Sao Lao

After more than 20 years of isolation, Laos has opened its door to the rest of the world. Now the country is accessible to foreign tourists. Laos is a a hot destination for many Europeans, including the Dutch. In the Great Adventure Travel Show, Floortje (the show host) travels to Laos to experience the great paradise before the country is infected with mass tourism.

This travel clip was made near the end of 2004 and Laos was not yet submerged with mass tourists, partly due to the lack of good infrastructure. But the lack of foreign influences in Laos since 1975 gives you a glimpse of the old Southeast Asia. Laos is seven times larger than the Netherlands but only has a little over six millions inhabitans (estimated) and the most populated areas are in the large cities. However, it has been said that the population can hear the rice grow due to its quiet nature of the country.

Although the infant mortality rate is high, almost half of the population is younger than 15 years old. The total life expectancy in Laos is 54 years. The Mekong river is 4,400 kilometers long and flows from Tibet through Laos to the South China sea. The Mekong is the vein of the country and serves as drinking water, wash water, swimming water, as well as a sewer. The mekong is one of the two longest rivers in Asia.

Here you can follow Floorjte’s steps from Amsterdam Airport to Paksé, a city with status as the capital of the south of Laos. The city is actually one large collection of small villages, and is for many travellers the starting point of their travel in Laos. In Paksé it becomes rapidly clear that religion plays an important role in the daily rountines of the people. Throughout the city you can find sacrifice spots and splendid Buddhist statues. The video clip is ten minutes long and in Dutch. While you might not understand the language, the beauty of Paksé, Laos is quite stunning.

In Laos you can spend the night at the most beautiful locations. The Tadfane Resort in the province of Champasak has not yet been discovered by many tourists due to its location. The resort lies hidden on a hill rock in the jungle. If you want combine entertainment with jungle excursions, then this is the spot to be. An overnight stay at this resort costs $32.00 for a double cabin (internet rates) or $40.00 (rack rates).

Pakse is the largest city of southern Laos but has few activities to do. The city is more of a starting point for the superb surroundings and for a visit to the Khmer ruins Wat Phu, which is 48 km away. The most beautiful view you can get of the city is from the Champasak Palace Hotel. The hotel has comfortable chambers with AC, starting at $40.00 per night and including breakfast. A good budget address to keep in mind is the Sedone Guesthouse. You can get a chamber with bathroom for about $5.00 - $7.00 per night.