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- Laos: Bamboo Weaving, A Bear Sanctuary, and Waterfalls
Laos: Bamboo Weaving, A Bear Sanctuary, and Waterfalls
Fabulous night markets, waterfalls for swimming, and food so good you will smile.
Laos:
Bamboo Weaving, A Bear Sanctuary, and Waterfalls
Laos is a land of magic and mystery. You can swim in the waterfalls, feed treats to bears in a sanctuary, and sleep above the forest. Bring 2-3 extra suitcases because narrowing down what to bring home will be your biggest challenge.
- Cris
Agenda | |||
|---|---|---|---|
Gibbon Experience | Palace, Temple, Waterfalls | Bear Sanctuary | Bamboo Weaving |
Day 1: The Gibbon Experience
Bokeo Nature Reserve
The Gibbon Experience is a tourism-based conservation program. involving ziplines and tree houses. The ziplines enable you to fly from hill to hill, going deeper into the forest while reducing up-and-down walks. For some of the itineraries, what would have been an 8-hour walk was reduced to 2 hours thanks to the ziplines. The Gibbon Experience’s itineraries currently feature a total of 15 km of ziplines, some of them as long as 600 meters. Hiking is also required to access the lines, adding to the physical challenge. Expect high-adrenaline zips over 150 meters high and a unique perspective on the jungle.
Your trip includes a stay in one of the world’s highest treehouses. Each house is unique because each tree is unique. With several houses available - including a honeymoon package! - you are likely to meet people from all around the world.
Top 7 Verified Reasons to Bring Cash for International Travel
I traveled for 14 days in Europe visiting Poland, France, Portugal, and Spain. These are the top verified reasons to bring cash while traveling internationally:
Restaurant Tips: We paid by card for most meals. However, in the countries we visited, the card terminal never (99%) gave us the option to leave a tip. The only way to tip is with cash.
Attractions / Experiences: Castle and museum exhibitions with onsite ticket offices only took cash payments.
Street Vendors / Café: There are plenty of delicious snacks offered by street vendors all around the world. The cost can be cheap, but the vendors usually only accept cash.
Shopping: Many vintage shops in Portugal had a cash-only sign, while in Poland, the shop manager was willing to negotiate the price of some keepsakes when paying in cash.
Public Restrooms: In many places in Europe, public restrooms charge a small fee, typically payable only in cash.
Taxi Ride: Taxi and buses may only accept cash. Make sure you have enough cash for fares, especially where rideshare apps aren't available.
Prepare for Emergencies: Card terminals can fail, and credit cards can get fraud-blocked. Having cash ensures you can handle emergencies and make essential purchases without stress or worry.
Buy currency online with CXI for the quickest and most convenient way to get currency for your international travels. CXI was trusted with more than 1 million exchanges last year. Order currency in 3 easy steps to have it delivered to your home.
Day 2: Palace, Temple, Waterfalls
Kuang Si Falls
The beautiful turquoise flowing waters make it unique to other waterfalls in Laos and many others around Southeast Asia. The bright blue color of the water comes from picking up limestone particles as is splashes down a 50-meter drop. These particles contain high levels of calcium carbonate which reflect light, creating those beautiful blue waters.
Plan your visit for between December to May to see the beautiful blue version of the falls. June - November is monsoon season and the falls turn into raging brown torrents of water. It is not recommended to swim in the falls during monsoon season.
We recommend a guided tour of the Royal Palace, Temples, and Waterfalls - all in the same day (12 hours) to fully experience Laotian culture. The Royal Palace (Haw Kham) is now a museum and is an interesting display of how governments can change from a monarchy to a democracy and retain cultural identity. After the death of King Sisavang Vong, the crown Prince Savang Vatthana and his family were the last to occupy the palace. After the revolution in 1975, the building was taken over by the government. The palace was then converted into a national museum and opened to the public in 1995.
What To Eat (reviews and photos)
$$$: MANDA de LAOS features Laotian Family Cuisine specialties from all regions of Laos. Dine under the stars surrounded by a UNESCO classified lily pond, immerse in a tropical ambiance. During sunset, sip their signature cocktail while watching the magical changing colors in the sky. Breathe deep and savor the moment.
$$: The Green Restaurant prides itself on using fresh, local ingredients to create dishes that are both flavorful and healthy. Diners can savor traditional Lao specialties prepared with time-honored recipes, ensuring an unforgettable culinary experience. They offer vegan options but also pizza and meals for meat eaters.
$: The A.M.D Restaurant offers a variety of Asian dishes at affordable prices, making it a popular spot for budget travelers seeking quality meals.
Day 3: Bear Sanctuary
Free The Bears Sanctuary
The new Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary is located 14km from Luang Prabang in a stunning mountain valley beside the rural village of Ban Nong Tok. This is a multi-species sanctuary, you’ll see rescued sun bears, moon bears and other endangered & vulnerable species. You’ll likely meet Mary Christmas, star of the BBC docuseries ‘Bears about the House’ as well as prepare a treat for the bears!
Since 2003, the sanctuary has worked with the Luang Prabang Provincial Agriculture and Forestry Office to rescue bears from bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade to create a safe haven. The bears now relax in hammocks, play with new friends and live a safe, healthy life. The sanctuary is not open to the public and can be accessed only by tours offered by the sanctuary.
Where To Shop (reviews and photos)
Ban Xang Khong Handicraft Village: The villages of ban Xang Khong & Ban Xieng Lek have specialised for many years in manufacturing and selling products made from silk and Saa Paper (paper made from the bark of the Saa Tree). Buy greeting cards and handmade wrapping paper.
Luang Prabang Night Market: This night market is open every night so you know it must be good. People come here to shop, eat, and chat. Everyone is smiling and relaxed - this is not a high-stress market. Buy dinner, desserts, handwoven textiles, traditional clothing, fresh produce, baguettes, and handcrafted jewelry.
Talat Sao Morning Market, Vientiane: Talat Sao Market, also known as Vientiane's morning market, is centrally located in the heart of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos. Buy breakfast, fresh produce, traditional Laotian handicrafts including handwoven textiles, intricately carved woodwork, and beautiful silver jewelry. These artisanal creations make for unique souvenirs and gifts to bring back home.
Day 4: Bamboo Weaving
Bamboo Weaving Class
Bamboo is central to Lao culture so learn to weave it like a local. Take a bamboo weaving class and text your Father that you finally completed that ‘basket weaving’ class that he joked about. You will, in fact, weave a mat rather than a basket but text messages should be kept short so you can leave this detail out.
Mental health experts recommend that we pick up artistic hobbies to soothe our digital brains. Weaving bamboo creates time to chat with your friends and get to know other people in the class. This experience will create a feeling of calm within you.
Learning new skills can make you hungry so it’s time to (learn to) cook. These classes are fun for all skill levels. Never chopped a vegetable? You will be a pro. Certified as a Master Chef? You will pick up new ingredient combinations to bring to your dishes.
Where To Sleep (reviews and photos)
$$$: The Rosewood Luang Prabang resort offers a luxurious retreat with a blend of Laotian and French colonial architecture, nestled in a lush hillside setting. They have four deluxe rooms, four specialty suites, three riverside villas, six pool villas and six luxury tents. All rooms face the river for a relaxing view. The 75-square-meter luxury tented villas include their own private dining areas and wrap-around decks.
$$: The Maison Dalabua is known for its beautiful lotus ponds and tranquil atmosphere. The name Dalabua - meaning "Lotus Princess",
describes their charming boutique hotel in Luang Prabang surrounded by three UNESCO classified lily ponds set in an acre of tropical lush garden. Reconnect with nature and enjoy a tranquil and secluded oasis of calm
with rooms uniquely designed in Maison Dalabua style with a blend of Lao colonial furniture and traditional textile inspirations, along with all modern amenities.
$: The Sunrise Riverside Pool Hostel offers budget-friendly accommodations with a pool, ideal for backpackers.
Laos is a land of beauty and abundant food. It’s one of the few places that hits all of the right notes; affordable, friendly, safe, diverse, and lots of great food. I am contemplating living here for a few years just to experience all of its true value. Do you have photos to share from Laos? Hit ‘Reply’ to share them - we would love to admire your memories.
Next Wednesday, we bring you photos and travel inspiration from Slovenia.
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