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10 Best Places to Visit in Laos -

Laos provides a pleasant change of pace for travelers who are used to Thailand or Vietnam. This small Southeast Asian country has stunning scenery, from limestone mountains to dense forests and spectacular waterfalls. It’s a great place for adventuresome travelers or those who don’t mind roughing it. Some of the best places to visit in Laos can be difficult to get to, but it’s all part of the adventure of exploring a developing country known for its ethnic peoples.

The Bokeo Nature Reserve was created to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, rediscovered in 1997, which was previously thought to be extinct. A visit to Bokeo Nature Reserve is not complete without a stay at the Gibbon Experience, an eco tourism conservation project. Guests stay in tree houses and travel by zip line through the forests in search of the Black Gibbon. Besides the elusive black gibbon, visitors to the reserve may also see elephants, bears, tigers and wild buffalo. The Gibbon Experience also works to rehabilitate and return to the wild animals that were captured by poachers. With mountains ranging from 1,0 to almost 5,000 feet in altitude, the reserve also is a good place to watch birds.

Nong Kiau, sometimes called Nong Khiaw, is a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang Province because of its many walking, mountain climbing and biking opportunities. A must-see site is the bridge across the Nam Ou River that was built by China. The bridge connects the two parts of Nong Kiau, and is a good place to see stunning views of the river and mountains. Nong Kiau is a rustic village, so visitors shouldn’t expect truly luxurious accommodations. Spelunkers may enjoy exploring the Pha Tok Caves that are located about a mile from town. The caves housed villagers during the Second Indochina War.

Tham Kong Lo, also known as Kong Lo Cave, is a limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park. Located on the Phu Hin Bun River, the cave has been described as a geological wonder of Southeast Asia. The karst cave is more than 6,5 km (4 miles) long and up to 91 meters (300 feet) high. It contains an emerald-colored pool that locals believe is sacred, saying it reflects the skin color of Indra, a Hindi god. Previous cave visitors praise a boat ride through the cave, calling it a grand adventure. Staying in a private home is easy to arrange for those in need of overnight accommodations.

The provincial capital of Luang Namtha is the largest city in northwest Laos. It is a destination popular with backpackers, many of whom stop here while hiking from China to Laos. It is a good place to start treks into the hills to visit ethnic hill tribes. Renting a mountain bike or motorcycle is a good way to travel to nearby villages and waterfalls. After a day’s ride, visitors can relax with an herbal sauna. Night markets offer an opportunity to sample a wide variety of local foods cheaply.

See Also: Where to Stay in Luang Namtha

Wat Phu (or Vat Phou) is a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao, in the Champasak province. The Hindu temple structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. It was a part of the Khmer empire, centered on Angkor to the southwest in Cambodia. Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental sites at Angkor but the tumbledown pavilions, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site give Wat Phu a mystical atmosphere.

Si Phan Don (meaning 4,000 islands) is a beautiful set of islands, set against a scenic section of the Mekong River in Southern Laos. The Mekong is impassable to river traffic here due to the Khone Falls, a series of rapids that stretch 9.7 km (6.0 miles) of the river’s length. The Mekong below the falls has a small population of the highly endangered Irrawaddy Dolphins. The three principal islands that cater to tourists are Don Det, Don Khon and Done Kong. Most of the lodging available consists of simple, family run bungalows. Bikes and kayaks can also be rented here.

Phonsavan, a name that means “hills of paradise,” is a good place to experience the U.S.’s Old West, only with Laotian characteristics. Since cattle raising is one of the city’s main businesses, it’s not uncommon to see Hmong “cowboys” wearing violet and brown cowboy hats. The city even hosts bullfights during Hmong New Year. Phonsavan is a good place to visit the Plain of Jars with its ancient megalithic structures that resemble jars. At one time, Phonsavan belonged to Siam, now Thailand, and then the French, with remnants of each culture still to be found.

See Also: Where to Stay in Phonsavan

Vang Vieng is a tourist city about a four-hour drive from Vientiane. Originally settled in the 14th century when it was known as Mouang Song, it was given its present name when Laos was a French colony. It is best known for its limestone karst hills. Because it is located on the Nam Song River, many tourist activities, including kayaking and tubing, revolve around the river. Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers who enjoy the relaxed atmosphere as well as hiking in the hills and exploring caves. Ethnic villages, including Hmong, are located close by.

See Also: Where to Stay in Vang Vieng

The Laotian capital of Vientiane, located on the Mekong River, was a French colony at one time, so visitors can expect to see traces of French influence, including street signs in French. The most popular tourist attraction in this city, also known as “the city of sandalwood,” is a Buddhist stupa, Pha That Luang, which dates back to 1586. The stupa stands 49 meters (147 feet) tall and is believed to contain relics of Buddha. Wat Si Muang, another popular site, is built on the ruins of a Khymer Hindu shrine. The city is a good place to buy silk.

See Also: Where to Stay in Vientiane

The most popular place to visit in Laos, Luang Prabang is an historic city that once served as the capital of the Kingdom of Laos. Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, the city has numerous Buddhist temples and monasteries, with monks walking through the city collecting alms in the morning. There are several waterfalls nearby, some of which offer elephant rides to visitors. A night market at the end of the town’s main street is a good place to buy souvenirs. Adventuresome eaters might want to try fried Mekong River moss, which is a local delicacy.

See Also: Where to Stay in Luang Prabang

10 Best Places to Visit in Laos10 Best Places to Visit in Laos

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Norway -

It’s easy to picture pillaging Vikings and scenic fjords when thinking about Norway. This land of the summer midnight sun, however, offers much more than that, including picturesque waterfronts, well-preserved wooden churches and great hiking trails. Quaint medieval towns, filled with modern amenities, are just waiting to be explored. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Norway:

Roros is a good place to learn about copper mining as it occurred a few centuries ago. Copper mining started there in the 17th century and continued for more than 300 years, until 1977. The town has about 2,000 wooden houses that have been preserved in their blackened state, suggesting a medieval look. The town itself was established in 1646 by the Roros Copper Works. Farmlands surround the former mining operation, which include the remains of a smelter. The town is on the Winter Transport Route that used frozen lakes, streams and rivers to move people and goods.

The Urnes Stavkyrkje, or Urnes Stave Church, blends several architectural styles into a medieval church that is still standing after 00 years. What is remarkable about this church, however, is the building material used: wood, instead of the traditional stone. Located on Norway’s west coast, the church blends Celtic, Viking and Romanesque features in a church that stands majestically in the woods. Urnes is one of 28 stave (wooden) churches in Norway as well as one of the oldest, having been built in the 12th century. Artifacts link pre-Christian Norse culture with medieval Christianity.

Vøringfossen is Norway’s most famous waterfall, cascading down 180 meters (0 feet) in a series of drops, though it ranks only 83rd on the list of Norway’s highest waterfalls. Vøringfossen is located at Mabodelen, a narrow valley between Oslo and Bergen. Tourists have been visiting Vøringfossen for almost 0 years; a hotel built in 1880 at the top required guests to walk up 1,500 steps to reach their accommodations. The top is easier to reach these days, but the falls aren’t as powerful as they once were because of a hydroelectric plant built upstream.

While William the Conqueror was busy invading Great Britain in 1066, the Vikings were occupied with building Nidaros Cathedral in Trondheim. Nearly 1,000 years later, the cathedral is Norway’s most important church and Scandinavia’s largest medieval building. The cathedral was built to honor Olav, a Viking chieftain who later became a king and a saint. Olav was killed in a battle near Trondheim in 1030; his nephew began constructing the Nidaros Cathedral in 1066 to house his body; it was basically finished in 100, though enlargements continued until the 1300s. The cathedral soon became an important pilgrimage destination in Norway.

See Also: Where to Stay in Trondheim

Nordkapp, or North Cape, is a must for travelers who want to frolic under the midnight sun, since the sun never sets between May 14 and July 29. It is the northernmost point in Europe connected with the international road network. Because it’s in the far north, rising 300 meters (1,000 feet) above the Arctic Ocean, Nordkapp is mainly a summer destination, attracting about 0,000 visitors annually. Nordkapp offers stunning scenic views, with plenty of opportunities to hike under the Arctic sun or see puffin in their native habitat.

Icy and scenic is perhaps the best way to describe Jostedalsbreen Glacier, the largest glacier in Europe. Situated in southern Norway, the glacier is surrounded by Jostedalsbreen Glacier National Park. Many, many years ago, locals could cross the glacier on foot, perhaps herding animals on their way to market, but this isn’t possible today as the glacier has shrunk significantly. Hiking and glacial skiing is allowed, but sportsmen need to be well prepared as these activities can be dangerous. It is much safer, and just as pretty, to take one of the walking tours around the park.

Many centuries ago, the Vikings sailed the northern seas, striking fear in the hearts of the region these fierce warriors were about to invade. Today, visitors can view, unafraid, some of these terror-causing vessels as the Viking Ship Museum in Oslo showcases some of these great ninth century ships. The list includes ships from Gokstad, Oseberg and Tune, including two of the best preserved wooden ships in the world from that era. The Oseberg ship is the best preserved and was found in a burial mound on a farm near Oseberg. The museum also displays textiles, tools and household items as well as items found in Viking tombs.

See Also: Where to Stay in Oslo

The Heddal Stave Church is Norway’s largest stave church, with triple naves that stand proudly against the sky. The church, made entirely of wood, was built in the 13th century; according to local legend, it was built in three days by five farmers. After restorations in the 19th and 20th centuries, the church is still in use today for weddings and Sunday services during the summer months. Located in Notodden, the church is dedicated to the Virgin Mary.

Travelers who get “museumed” out may enjoy a visit to the Bryggen waterfront, an informal museum that doesn’t seem like a museum. Traditional buildings line the waterfront with boats tied just feet away on Bergen’s seaside. The scene is so picturesque, visitors can easily forget Bryggen is linked to Bergen’s importance as a trading center for 400 years during the Middle Ages, when it was part of the Hanseatic League. Today’s traders can shop in trendy boutiques, visit craftsmen’s studios or enjoy a bite to eat down a narrow alleyway.

See Also: Where to Stay in Bergen

The most famous tourist attractions in Norway are probably it fjords. Among the most beautiful of these fjords is Geirangerfjord, located in southwestern Norway near the coastal town of Ålesund. Stretching for more than 15 km (9 miles) long, Geirangerfjord is a natural wonder of deep blue water surrounded by majestic cliffs and lush green mountains towering more than 1,000 meters (3,500 feet) high. Adding to the spectacular scenery are several stunning waterfalls and lush countryside dotted with picturesque farms.

See Also: Where to Stay in Geirangerfjord

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Norway10 Top Tourist Attractions in Norway

10 Top Tourist Attractions in Vienna -

Vienna is a city that has given the rest of the world some very precious things: the graceful Viennese waltz, delicate and deliciously sinful pastries, and a few great classical composers. But Austria’s capital and largest city has also provided the world with its fair share of historical personalities and moments. It is a city that represents refinement and culture to visitors, who will not lack for things to do. An overview of the top tourist attractions in Vienna: