Underrated Laos

Poor Laos. It’s such an underrated country, often overlooked or sometimes even skipped on the Southeast Asia travel trail just because it’s misunderstood.

Misconceptions

Laos acquired a certain reputation during the late 2000s as a super wild party place. This is no longer true, but those looking for a more ‘authentic’ experience still skip Laos based on what they heard many years ago.

Party Reputation

I was messaging with a reader planning a trip in Southeast Asia who asked for my advice. She said she’s heard that Laos is just for young rowdy European backpackers to go partying and tubing and drinking non-stop. Since she was more interested in culture, cuisine, and nature, she’d decided to skip Laos entirely. And I was like, ‘nooooooo, you’ve got it all wrong!!’. It pains me when people avoid Laos for the wrong reasons!

Pure Travel Destination

One of the things to know about Laos is that it’s a wonderfully pure travel destination. And it’s much less of a party place than Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia. Not that there’s something wrong with partying, but if that’s what you’re after, you may find Laos extremely tame these days.

Personal Experience

I visited Laos back in 2012 when it was known as a party hotspot, particularly in the town of Vang Vieng. Recently, I had a chance to re-visit the country. While I’d gotten a few years older, I got to see Laos in a different light.

Transformation of Vang Vieng

When I arrived in Vang Vieng in November 2012, it was already two months after the parties had been totally shut down. A few bars in the town itself were still open, but the river parties were gone. I heard a few different rumors around town about why the parties were shut down, but the fact was that the old Vang Vieng was done.

Party Memories

But, to be clear, I did party in Laos and had a great time! I was there in my 20’s and not wholly disinterested in having some mindless fun. I was with a group of awesome people I’d met by chance on the trail and many of our evenings were spent drinking and going out.

Better Understanding

Maybe it’s just a matter of age and perspective, but I went back to Laos last year and got to know it so much better the second time around. I was completely charmed by Laos again. I had liked its rural vibe the first time around, but now I was utterly in love with it.

Rediscovering Laos

Now, that doesn’t mean there isn’t any entertainment in Laos. Vang Vieng resumed its river tubing a few years ago, letting you party by the river once again, just not quite in such crazy ways as before. When I think of Laos, truly the first things that come to my mind are its Buddhist calm, unspoiled nature, traditional culture, and beautiful landscapes. This was what defined Laos for me even back in 2012, and it’s what still defines it today. So, if you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, I hope your ideas about Laos are not informed solely by some of the blog posts or newspaper articles you might find from 7 or 8 years ago. That’s not what it’s like at all. Go to Laos. You won’t be disappointed.