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Ecotourism Laos:
Unexpected Green Treasure
Laos, or the Lao People's Democratic Republic, is a communist state landlocked between Thailand, Cambodia, Burma, China and Vietnam. Ecotourism Laos, while it may be expected to be a low priority, has been actually been supported by the Lao government. Community-based ecotourism has been written into its national poverty reduction strategy. However, it remains to be seen how strong the commitment is to ecotourism Laos. Nevertheless, projects like community-based treks to Xe Pian National Protected Area (NPA) in southern Laos, elephant viewing at Phou Khao Khuaoy NPA near Vientiane, and more northward, treks from Vieng Phouka, Muang Sing, Phongsali, and Nam Ha NPA are benefitting locals with ecotourism dollars and preserving lands that otherwise would be abused in attempts to eke out a living.
Laos Animal Attractions
Ecotourism Laos has much to offer in the wildlife category. New species of animals are being discovered and rediscovered every year. But some of the standouts, many unique to Laos, are Clouded Leopards, Gibbons, tigers, Douc Languar, Silver Pheasants, Irrawaddy Dolphins, Peafowls, Ibis, Crested Angus, and Hornbills. Twenty National Protected Areas are in place to conserve these irreplaceable resources. Although many of these are remote areas, trekking, kayaking, camping and bird-watching are popular ways to enjoy these eco-preserves.
Laos World Heritage Sites
There are several World Heritage Sites in Laos to round out ecotourism interests. In the north of Laos, the ancient town of Luang Prabang is said to be one of the best-preserved towns in southeast Asia and features 34 Buddhist temples amidst colonial and Chinese architecture. Vat Phou is a temple complex on the Mekong River in the Champassak Province. The architecture here is ancient and classic Khmer dating from the 7th to the 12th centuries AD. The Plain of Jars in north central Laos is on the Xieng Khouang Plateau and is a collection of thousands of stone jars that are believed to be funerary urns carved some 2000 years ago.
Laos Ecotraveler Tips:
Do's and Don'ts
• Touching or showing affection in public can be embarassing to Laotians. Kissing and hugging in public is impolite.
• Never touch someone on their head.
• Women should never touch a monk or his robes.
• Using your feet for anything other than walking is considered offensive. No feet propped on tables and no touching anyone with your feet.
• When entering someone's home, please remove your shoes.
• Lao people think it important to be polite and presentable. Likewise for ecotravelers, dressing neatly and being clean is considered good form.
• Modesty is key. Nude sunbathing or skinny dipping is a no-no.
• Lao people prefer to avoid confrontation. Do not shout or raise your voice.
• Before taking photographs of locals, please ask permission.
• Using drugs and sex tourism are illegal in Laos and consequences can be harsh.
• And as always, to be good ecotourists, do not buy or remove anything antique or sacred or any animal product or creature that is endangered, do not litter, buy local food, gifts, and stay in locally-run ecolodging.
Ecotourism Laos: Before You Go
• Before you head to Laos, be sure you check all the entry requirements and traveler alerts.
• Health care in Laos is basic. To review medicinal and culinary preparations as well as the entry requirements and travel alerts mentioned above, please see
Travel Health and Safety.
• You will likely need a 30-day visa before you can cross the border into Laos.
• The national language is Lao, but English is spoken in most major tourist centers. Chinese, Vietnamese and Thai are also widely spoken. And many educated and student Lao speak German, French, and Russian.
• Internet access is available in all but the most remote areas.
• Credit cards are accepted at major hotels and limited upscale shops. At present, foreigners cannot withdraw cash from ATMs but traveler's checks can be cashed at banks. The Laotian currency is the Lao Kip.
• Electricity is 220V A/C and is available in major population centers and many district capitals.
• Children are well-liked by Laotians and will be well-received if you take a family ecoholiday.
Interested in Ecotourism Laos? For smooth trip preparations, please check Trouble-Free Travel.
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