Most travelers have a common outlook on Laos: don’t bother going.

I’d been to Laos back in 2015, but only on a visa run from Thailand. During that little trip, I was only there for 24 hours, so therefore, not long enough to get a “feel” for the country. I didn’t feel like I was missing out on much, however, because of what people had told me, even years later.

However, I finally decided to forget the grumblings of other travelers and get my butt there.

And I am so glad I did.

Laos is an underrated and overlooked country in Southeast Asia. It is overshadowed by its popular neighbors Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia. Granted, I’ve been to all of those countries as well and see why so many people visit them, yet Laos shouldn’t be glossed over.

So, why is Laos always forgotten about when it, too, is special and is its own unique entity in Southeast Asia? While there, I never felt in a rush to go anywhere or do anything. I felt as if all I had in my hands was time…even though I only had 9 days there until my flight to Myanmar.

And, naturally, 9 days proved to not be enough for Laos. However, I made the best of it and explored the three top places in the country in that short time: Vientiane, Vang Vieng, and Luang Prabang.

Vientiane

The capital city was a dense and polluted place, to be entirely honest. It’s something I’ve grown used to, especially in capitals on that particular side of the world. But, while temple-hopping and walking along the riverside at sunset on my first (and only) evening there, my interest in the country as a whole was instantly piqued. 

Vang Vieng

This special city is well-known amongst backpackers as a “party” city. Young “adults” typically go here to simultaneous tube down the Mekong River, binge drink, and bar hop at the bars along the river. However, I didn’t get to partake because 1. I had recently gotten a new tattoo on my foot and couldn’t get it wet and 2. Only two bars remained open on that river. So, it overall didn’t sound worth it to me.

Darn. Guess I’ll just have to go back another day to experience it!

Besides that, Vang Vieng has some of the most astounding and untouched natural beauty I’d seen in my life. I cruised along dirt roads through emerald green rice patties during the day to go lagoon hopping. Fun fact: there are actually 3 blue lagoons in Vang Vieng! #1 and #2 can be heavily saturated with tourists, so #3 had to be my favorite. But, at Lagoon #2, I also got to check out a cave!

I then hiked to Nam Xay viewpoint at sunset to witness one of the most stunning views I’ve experienced in my travels and life—and with only a handful of other travelers. I still treasure that nearly private experience to this day. Granted, it was a bit of a difficult hike (straight up for about an hour), but it was so worth it.

On top of that, they offer some of the cheapest (and safest) hot air balloons rides in the world: only $90 per person! (Side note: my friend and I needed to negotiate for that price from a local travel agency, which is expected. The price is normally not much more expensive, though, at around $100 or $110, depending on where you go).

Therefore, even as a person who is scared of heights, I couldn’t say “no” to that (yes, even in my exhausted and very hungover state)!

And, knowing me, I found the best place to view the Mekong River with a glass of wine! Which, by the way, turned out to be Inthira Vang Vieng (a restaurant and hotel in one).

Luang Prabang

As much as I loved Vang Vieng, Luang Prabang is truly where my heart resides. A naturally gorgeous, quaint, and sleepy town, situated snuggly next to the river, one can easily spend an eternity here and enjoy every pristine moment.

There is a nightly market filled with a myriad of colors, textiles, and foods. But, just before that and only a staircase away, there is a glorious sunset to behold atop Phousi Hill. However, please note that as gorgeous as that view is, you will share it with a sea of other tourists!

But, my favorite part: the nightly drunken bowling. In the city (and most of Laos), the bars close rather early. But, in this city, foreigners refused to end their nights early and head to an interesting location: a bowling alley on the outskirts of town. There, everyone gets wild, binge drinks, and has a grand ol’ time until whatever-o’clock!

Oh, and the world-famous Kuang Si Waterfalls aren’t too bad, either. 

In terms of a great restaurant, cafe, AND bar, I fell in love with Utopia. I mean, all you really need to do is glance at these photos and you can understand why! They also perfectly symbolize the ambiance of Luang Prabang.

Laos taught me valuable lessons, like most places I’ve visited have done, but if I could choose one that resonated with me the most, it would have to be this classic: don’t trust the nay-sayers and form your own educated opinion!

I’m beside myself with happiness that I chose to go to Laos by myself, even after all of the negative feedback from fellow travelers. Laos is a truly special place and should not be skipped on any Southeast Asia backpacking trip!

Would you ever visit Laos? Would you ride in a hot air balloon there? What wouldn’t you do that I did?

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