No South East Asian experience would be complete without a visit to Laos. In this land of green jungles, sleepy rivers, huge mountains, and friendly faces, you will enjoy beauty, relaxation, and perhaps more excitement than you had planned. In Laos, it is perfectly acceptable to spend your days laying in a hammock and gazing at the butterflies, but the country is perhaps best known for its wild river tubing and party scene, which can be found in the town of Vang Vieng.
If drinking beer and braving the death-defying river swings isn't something you're up for, then look for Laos hotel packages in the northern town of Luang Prabang, which is known for majestic waterfalls, or the capital city of Vientiane, where you can find plenty of interesting architecture, art galleries, and delicious restaurants. Laos hotel deals are generally abundant in Vientiane, but be sure to check Internet reviews and talk to other travelers before deciding where to stay.
Affordable, Safe, and Welcoming
Tourism is a huge part of the economy, so locals are friendly and welcoming to foreigners. The cost of living is low, with prices varying depending on whether you prefer backpacker guesthouses or more exquisite accommodations. Hotels in Laos are generally clean and welcoming, many offer a communal restaurant and lounge area where backpackers can eat, watch television, use the Internet, or just mingle and get to know each other. Laos hotels on the backpacker circuit sometimes offer special discount rates when you book your rooms at one of their partner hotels in the next town, so before you check out, be sure to tell the owner what direction you are headed, and ask about making reservations. Not only will this help you get a cheap Laos hotel deal, but your accommodations will be taken care of ahead of time.
Delicious Food and a Taste of Home
Aside from the many cheap hotel deals in Laos, the food is also affordable and delicious. In fact, you may experience a top culinary experience. The local diet consists of sticky rice, fruit, curries, papaya salad, and laap, a spicy marinated meat dish. Most restaurants also offer Western-style food, such as hamburgers, steak, and eggs. If these familiar flavors make you feel homesick, you will find comfort in Vang Vieng, where weary travelers enjoy famous American sitcoms that are broadcasted all day long in the restaurants.