Loren's Wanderlust Laos Travel Guide

27/03/2025

I've added a couple of new pages to the website because of increased interest in these places:

1. Phou Bia: www.lorenswanderlust.net/luang-prabang-and-vang-vieng/phou-bia

2. The Luang Prabang Motorcycle Loop: https://www.lorenswanderlust.net/northern-laos/luang-prabang-motorcycle-loop

And I've made several updates across the site to relfect latest information from current and recent travellers.

A challenging but beautiful multi-day loop through northern Laos

20/01/2025

08/01/2025

The biggest mistake that I see tourists make in Laos is to try to see too many places in the time that they have. Travel in Laos is slow and uncomfortable, so don't spend half your time in buses. Go to beautiful places and stay awhile. More info here:

Plan your itineraries in Laos to explore its diverse landscapes and cultural treasures. Create unforgettable memories with these itinerary suggestions.

08/12/2024

Many people are asking about "the boats between Laos and Thailand". There is NO BOAT between Laos and Thailand. The Mekong Slow Boat, Shompoo Cruise and Nagi of Mekong all travel between Luang Prabang in Laos and Huay Xai in Laos, they never enter Thailand. Any travel that you do between Huay Xai and Thailand will be by land. More info here:

Everything you need to know about Huay Xai's main attractions -- the Gibbon Experience and the Mekong Slow Boat

01/12/2024

Great memories: the 2-day, 1-night hike from Muang Ngoi on the Ou River to Ban Bewkhan back in 2006. Back then there were no dams on the Ou, you could boat from Luang Prabang to Phongsali. The hike still runs, although Ban Bewkhen is in a different place now. It's a U-shaped hike, and then you come back to Muang Ngoi by boat from Sopchem, possibly the most beautiful stretch of river in all of Indochina.

I intended to leave my Martin Backpacker guitar in the guides' office in Muang Ngoi, but my guide asked me to carry it up the mountain, because he could play songs the locals knew how to sing. It was one hell of a party.

12/11/2024

People, don't rely on 12Go or similar websites in Laos! 90% of buses aren't listed on the internet at all. Book locally, at the station or (usually better) through your guesthouse. In a few cities including LP and Pakse, there are good travel desks you can use. Info here:

Discover tips for booking activities, finding lodging, and arranging transport in Laos. Plan your trip with ease and make the most of your adventure.

10/11/2024

I'm seeing a lot of questions on the Laos Facebook groups recently about transport options south of Vientiane. This may be useful:

Thakhek, Pakse, Bolaven, Champasak and the 4,000 Islands -- how to get there and how to get around

24/10/2024

If you're wondering whether the Gibbon Experience is worth it, it is absolutely worth it. It is wonderful. They aren't paying me to say that -- they don't have to.

Note that the 2-day Gibbon Express is completely outside of the National Protected Area -- 2 days of intense ziplining with zero chance of seeing wildlife. Only the 3-day Gibbon Experience is the true Gibbon Experience!

Gibbon Experience : A childhood fantasy with a serious purpose.

09/10/2024

I update my website regularly whenever I get new info. This website is un-sponsored, no one pays me for the recommendations that I make. Enjoy my favourite country in the world!

Stay up to date with Laos travel information in 2024/25. Get the latest insights, tips, and updates to make your trip to Laos a memorable one. Visit the site.

08/10/2024

Recent floods notwithstanding, dry season (and therefore also trekking season) in Laos is almost upon us! The absolute best place to do this is Luang Namtha. Book in person, on arrival in Luang Namtha, one day before you want to start:

By far the best trekking in Laos is among the hill tribes in the old-growth jungle near Luang Namtha. This page tells you everything you need to know.