The narrow, long strip of southern Laos reminds me, in its geometrical and geographical characteristics of Vietnam. The coast here is by the Mekong River and the mountains are in the eastern side, but otherwise the set is similar.

Vientiane, the Laotian capital, is by far the main attraction in the country. Few cities in the world manage to impart such a strong sense of being a capital, while keeping a sleepy and relaxed ambience. Wide, shaded avenues create a comfortable space between the monuments, ministries and markets. The town is small and can be explored in a couple of days, but it creates tons of empathy and few would be able to leave it in less than a week. The main sights are the Pha That Luang, which is one of the biggest stupas in the world, Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in the city and Wat Pha Kaew, a former royal temple. That Luang Festival takes place in November and offers unforgettable views of crowds walking around the stupa with lighted candles together with a huge market in its surroundings. The socialist-era Lao Revolutionary Museum is an interest place to visit; try to spot which events in the Laotian history are avoided there. Another interesting museum is the Haw Pha Kaew, the museum of Lao art.

The northeast is the most remote area in the country. There are three points of interest: Phonsavan, Xam Nua, and Phongsaly. It is possible to make a loop among the three, or to approach the towns in the way from or to Vietnam. For information regarding the last option, please see my journal Planning Vietnam.

Northern Laos is better approached in a one-way trip. It is possible to enter from Thailand to Huay Xai and then to continue to Vientiane through the main attractions, or to do the way in the opposite direction. However, if this is your first trip to Laos, entering from the north may be too much of a shock. A trip beginning from Vientiane, leads gradually into the wilderness and allows to visit on the way the northeastern part of the country before leaving it from the north. Short trips to the north, mainly to Vang Vieng, Kasi, and Luang Prabang are available from the bus terminal next to the Morning Market in Vientiane. Long distance lines depart from the northern terminal, in the northern outskirts of the town.