INTRODUCTION TO LAOS - The Rough Guide to Laos - page 8

FROM LEFT RICE PADDY FIELD; KONG LO CAVE ; TUBING IN VANG VIENG
AUTHOR PICKS
Our indefatigable authors have combed the length and breadth of Laos, enduring bone-
jangling bus journeys and pounding sun-baked streets, to bring you the very best that the
country has to offer; here are some of their personal highlights.
Bicycle rides Away from towns and cities, paved roads give way to dusty tracks and sandy
riverside trails. Trundling along on two wheels is one of the best ways to explore small vil-
lages, like those found in Si Phan Don and Luang Namtha .
Lao people The kindness and good humour of Lao people surprises plenty of first-time vis-
itors. Almost everywhere foreigners go, they're greeted by warm smiles, waves, and - from
kids, especially - cries of “Sabaidee!”
Caves From long, natural tunnels such as Kong Lo Cave , which attracts kayakers, to the lofty
underground hideaways of the Pathet Lao, subterranean Laos has plenty of tales to tell.
Markets Sultry and sometimes stinky, wet markets in Laos provide a colourful insight into
local life, with all manner of creatures, roots and plants laid out for sale.
Exploringbyriver The original Lao highways are still the best, whether seen from a bamboo
raft, kayak, old-fashioned slow boat or the inside of an inflated tractor inner tube .
Local pop Maddening, deafening, and yet somehow strangely catchy: no public bus ride
would be complete without the tinny blare of pop tunes from Laos and Thailand.
Courses Pick up some new skills as you explore the country: in Luang Prabang, excellent
cookery schools are attached to some of the city's top restaurants, or learn the art of tradition-
al weaving at the wonderful Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre.