao hai, which means jar alcohol, is traditionally served from an earthen jug and is consumed through a straw. Lao lao is a drink more like whiskey, and the more popular of the two with tourists.

Those who travel to Laos will discover a country rich in culture and history, offering awe-inspiring sights, sounds, and tastes. For tourists seeking an exotic destination, Laos is the perfect tropical getaway.