A holiday in Laos isn’t generally considered as one of the ‘normal’ places where you would spend your break, but if you want a destination with a little more culture, this wonderful region has everything you require. The cuisine found in this historical part of the world is like no other, and traditional Laotian cuisine is bound to tantalise the taste buds of even those with an experienced palate. Family gatherings, parties and social occasions are held dear to Vietnamese people, and their cuisine reflects that perfectly.
The locals particularly adore seafood, and use it a lot in many of their dishes, primarily due to the abundance of fish and seafood that is available. Surrounded by the South China Sea, it’s understandable why you will be trying many different cuts of fish during your holiday in Laos.
From crab legs to boiled snails, the seafood on offer is diverse and served with a variety of spices and foods that suit any palate. If you really want to experience new culture, be sure to enjoy the array of traditional Laotian dishes that you will be presented with at the many food outlets and restaurants within its villages and cities; and opportunities to try other Asian delicacies from Vietnam, Thailand and Cambodia.
Southeast Asia can provide you with the ultimate in cultural experiences, and it’s not just the food that’s stunning. With cities like Ho Chi Minh in nearby Vietnam, travellers can enjoy a perfect combination of old culture and new, modern cities.
Saigon, in particular, is one of the most stunning cities in Vietnam. Amazingly, the city has managed to retain its French colonial culture, and its vibrancy is retained thanks to local people who take their culture seriously. The economic reforms that took place recently have brought the free market back to this city, and after years of austerity, the local people are embracing these reforms and sticking to their culture at the same time. A visit to Saigon will offer you a wide range of markets and stalls that allow you to experience real Vietnamese living, as well as grab a few bargains while you’re there.
But when is the best time to go to Laos? Even though the high season of the summer brings vast appeal to those who want to enjoy a getaway in the sunshine, Laos is recommended as a location for Brits who want to escape from the harsh, wintry conditions in the UK between November and February, when the climate is at its finest. You can expect temperatures to peak between 22 and 29 degrees C, and when you consider that the mercury could dip into negative numbers back at home, it will be a refreshing getaway that you will appreciate far more than usual.
In the winter season, one event for you to savour can be National Day, held on December 2 every year. There is passionate dancing around the That Luang Temple, and this also occurs at the beginning of November during the full moon, when the That Luang Festival takes place. There are trade fairs enabling you to purchase authentic goods, as well as concerts, and prayer among Buddhist monks who join together in unity for a small time. You will have seen nothing like it.
However, there are also plenty of great events throughout the year, and not just in the wintry months. Even though Laotians do celebrate the international New Year on January 1, also highly popular events that will be a fantastic experience for tourists include the Laotian New Year in the middle of April, with plenty of events for locals to participate in, such as the annual Miss Laos pageant. Alternatively, you can enjoy a carnival atmosphere towards the end of September when Lent ends, with an abundance of boat races and floating candles released into the night sky. At this time of year, there is a jovial and vibrant ambience that casts Laos in an entirely new light.
You can also expect the weather to be great during your trip. Set entirely within the tropics, the Laotian climate ranges between different regions. You can expect much higher, tropical temperatures if you are travelling further south in Vietnam, like Ho Chi Minh City where you will be advised to stay indoors during midday heat, meaning it’s essential to get car rental with air conditioning if you’re planning to travel!