Laos is not one of the “glamour” destinations of Southeast Asia. And there’s probably a reason for that. After having been to Bangkok and Ho Chi Minh City, Vientiene, Laos' capital, is a place that seems to be in a perpetually sleepwalking. There were times when the sound of, well, nothing seemed to be causing some sort of pressure on my eardrums. However, any distress was short lived because Laos is one of the most beautiful places in Asia.
By some definitions, all of the country can be categorized as a “backwater”. Well, it depends on what you mean, but by most definitions, this is a valid brand. “Quaint” might be a more polite adjective. “Oh how quaint, you eat with your hands in Laos.”
I jest. Some of the most beautifully constucted temples can be found throughout the country, especially in Luang Prabang, the country’s second largest city. Also, for those of us fans of old school buildings, there are some amazing wooden houses scattered about.
Overall, the thing that stands out most is the pace. At first, many people are put off by it, but eventually, the rhythm of life in Laos grows on anyone patient enough to give it some time. There is a sense of peace that comes from watching everything float by at a leisurely pace.
If you are visiting Southeast Asia, don’t start in Laos. But don’t miss it either. If you do, you’ll miss the earthiness which has been sopped up by all things modern in most other parts of the region.
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