Laos Archives - Jonistravelling

What’s a Trip to Laos Really Like?

February 2, 2024 by Jon Algie

Landlocked between China, Thailand, Vietnam and Cambodia, Laos is a country full of river towns, temples and natural wonders. It’s one of the most laid-back places I’ve been — so many lazy days hanging out on balconies overlooking beautiful river scenes. I’ve written heaps about Laos before but this post is a little different — … Read more

The Best Things to Do on Don Det, My Favourite Place on Earth (so far)

March 6, 2018October 4, 2017 by Jon Algie

What’s your favourite place on Earth? That was a question I was asked recently as part of a game for Gia’s hen’s night (I’m getting married in a week!). I’d never had to choose my “favourite” place before, but Don Det, a small Mekong River island in Laos, quickly came to mind. It’s the most … Read more

A Tour of Wat Phu: Crumbling Khmer Ruins in Laos

April 26, 2016 by Jon Algie

Wat Phu (Vat Phou) -- Khmer ruins in Laos

The Khmer Empire once spread its wings through much of modern day Cambodia and Thailand, as well as a small portion of Southern Laos. Siem Reap, and the world-class temples of Angkor, is the epicentre for Khmer ruins tourism, but some of the smaller sites scattered around the region are also worth a look. Wat … Read more

A 3 Day Mekong River Cruise in Southern Laos: Islands, Waterfalls and Ruins

March 26, 2016March 21, 2016 by Jon Algie

The Mekong River winds its way through Asia, from its source in the mountains of northern Yunnan Province in China to the very south of Vietnam, where it empties out into the South China Sea. One of the most scenic stretches of the Mekong is in southern Laos, and it was there that we decided … Read more

Backpacking in Laos: Costs, Tips and Places to See

August 19, 2016December 9, 2014 by Jon Algie

A bird cage at a riverside restaurant in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos probably isn’t the first place you think of when planning a trip to Southeast Asia. There is no world famous cuisine, exotic beaches or crazy nightlife, but the stunning mountain scenery and laid back attitude of the locals make it my favourite country in the region. Backpacking in Laos is a far more relaxing … Read more

Luang Prabang: The Land of Temples and Rivers

January 5, 2016October 2, 2014 by Jon Algie

The palace near the National Museum in Luang Prabang, Laos

Laos is full of lazy river towns where you can lose yourself in hammocks for days. You’ll overhear people moaning about having to leave or frantically cutting out places they’d planned to go just to spend a bit more time away from the bustle of the Southeast Asian tourist trail. Luang Prabang isn’t quite as relaxing as Don Det, Nong Khiaw or Muang Ngoi, but its mix of history, culture and stunning river views makes it one of the nicest (and most popular) towns in Southeast Asia.

The Mysterious Plain of Jars in Phonsavan, Laos

January 5, 2016September 23, 2014 by Jon Algie

The jars at Plain of Jars site 2 in Phonsavan, Laos

Between 2 and 3 thousand years ago, in what is now Central Laos, an ancient civilization decided to build thousands of jars. The obvious question is why, and it’s one that has never had a definite answer. There are a few theories floating around for why the Plain of Jars came into existence. The most likely … Read more

Muang Ngoi: An Idyllic Village in Northern Laos

January 5, 2016September 17, 2014 by Jon Algie

Before my current trip to Laos I’d spent about 6 weeks in the country and hadn’t even come close to seeing everything I wanted. Muang Ngoi (also known as Muang Ngoi Neua) was one of the towns I reluctantly skipped last time, so I decided to make it the centrepiece of this 2 week trip.

To say Muang Ngoi is laid back is a huge understatement. It’s the very definition of a sleepy Southeast Asian village, complete with playful dogs, roaming chickens and curious kids. I was in Muang Ngoi in September, so it might be a bit busier in high season, but I’m sure you’ll find peace whatever time of year you visit.