Experience The Real Vietnam
Experience The Real Vietnam
Laos is a perfect trekking destination as it boasts many beautiful areas for exploration. The Taste of Laos tour takes you on an adventurous trekking expedition of the mountainous region of Luang Namtha, which is bordered by China and Myanmar and populated by over twenty ethnic minority groups. Stroll around the small town of Moung Sing, passing through hill tribe villages rarely visited by other tourists. Enjoy a boat trip downstream the Nam Ou River to Luang Prabang enjoying the forest landscape. The fascinating Buddha Park is also an impressive highlight of the tour.
Day 1: Arrival – Vientiane
Day 2: Vientiane to Luang Namtha and Moung Sing
Day 3: Moung Sing – Trekking Tour to Hill Tribe’s Villages
Day 4: Moung Sing to Luang Namtha and Oudomxay
Day 5: Oudomxay to Moung La and Muang Khua
Day 6: Muang Khua – Nong Khiow to Luang Prabang
Day 7: Luang Prabang
Day 8: Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng
Day 9,10: Vang Vieng – Day 11: Vientiane departure.
Vientiane: Visit the historical sites of the capital of Laos inclusive of the oldest temple, museum.
Moung Sing: Experience the daily life of the Hill -tribe in Moung Sing.
Moung SIng: Trekking activities.
Oudomxay: Discovery the real Laos through the route from Moung Sing to Oudomxay.
Muong Khoua: Experience Muong Khoua’s activities.
Luang Prabang: Experience all the sites in this Old Town with its rich history of Laos.
Experience the real Laos through adventure activities.
Vientiane: Visit the historical sites of the capital of Laos inclusive of the oldest temple, museum.
Moung Sing: Experience the daily life of the Hill -tribe in Moung Sing.
Moung SIng: Trekking activities.
Oudomxay: Discovery the real Laos through the route from Moung Sing to Oudomxay.
Muong Khoua: Experience Muong Khoua’s activities.
Luang Prabang: Experience all the sites in this Old Town with its rich history of Laos.
DAY 1: ARRIVAL – VIENTIANE SIGHTSEEING TOURS
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences.
A city tour acquaints us with the capital and after freshening up, we start visiting some of the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, an amazing structure featuring remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. We also visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane. Dinner at the finest local restaurant.
DAY 2: VIENTIANE – LUANG NAMTHA – MOUNG SING ADVENTURE TOURS (FLIGHT) (B/-/-)
The journey northwards begins as we board our flight to Luang Namtha, a province sharing its border with China and Myanmar. Luang Namtha is located on the banks of the Namtha River is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful tropical forests. Today Luang Namtha is populated with over twenty ethnic groups, making this region one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos.
On arrival, we travel by road to Moung Sing, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe village. This ethnic group originally lived in China but immigrated to Laos over a century ago. They are very poor but have a vibrant culture and an interesting history. Overnight in Moung Sing
DAY 3: MOUNG SING – ADVENTURE TREKKING TOURS TO HILLTRIBE’S VILLAGES (B/-/-)
The remote and extremely beautiful mountainous region of Muong Sing is ideal for an adventurous trekking expedition. After breakfast, we stroll around this small town observing the daily activities of the ethnic minorities in the village, and see the small vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts on the streets.
We leave the village and take a short drive north before we set off on a half-day trek, using the local tracks. We pass through some breathtaking mountain landscapes to the Yao, Akha, and Lanten hill tribe villages, where we are sure to attract attention from many ethnic minorities, as visitors do not frequently encounter this remote part of the country.
Overnight at Moung Sing.
DAY 4: MOUNG SING – OUDOMXAY (ROAD) (B/-/-)
Oudomxay: Buddha Statue
We depart early this morning for our journey to Oudomxay. These back roads are a perfect way to venture off the beaten track and explore the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are in theirs.
The drive can be challenging on some parts of our journey due to poor road conditions; however, the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival, we check-in at a very simple hotel and take a walk to explore this picturesque hill town. Overnight at Oudomxay.
DAY 5: OUDOMXAY – MUONG LA – MUONG KHOUA (ROAD) (B/-/-)
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We visit this congregation before setting off on our journey along the Nambak River to Muong La.
Here we have the chance to visit the intriguing Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 years old legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists. As we continue from Muong La towards Muong Khoua, the roads begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as we pass through some stunning landscape.
Overnight in Muong Khoua.
DAY 6: MUONG KHOUA – NONG KHIOW – LUANG PRABANG – TOUR ALONG RIVER OF NAM OU (B/-/-)
Today, embark on a long trail traditional boat for a leisurely trip downstream on the Nam Ou River, enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. Along the way, we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We continue our trip down the river to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.
This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture, and stunning mountain backdrop retain a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is little traffic on the roads and you will see monks dressed in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas shading themselves from the sun. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG PACKAGE TOURS (B/-/-)
Monks collect offers around Luang Prabang
It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.
Today we explore some of the major sights in this fabulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene, and Wat Mai. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated guided stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in colored glass on the back wall, and its three-tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture.
A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 8 : LUANG PRABANG – VANG VIENG ADVENTURE TOUR(ROAD) (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early morning for our journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be strenuous as we drive along with one of the most scenic but also one of the roughest routes in Asia. In the afternoon we arrive in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.
Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. On arrival we check into your hotel and then embark on our boat for a relaxing trip on the Nam Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
DAY 9: VANG VIENG ADVENTURE TOURS (B/-/-)
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We visit this beautiful cave this morning before we take a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages.
The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. The rest of the day is free for your leisure for further exploration or for relaxing in this peaceful town. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
DAY 10: VANG VIENG – VIENTIANE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (ROAD) (B/-/-)
Heading out of town we drive back to Vientiane. Along the way, we make a stop to visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang dating back to the 11th century. After checking into your hotel we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge.
There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Observing the spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 11: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market if time permits. The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay airport for departure.
Countryside Adventures Team
DAY 1: ARRIVAL – VIENTIANE SIGHTSEEING TOURS
On arrival in Vientiane Capital, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is a charming and fascinating capital, with an interesting mix of Lao, Thai, Chinese, Vietnamese, French, Soviet and American influences.
A city tour acquaints us with the capital and after freshening up, we start visiting some of the major sights; including the oldest temple Wat Sisaket, an amazing structure featuring remarkable frescoes and Buddha images. We also visit the former royal temple of Wat Prakeo, which previously housed the famous Emerald Buddha Image. En route to Lao’s national precious heritage, the famous and sacred structure of That Luang Stupa, you will have the opportunity to take some pictures of the imposing Patuxay Monument, which is well known as Vientiane’s own Arc de Triumph. Overnight in Vientiane. Dinner at the finest local restaurant.
DAY 2: VIENTIANE – LUANG NAMTHA – MOUNG SING ADVENTURE TOURS (FLIGHT) (B/-/-)
The journey northwards begins as we board our flight to Luang Namtha, a province sharing its border with China and Myanmar. Luang Namtha is located on the banks of the Namtha River is a land of rugged mountains and beautiful tropical forests. Today Luang Namtha is populated with over twenty ethnic groups, making this region one of the most ethnically diverse provinces in Laos.
On arrival, we travel by road to Moung Sing, stopping along the way at the Akha hill tribe village. This ethnic group originally lived in China but immigrated to Laos over a century ago. They are very poor but have a vibrant culture and an interesting history. Overnight in Moung Sing
DAY 3: MOUNG SING – ADVENTURE TREKKING TOURS TO HILLTRIBE’S VILLAGES (B/-/-)
The remote and extremely beautiful mountainous region of Muong Sing is ideal for an adventurous trekking expedition. After breakfast, we stroll around this small town observing the daily activities of the ethnic minorities in the village, and see the small vendors sell local textiles and handicrafts on the streets.
We leave the village and take a short drive north before we set off on a half-day trek, using the local tracks. We pass through some breathtaking mountain landscapes to the Yao, Akha, and Lanten hill tribe villages, where we are sure to attract attention from many ethnic minorities, as visitors do not frequently encounter this remote part of the country.
Overnight at Moung Sing.
DAY 4: MOUNG SING – OUDOMXAY (ROAD) (B/-/-)
Oudomxay: Buddha Statue
We depart early this morning for our journey to Oudomxay. These back roads are a perfect way to venture off the beaten track and explore the real Laos. We see very few other travelers, mostly rural dwellers who are just as interested in finding out about our lives as we are in theirs.
The drive can be challenging on some parts of our journey due to poor road conditions; however, the verdant and rugged mountain scenery combined with the colorful local population makes for a memorable experience. On arrival, we check-in at a very simple hotel and take a walk to explore this picturesque hill town. Overnight at Oudomxay.
DAY 5: OUDOMXAY – MUONG LA – MUONG KHOUA (ROAD) (B/-/-)
The local market also attracts numerous ethnic minorities who converge from the surrounding mountainsides or valley to barter and trade their goods. We visit this congregation before setting off on our journey along the Nambak River to Muong La.
Here we have the chance to visit the intriguing Pra Xack Kham Temple with its sacred Buddha image. The 400 years old legendary statue is said to have many supernatural powers and is widely worshipped among the faithful local Buddhists. As we continue from Muong La towards Muong Khoua, the roads begin to deteriorate but the drive is very interesting as we pass through some stunning landscape.
Overnight in Muong Khoua.
DAY 6: MUONG KHOUA – NONG KHIOW – LUANG PRABANG – TOUR ALONG RIVER OF NAM OU (B/-/-)
Today, embark on a long trail traditional boat for a leisurely trip downstream on the Nam Ou River, enjoying the lush green forests and landscape. Along the way, we stop to visit the mysterious caves of Pak Ou, two linked caves crammed with thousands of gold lacquered Buddha statues of various shapes and sizes left by devoted pilgrims. We continue our trip down the river to the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang.
This former royal capital with its gleaming temple roofs, fading colonial architecture, and stunning mountain backdrop retain a unique charm rarely found in all Asia. There is little traffic on the roads and you will see monks dressed in orange robes scurry in all directions carrying umbrellas shading themselves from the sun. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 7: LUANG PRABANG PACKAGE TOURS (B/-/-)
Monks collect offers around Luang Prabang
It is worth a visit to the National Museum (closed Tuesdays) at the former Royal Palace, which displays a lovely collection of artifacts reflecting the richness of Lao culture dating from the days of the early kings right through the last sovereign.
Today we explore some of the major sights in this fabulous city, including the impressive stupa of Wat Visoun, the shrine of Wat Aham, the city’s oldest temple of Wat Sene, and Wat Mai. We visit these sights as well as the magnificent Wat Xiengthong, its exterior architecture is remarkable with decorated guided stuccoes and doorways, a “tree of life” mosaic pattern set in colored glass on the back wall, and its three-tiered roofs sweeping low to the ground representing classical Laotian architecture.
A visit to Luang Prabang would be incomplete without ascending 329 steps to the top of Mount Phousi for an enjoyable exploration of the sacred, gilded stupa and to enjoy a beautiful sunset view of the city and its glowing reflection on the Mekong River. From there, we explore the Night Market, where you can find a lovely selection of handmade textiles made by local and hill tribe people surrounding Luang Prabang. Overnight in Luang Prabang.
DAY 8 : LUANG PRABANG – VANG VIENG ADVENTURE TOUR(ROAD) (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we leave this charming city in the early morning for our journey to Vang Vieng. Our journey will be strenuous as we drive along with one of the most scenic but also one of the roughest routes in Asia. In the afternoon we arrive in Vang Vieng, a small and tranquil town, which is nestled on a bend of the Nam Song River.
Its stunning scenery with a mixture of quiet water and limestone outcrops remains unspoiled, despite recent developments with the advent of tourism. On arrival we check into your hotel and then embark on our boat for a relaxing trip on the Nam Song River, exploring the breathtaking mountain landscape. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
DAY 9: VANG VIENG ADVENTURE TOURS (B/-/-)
The limestone cliffs and valleys surrounding Vang Vieng are home to numerous caves and caverns. The most famous in Vang Vieng is the cave of Tham Jang, which was used in the early 19th century in defense against the Chinese invaders. We visit this beautiful cave this morning before we take a walk to the Tai Deang and the Souay hill tribe villages.
The hill tribe people are unfailingly friendly; welcoming you with waving hands and smiling faces. The rest of the day is free for your leisure for further exploration or for relaxing in this peaceful town. Overnight in Vang Vieng.
DAY 10: VANG VIENG – VIENTIANE SIGHTSEEING TOURS (ROAD) (B/-/-)
Heading out of town we drive back to Vientiane. Along the way, we make a stop to visit the archaeological site of Vang Xang dating back to the 11th century. After checking into your hotel we transfer out to see the Buddha Park, an enchanting collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures on the Mekong Riverside meadow, near the Friendship Bridge.
There are approximately 200 religious images dating back over 500 years, which were created by a mysterious monk spreading his philosophy on life and revealing his ideas about the universe. Observing the spectacular view over the Mekong River at sunset from one of the riverside bars is a perfect way to finish the day. Overnight in Vientiane.
DAY 11: VIENTIANE – DEPARTURE (B/-/-)
After breakfast, we visit the Morning Market if time permits. The tour ends after your transfer to Wattay airport for departure.
Countryside Adventures Team
Included:
• Accommodation in twin shared room
• Domestic air ticket as stated only
• Boat trip as stated in above sights
• English speaking guide
• Admission fee to indicated sights
• Meals: daily breakfast at hotel
• Gov’t tax and service charge
• Luggage handling and drinking water.
Excluded:
• Visa stamping fee on arrival
• Int’l air tickets to/from Laos
• Travel Insurance in all kinds
• Lunch or dinner unless where stated
• Single room (quoted separately)
• Other foreign language guides
• Peak tourist season or special event rates
• Child or adult in triple sharing room
• Tip, drinks and other personal expenses
Additional Remarks:
• Itinerary is subject to change depending on the confirmed flights, road conditions, and room availability.
• Hotels listed above might not be up to the standard of your expectation, especially in the remote area where limitation of accommodation.
• Prices are subject to change in case of VAT or other tax increases and USD currency fluctuations.
Package cost may vary depending on domestic airfare and accommodation’s season. Please contact our team for the best-updated price.
Countryside Adventures Team.
Useful Infor:
The small, landlocked country of Laos is best visited between October and April when the weather’s warm and dry throughout.
River travel is best between November and January when high water levels make passage easy along Laos’ main waterway, the Mekong River. Visiting the Bolaven Plateau is also pleasant at this time of year.
Laos’ geography plays a major part in shaping its climate, and cool temperatures can still be found in the highlands, which lie mainly in northern, eastern, and central regions. The ‘green season’ falls between late May and October, when the rains return to the country. However, showers are usually short and sharp, having little impact on your exploration. At this time of year, the country comes to life, with waterfalls beginning to flow once more and the lush scenery attracting a variety of wildlife.
Timeless in its rural landscapes and traditional cultures, trekking through Laos is a rewarding experience as you meet locals, visit ethnic minority villages, and admire views across rice fields and forests. The far north of the country is particularly scenic, seeing little influence from the modern world, and our Laos travel guides can help you make the most of the area.
Laos also makes a great destination for families, with activities such as boat rides and kayaking appealing to all ages, while those preferring a more luxurious getaway can unwind in one of Laos’s opulent hotels, offering exceptional service and guided excursions to explore the area.
November to April: Dry season
May to October: Green season, though it may start a little early in a couple of Laos’ northern provinces.
August is the wettest month.
November to February: Cooler months, You will need warmer clothes for the evenings, the further north the more the requirement for a warm jumper and a pair of socks.
March to April is blisteringly hot.
April is the hottest month.
Pack list you should bring for Holiday in Laos
What you should bring:
Passport with minimum 6-month validity left, VERY IMPORTANT!!
a good backpack (good quality)
a good Travel insurance (check it covers Laos)
a second photo ID other than your passport
drivers license if you wish to go on the road or rent a bike or a car
Important scans and documents on hardcopy and on a link on your cloud e.g. dropbox or google drive
blood donor/type card in case of…
prescriptions for any medication you require. Be assured that most Lao chemists will sell medicine without a script, but if you are searched by immigration it’s good to be able to show you need the medicine you carry.
credit cards, not all carrying on the same bag please, and not all of them in your day to day wallet
light sleeping bag or blanket for cleanliness if you hang out at backpacker places, others than that – only for trips around October till February
sun protection, a hat, mosquito spray, and sunscreen(enough of it)
small towel and swimsuit, maybe a light outdoor towel – the waterfalls are inviting!
good walking shoes and trekking sandals for activities and flip flops
first aid kit for outdoor activities if you plan such
earplugs for sleeping and boat trips
padlock to prevent unwanted searching of your bags
an easy to wash set of long and short clothes for outdoor use
rain protection as our tours are held rain or shine (especially in June-October)
basic toiletries and toilet paper
string and hooks to hang your clothes
games & a good book for on the bus or a quiet night
small knife, binoculars, head torch/flashlight, and extra batteries
candles and lighter make sense, not in hand luggage, please
Hygiene kit with soap, tissues, toothbrush, tampons…
MP3 player with some of your beloved music – unless you use your smartphone
As with all travel you should ensure you have up-to-date travel insurance that covers you in Laos.
Pharmacies are common across all of Laos and are stocked with antibiotics and other medicines and are more often than not, staffed with assistants who speak some English.
Hospitals and clinics are not a high standard but are very well equipped for diagnosing and treating Malaria/Dengue Fever and handling minor ailments and injuries. For anything serious, you will need to be transferred to Thailand so in these instances having Travel insurance is a must.
Vientiane is malaria-free, but if you’re visiting remote regions, consider taking anti-malaria medication and using insect repellant with DEET. Get your own individual recommendations from your travel clinic.
Laos is fairly free of crime in tourist areas. Pickpocketing is rare, but you should still be careful in crowded areas. Never leave luggage unattended.
Penalties for drug possession are severe, and since the early 2000s, Laos has introduced the death penalty for serious drug offenses. Take care in bars and restaurants if the word happy is used. This is normally an indication that some form of the drug will be part of the ingredients.
Expect a hefty fine up if a foreigner is caught having sexual relations with a Lao person. Please remember that this is also very much against Lao Culture and can affect the Lao person in his or her society well after you have left the country.
It is always best to trek with a qualified tour company and guide when out in remote areas, there are still many areas with UXO’s around.
Do not photograph anything that may have military significance, like airports or military installations.
Mosquito repellant is available but it is extremely hard to find one that contains DEET. Sun lotion is available but normally in small bottles and very limited options. It is advisable to stock up on these products before entering Laos.
Lao Lao or Lao Khao is the local rice whisky and forms a strong part of Lao culture. It is a homemade rice whisky and it can be as little as 20% Alcohol proof up to a staggering 80% +
Know your limits!
The Lao adore children and in many instances will shower attention on your offspring, who will readily find playmates among their Lao peers and a temporary nanny service at practically every stop.
Like many places in Southeast Asia, traveling with children in Laos can be a lot of fun as long as you come prepared with the right attitude. Baby formula and nappies (diapers) are available at mini-markets in most towns and cities, but bring along a sufficient supply to rural areas.
For the most part, parents needn’t worry too much about health concerns, although it pays to lay down a few ground rules – such as regular hand-washing or using hand-cleansing gel – to head off potential medical problems. All the usual health precautions apply.
In Laos, food is the most important activity throughout the day. In the local language, it is quite common for people to greet each other by immediately asking, “Have you eaten food?” (“Kin khao laeo bor?”). Food is often the topic of many conversations, especially when eating and sharing dishes between friends and family. Additionally, Lao people take great passion in sharing traditional dishes with curious travelers.
Lao people were originally migrants from Southern China, composing of many different ethnic groups with distinct languages and cultures. As they moved further South, they brought their traditions along with them. Due to historical Lao migration from the Lao PDR into Thailand and neighboring countries, Lao cuisine has a much broader recognition in the world. According to Arne Kislenko, there are more ethnic Lao living in Northern Thailand than Lao itself, leading to certain Lao dishes being found far beyond the borders of the Lao PDR. In fact, much of the food in Thailand that is called Isan is traditionally Lao rather than Thai. However, we believe that the best way to try Lao food is by exploring the diversity of cuisines found inside the borders of Laos.
We have compiled a list below of the top ten most famous Lao dishes to try when traveling through the country. If you are adventurous, we recommend exploring local markets for a truly unique culinary experience!
Sticky rice is a staple throughout the country. It is commonly said that Lao citizens eat more sticky rice than anyone else in the world. It is traditionally steamed in a cone-shaped bamboo basket and placed in a covered basket where it is eaten alongside many dishes. In Laos, there should always be sticky rice available to eat at any time of day.
This dish is a type of minced meat salad and widely considered to be the national dish of Laos. You can find Larb made with chicken, beef, duck, fish, or pork. It is usually flavored with fish sauce, lime juice, fermented fish juice, ground rice, and fresh herbs. It will usually come with a few chili peppers, which you can avoid eating if you cannot handle spicy food. Larb is an essential dish to pair with sticky rice.
Green Papaya Salad is typically made with shreds of unripe papaya. It is of Lao origin, but served in different varieties around the region. Green Papaya Salad was a dish imported to Bangkok from Lao immigrants. It is similar to Thailand’s Som Tam dish, but does not contain peanuts and is usually made with fermented fish sauce. Other ingredients include palm sugar, lime, garlic, tomatoes, dried shrimp, chilis, and raw eggplant. All of these ingredients are pounded together in a traditional mortar and pestle.
Mok Pa is steamed fish that is typically wrapped up in banana leaves and tied with bamboo string. It is prepared with lemongrass, kaffir leaves, green onions, fish sauce, green chilis, shrimp paste, and fresh dill. All these ingredients are mixed together with steamed fish. Mok Pa should never be served dry, and is also another dish that must be paired with sticky rice.
Due to its French influence, delicious baguettes are commonly found on many streets in Laos. This baguette sandwich largely resembles a Vietnamese Banh Mi, but instead of using cilantro and pickles, the Lao version consists of watercress, grated carrots, and a good amount of chile-garlic sauce. It is a quick meal that can be enjoyed on the go for either breakfast or lunch.
Khao Piak Sen is a chewy noodle soup that has a similar consistency to Udon, but it is made with rice instead of wheat. It is considered to be a comfort food in Laos, typically made with pork or chicken, lemongrass, galangal, shallots, garlic, chopped coriander leaves, bean sprouts, and served with freshly sliced limes. The most crucial factor is the broth, which should be slowly cooked with bones for the best flavour. At many restaurants, you will be encouraged to add in your own amount of sugar, chilli sauce, dried chilli powder, fish sauce, or soy sauce.
Nam Khao Tod is a fresh salad from Laos that is made with deep-fried rice balls, chunks of soured pork sausage, peanuts, grated coconut, fish sauce, dried chili peppers, and other ingredients. It is traditionally eaten as a warp by filling the individual lettuce leaves with the Nam Khao mixture, topped with fresh herbs and dried chilis. Crispy Rice Salad is usually served as an appetiser and it is slowly gaining popularity in the West. However, we recommend eating this dish with locals in Laos for a truly authentic experience.
Lao-style sausages are herb-infused meat that is unlike any other sausage you have tried before. These pork sausages are mixed with lemongrass, galangal, kaffir leaves, shallots, cilantro, chilies, and fish sauce. You may also find another variant of this sausage in Laos, known as Soured Lao sausage. In addition to the above ingredients, sticky rice is included and the sausage sits outside for a couple of days before it becomes sour. Sausages are essential to many dishes, and must be eaten by hand with sticky rice.
This noodle soup is a variant of the Vietnamese soup, Phô. It is prepared in a beef broth, and served with alongside a basket of fresh herbs, chilis, limes, and bean sprouts. It is one of the most common soup dishes to find in the country, and the ingredients vary depending on if you are visiting the North or the South of Laos. When ordering a bowl of Pho, you will usually be asked if you want thin or thick rice noodles. After being served, add in some sugar or fresh chilis to match your desired taste and enjoy!
While Lao beer is not technically food, it is an essential companion of any dish when you in the country. It is the most famous brand of beer found in Laos, and widely considered to be the best-tasting beer in the region. Lao beer is traditionally served with ice in small glasses, where it is enjoyed amongst friends and families. If you find yourself invited for a glass, be prepared to finish a few more bottles than you may expect.
Countryside Adventures