Laos is a cultural rich and little populated country with merely 6.5 million people on a territory the size of Great Britain. However, the country is home to over 50 different ethnic groups. Laos boasts two magnificent UNESCO World Heritage sites with Luang Prabang old town and Vat Phou pre-Angkorian era temples in Champassak province. The country has strong arguments for attracting small and larger corporate events; its people and stunning natural sceneries. The slow pace of life, the serenity, this laid-back feel, the strong Buddhism presence in people’s everyday life combined to spectacular natural sites with the Mekong as spine of life shapes a setting that can be of appeal to those MICE-Planners and decision takers in search of original and pure experiences.

Laos has a great meetings and events hosting potential as a singular and stand-alone destination but Laos can be easily incorporated in a fantastic regional combinations with Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia. Lao Airlines, Vietnam Airlines and Thai Airways enable to connect directly major tourist destinations like:

• Luang Prabang to: Hanoi (Vietnam; and further overland or by helicopter to Halong Bay), Chiang Mai and Bangkok (Thailand), Siem Reap (Cambodia)
• Vientiane to: Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Chiang Mai and Bangkok, Siem Reap and Phnom Penh (Cambodia)
• Pakse to: Siem Reap and Ho Chi Minh City

So Laos combines perfectly either in harmony or in contrast with its neighbors. Think of the peaceful colonial charm of Luang Prabang combined to vibrant Bangkok life, or the majesty of Halong Bay with the enchantment of slow pace of life by the upper Mekong in northern Laos. How about the fascinating sites of Angkor with the glittering of the Buddhist temples of Luang Prabang or the crystal clear waters of Thailand’s southern islands with the lush green adventures around Vientiane.

Plain of Jars is an intriguing archaeological site deep in the mountains of Xieng Khouang. Plain of Jars has a bizarre collection of mysterious antique stone jars scattered across the war-scarred countryside. The jars are presumed to be one of the oldest archeological sites in Southeast Asia. The origin of these jars is still obscure as well as its composition. Some jars are made from sandstone, granite, conglomerate while others are made from limestone.

Plain of Jars considered as the last traces of ancient civilization positioned next to 30 years crater and unexploded US ordinance left by the ultimate aerial salvo of all time. There are more than 60 jar sites that have been found and identified on the promontories and mountain ridges. However, only three sites are opened for visitors; the Thong Hai Hin (Site 1), Hai Hin Phu Salato (Site 2), and the Hai Hin Laat Khai (Site 3). A number of sites contain more than 250 jars. These jars weigh about 14 tons and height ranging from 1 to 3m. The tallest jar is about 3m in height and over a meter in width. While most of the jars are undecorated, a few have carved of human bas-relief, figures or faces. The circular stone discs, assumed to be the lids adjoining the jars are also carved with image of human and animals particularly monkeys or tigers.

In 1930’s French archeologist Madeleine Coloni, did an extensive study on jars of Xieng Khouang. According to the research made the plain of jars were created by a civilization that thriven between 300 BC and 300 AD. Artifacts collected during the study were bronze and iron tools, bracelets, cowry shells and glass beads and charred human bone fragments, supporting the hypothesis that these were funeral urns carved by an extinct Bronze Age people.

In 1994 excavation lead by Eiji Nitta of Kagoshima University, a carving of a human figure on the side of the jar was sited, this is the first anthropomorphic image recorded at the area. Pits being covered by seven flat stones were also discovered, six of of the seven pits contain human bones and one contains two-foot-tall burial jar with small pieces of bone and teeth inside. The discovered pits were suggested to be sites of secondary burial (corpse is left to decompose into it essence).

The Plains of Luang Prabang is a shocking revelation of what happened in the course of the Secret War in Laos during 1964-1973. During the nine years of war there were more than 580 000 bombing missions over Laos. Over two tons of bomb per person were released, which turned Laos into the most bombed country in the history, eventually destroyed Xieng Khouang. More than 30% of the cluster bombs units (CBU’s) and unknown percentage of other types of ordinance failed to explode during the war thus, it continues to injure and kill hundreds of people every year.

The administration of Xiang Khouang Province, government of Lao PDR and UNESCO started a multi-yearly phrased programme to safeguard and develop the Plain of Jars. Clearing the large quantity of the unexploded ordinances (UXOs) is needed in order to make it possible for exploration and appreciation of the jars without fear on landmines. In order to protect the safety of the visitors mark paths are placed, since the UXO still hunt the region.

Gibbon experience involves trekking, zipping in extreme zip lines, exploring forest limitless and experiencing a three-day stay in tree house as well as acquainting fauna within the forest. Gibbon Experience provides two activities for tourist to enjoy the wilderness of Bokeo Nature Reserve: The Classic Gibbon Experience is more relaxing and less exhilarating; it includes few hours of trekking (depends on the trekker) in restricted number of canopy infrastructure; The Waterfall Gibbon Experience on the other hand is more adventurous and trilling, it includes up to 3 hours hiking along Nam Nga River, staying in waterfall tree house with fresh water swimming hole sits at the base of tree house.

Gibbon Experience includes access to the reserve, accommodation in tree house, meals, unlimited access for forest exploration, transportation and guides. The activity starts with 3 hours rough journey up to the preserve. From the village, an hour hike to the forest leading to tree houses which are about 40 m high from the ground. The zip lines within the reserve allow you to drift over the canopy of the jungle and provide an impressive view of the surrounding hills and valleys. Gibbon Experience does not assure trekkers of the sightings of gibbon, though the sounds of these endangered species can be heard within the forest. However, the experience itself is one of the most amazing things one must not missed when visiting Laos.

For more information about Gibbon Experience visit www.GibbonExperience.org

For about US$4 you can rent a tube and ride about 4km up the road and drop off to tube down the Nam Sam River. Floating down the river starts with a slow pace there you can enjoy the scenic view of limestone mountain. There are eight riverside bars queued for once convenience. Each bar offers activities for tourists to enjoy. Most bars have trapeze swings that range from 5 to 20 m high; there is a concrete slide about three meters long that slants up severely at the end; and a mud pit.

Locals on the riverside bar throw ropes or point bamboo sticks to pull you when the cannot manage to paddle over in time. Bars are mostly bamboo stages over the water with small bar and DJ hut. Bar offers inexpensive drinks and giant whiskey buckets as well as inexpensive tasty meals, however opium and spliff are easily obtained in the bars, free whiskey can be lethal so it is advisable not to rely on it.

Tubing down the river will consume two hours without stopping to the pit stops. At 6 pm tourist are encourage by most bars to leave the river. If some locals notice someone still floating they would swim out and pull the person out of the shore and lead them in a place for the tube to be returned.

Tubing provides ultimate adventure for tourists however it is dangerous particularly during rainy season. It is advisable not to try tubing if one cannot swim. Operators are aware of the danger so life jackets are offered as well as warnings. Jumping from the swing is quite fun but very risky and many tourists must beware of the danger and be very cautious.

Kong Lor Cave is the largest and grandest cave in the country. It is a stunning 7.5 km limestone tunnel through the cliff. The caves measures about 70-80 m wide in some places while the main cavern reaches up to 100 m high. It attaches two valley separated by a mountain range while the Nam Hin Boun river flows 7 km through the darkness of Tham Kong Lor Cave. An hour boat trip inside the caves will lead to vast stalactites hanging from the roof and other spectacular limestone formation. A strong torchlight is needed as you travel along the dark eerie enormous cave.

The second longest cave in the country and the largest cave known in the northern Laos is Tham Chom Ong Cave system. The 13.4 km long cave system is situated 45 km from Oudomxay town near the Khmu Lu Village of Ban Chom Ong Thai. The cave system stretches along 4 km long mountain ridge and has a parallel running and interconnecting fossil passage above the cave river for 1600 m and a river passage. The huge passage has 20 m to 35 m wide chambers that contain many delicate limestone formations.

The great cave of Tham Khoun Xe Cave otherwise known as Xe Bang Fai River Cave is an underground segment of Xe Bang Fai River situated in the remote corner of Khammouane Province of Laos. In 2008, Tham Khoun Xe cave was re-explored by French and North American team. Based on the expedition report Tham Khoun Xe Cave is considered to be one of the largest sustained river passages in the world with enormous rooms decorated with highly impressive structures. The cave has 7 km active river passage and 2.7 km fossil passage.

Positioned 25 km from Luang Prabang high above the Mekong River is Pak Ou Caves. The famous Buddha caves are filled with Buddha images with a number of standing Buddha images of Luang Prabang. The cave has two levels- the first entrance is clearly visible from the river while the upper cave can be reached after climbing some stairs. Within Tham Thum, the upper cave entrance is a big Buddha guarding the dark caves. Pak Ou Caves were altered into Buddhist temple in 15th century and used to hold Buddha images that can no longer venerated in temples cause of the damages.

Vieng Xai is located in Houphan Province of the limestone region of North-Easter Laos. There are hundreds of caves within the area of Vieng Xai, these caves served as shelter for the Phathet Lao, communist revolutionaries during the Secret War. The underground complex was built using soft limestone to dig almost 200 m into the rock. The caves were equipped with airtight evacuation chambers to protect people against chemical weapons; there were also hospital, theater and even bakery.

Seven of these caves are opened to the public for exploration on a large intact revolutionary base. These caves were used as the headquarters of the leaders of the Pathet Lao some of the caves are known as the Defense Minister Cave, the Soldier’s Cave and the Royal Pad.

As of 2005, the province population reached 824,662; there are twelve ethnic groups in the province including Tai Dam, Phoutai, Kapo, Kaleung, and Lava. Almost two thirds of the total population belongs to the Lao Loum ethnic group. The province strategic location serves as a major trading route in the southern part of Laos. The opening of the 1600 m Second Friendship Bridge that connects Savannakhet to Mukdahan creates a direct access to Thailand and opens business opportunities for all economic sectors in Savannakhet.

The town of Savannakhet was established in 1642 by Lao prince, Thao Keosimphali. The Prince brought many families from Ban Phonsim to reside along the bank of the Mekong River. In 1883, during the French occupation Savannakhet had been recognized as a center of administration and commerce in southern Laos, numerous French colonial and Franco-Chinese buildings sprouted in Savannakhet.

The best way to get around the area is by foot though tuk-tuks are also available around the city. In the old quarter of Savannakhet are old French Colonial Structures. This small town along route 13 on the way to Pakse resembles a small French town with comparable structures surrounding a central market place.

The main tourist attractions in the area are the temples. About 15 km north of the Savannakhet along the Seno road lays the second most revered religious place in southern Laos That Ing Hang Temple, a very sacred site for Laotian Buddhist after Wat Phou ruins in Champassak. Built during the reign of King Sikhottabong to commemorate the areas where Buddha rested during his wandering 2500 years ago. The towering stupa features three terraces and a hallow chamber. At the base of the stupa is remarkable collection of Buddha images, relics buried deep beneath the stupa dates back several centuries. Every year, during the month of February or March thousands of devotees gather around the ground of the stupa to pay respect to Buddhism.

Another impressive site that can be seen in Savannakhet province is the 1000 year old ancient Khmer Empire ruins of Vat Heuan Hin, “Temple House Made of Stones”. During 500 AD the shrine was constructed to honor the glory of the Khmer Empire. The area is situated in Ban Dong, Dokmay Songkhone about 65 km south of Savannakhet.

Vat Sayaphoum is the one of the largest and the historic temples in the town of Savannakhet. The temple houses more than 200 monks and novices. The first monastery on the site built in 1542, and by 1896 renovation was done within the area and modern temple architecture reflects around this important center for Buddhist devotees and monks. The temple is a prominent Pali school placed on the banks of the Mekong River.

Another interesting attraction in Savannakhet province is the Dinosaur Museum. The museum is situated on Thanon Khanthaburi in Ban Sayaphoum, Savannakhet province. The Dinosaur Museum exhibits the Dinosaur fossils and data, about the four kinds of dinosaurs excavated in the region of Ban Tangvai 120 km east of the province of Savannakhet such as Saurpodes, Theropode, Iguanodon, and Psittacosaurus. In 1936, a French geologist Josue Heilman Hoffet discovered deposits of fossils of dinosaurs and fermur; he collected a number of other bones in the area as a proof of existence of prehistoric Laos. The collection of Hoffet were rediscovered by a joint Lao-French paleontological team in 1990 and discovered new remains of dinosaurs in the area which are all being displayed in the Dinosaur Museum.

A Classic wooden structures pillar of Ho Tai Pi Dok Library in Nong Lamchan village south of the Savannakhet contains a collection of ancient palm leaves manuscripts written in the ancient Bali-Sanskrit and Lao alphabets is another place to see in Savannakhet.

Within the town of Vang Vieng are numerous monasteries date back the 16th and 17th centuries such as Vat Kang, Vat Chua Pan, Vat Si Vieng Song (Vat That), Vat Phong Phen and the most visited one Vat Si Suman. Surrounding the town are Hmong villages that can be visited and experience first-hand cultural setting of Laotians. Most of the travelers spend their time biking and strolling along the river banks, exploring the local villages and local villages in the area.

Crossing the Nam Song River via the main bamboo footbridge leads visitor to several caves that can be accessed by foot, bicycle or motorbike. Rough small dirt road winds towards the jungle reaching the base of the limestone karsts.

Pha Tang Mount situated closely to Bane Pan Tang besides Nam Song River. It is a stunning limestone mountain in its unique shape created by nature.

The most interesting attraction in Vang Vieng is the Tham Phu Kham cave. The cave is about 6 km from Vang Vieng situated on the other side of a blue-green stream that can be crossed via sturdy footbridge. Once on the other side a stiff 200 m climb leads to the caves entrance. The cave has no clear marked pathways a torch is needed to navigate the semi-darkness climb down to the reclining Buddha that lies in the main cavern.

Tham Sang another cave to be explored in Vang Vieng is positioned just above the banks of the Nam Song River and about 7 km north of Vang Vieng on the west side of the river. Tham Sang, the Elephant Cave contains stalactite that resembles an elephant. Buddha images are also seen inside the cave.

Numerous guesthouse as well as restaurants filled the district. Guesthouses range from US$.90 to US$12. There are also post office, banks, internet shops and a number of travel agencies sprouting around the Vang Vieng.

Vang Vieng does not offer much places to explore. The town’s enchantment works by just being there and feeling the laidback atmosphere spread throughout the town. Travelers must take note that Vang Vieng is a placed where opium can easily bought. There are establishments that offers “happy meals” in which opium are mixed with the food being served. Thefts also occur in area particularly at some caves. So it is advisable take necessary precautions.