12 Favourite Pictures of Laos That Helped Make this Trip Incredible
Looking back on my adventures in 2017, I can honestly say that Laos holds a special place in my heart. It was a country that surprised me with its natural beauty and friendly people. From volunteering with school children and monks to exploring the stunning landscapes of Vang Vieng, there was always something new and memorable to discover.
Even in the capital city of Vientiane, where the atmosphere was more relaxed, I was captivated by the charm and simplicity of life there. I selected a dozen of my favourite pictures to share with the world. Each image represents a unique moment or attraction that captured my attention, leaving a lasting impression I'll treasure forever.
Whether it's a breathtaking view or a silly moment caught on camera, these 12 pictures embody the spirit of my amazing adventure in Laos.
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12 Incredible Pictures of Laos.
12 Favourite Pictures of Laos That Helped Make This Trip Incredible
Laos is a beautiful country with mesmerising landscapes, rich culture, and an intriguing history. The perfect way to remember my trip to Laos is through the 12 favourite pictures I captured. The pictures are a memory, a source of inspiration, and motivation to explore the world more.
1. An Old Man and a Bull
I saw an unusual sight as I was preparing to hop onto the tuc tuc in Laos. A seasoned older man stood with his hands crossed behind his back and a thin stick stuck between his teeth. Behind him was a massive bull that seemed to enjoy the sun just as much as we all were. What made this scene so special was the group of Westerners who had caught the older man's attention.
At this moment, something about the combination of East meets West seemed to me like fate. I snapped a picture of this unplanned occurrence, which became one of my favourites. It shows that some of life's best travel memories and moments happen by chance.
A man and his bull in a local Laos village.
2. Teaching English to the Monks
I never imagined myself interacting with monks. It just wasn't something that had ever come up in my daily life. But a recent trip to Laos changed everything for me. I had the opportunity to meet some genuinely extraordinary gentlemen who happened to be monks. These individuals were humble, kind, and had a genuine sense of peace.
It was an honour to converse with them and learn from their wisdom. What truly struck me, however, were their personalities. They were like me and you – ordinary people with occasional cheekiness and humour. I left Laos with a newfound appreciation for these individuals and their way of life.
Teaching Monks in Laos.
3. Picturesque Vang Vieng
When I was looking for a quick escape from the hustle and bustle of Vientiane, Vang Vieng seemed like an ideal option. A few friends recommended the place, so I hopped on a bus and headed there over the weekend. As soon as I arrived, the area's pristine beauty took my breath away. The lush greenery, towering limestone cliffs, and the Nam Song River flowing through it all mesmerised me. Kayaking on the river was undoubtedly the highlight of my trip.
Such serenity encapsulated me entirely and made me feel incredibly calm and content. I discovered some of the most awe-inspiring scenery and felt like a magical paradise. Truly, Vang Vieng is an oasis of tranquillity where you can get away from busy city life and lose yourself in the ethereal beauty of nature in Vang Vieng.
The Nam Song River in Vang Vieng.
4. Pha That Luang
As I approached Pha That Luang, I couldn't help but marvel at the stunning Golden Palace that shone brilliantly in the sunlight. But as I tried to capture the perfect photo, I noticed some construction work around the main attraction. Despite this, I was enamoured with the temple's beauty.
As I explored the temple grounds, I felt a sense of peace. The large praying rooms within the walls were simply breathtaking. It was clear that Pha That Luang was more than just a tourist destination - it was a sacred place with deep cultural and religious significance.
This beautiful temple is at the Golden Palace.
5. Patuxai War Monument
Walking through the bustling streets of Vientiane, my eyes couldn't help but be drawn to the imposing presence of the Putaxai War Monument. Its sheer size and grandeur demanded attention, and I soon learned it was more than just a striking piece of architecture. As I spoke with locals and delved into Laotian history, I discovered that the monument held a deep significance for the people.
Standing before the monument, I couldn't help but feel a sense of honour and respect for the Lao people's struggle for freedom. It marked their hard-fought independence from French colonial rule in the 1950s, a defining moment in the nation's history. It was a humbling reminder of the power of perseverance and the importance of never forgetting our roots.
The Patuxai War Monument in Vientiane, Laos.
6. A Bunch of Volunteers here for a good cause
As a volunteer with The Green Lion organisation, I enjoyed hiking through the hills of countryside Vientiane during culture week. The scenery was breathtaking, with serene greenery and rolling hills. But the real highlight of the hike was when we reached the top of the rock and were rewarded with an incredible panoramic view.
It was the perfect spot for a picnic with my fellow volunteers, and we all couldn't resist taking photos of ourselves amidst the stunning landscape. I could see why this location is so popular among Green Lion volunteers; it's a serene escape from the hustle and bustle of everyday life and allows you to connect with nature most beautifully.
A hike with fellow volunteers in Laos.
7. A Lone Monk in Laos
While strolling with my group, chatting away with a friendly monk, I noticed something picturesque. The moment was too beautiful not to capture, so I grabbed my camera, tucked it safely in my bag, and snapped a picture of the monk walking away with stunning temples and lush natural scenery in the background.
The image instantly reminded me of the peaceful and serene atmosphere surrounding me during my travels. I may have gotten lucky to capture such a quiet moment on camera, but I know the memory will always be cherished.
A Lone Monk.
8. A Time to Pray in Laos Temple
On one lazy Friday, I decided to go on an adventure to explore Vat Pana Khoun Temple. Upon my arrival, I was immediately mesmerised by the atmosphere. The temple was filled with locals and monks who gathered for prayer. I watched in awe as rows of people sat with their legs crossed and listened to the echoes of the monk's prayers broadcasted through a microphone.
Once inside, I couldn't help but notice the temple's stunning interior design. The temple was exquisite, from the intricate carvings on the walls to the colourful stained-glass windows. The sounds were ethereal and peaceful, making me feel part of something special. The whole experience was eye-opening and left me feeling content and at peace.
Morning prayer in a Laos Buddhist Temple.
9. The Volunteer House
I ADMIT I WAS A LITTLE SCEPTICAL when I first heard about The Green Lion Volunteer House. Essential bedding, no air-conditioning, and a sports field made of gravel? It sounded like a challenge, but I was up for it. The moment I arrived, I was pleasantly surprised. Sure, the dam waters were a bit dirty, and the huts were made of bamboo, but it all added to the place's charm.
Walking across the bridges felt like an adventure, and I was grateful for the opportunity to experience something different. And you know what? I didn't even miss the air-conditioning. The volunteer house may have been considered "3rd world conditions", but I didn't feel that way.
The volunteer house in Laos.
10. Wat Sisaket
As I walked through the streets of Vientiane City, I was struck by the sheer number of temples that lined the roads. Each one was unique in its way, but there was one that stood out from the rest - Wat Sisaket. The intricate details of the building were mesmerising, and I couldn't help but stare in awe at the carefully crafted architecture. I was in for a treat when I approached the temple gates.
Wat Sisaket was hands down my favourite temple in Vientiane City. Walking through the grounds, I was struck by the landscape's natural beauty surrounding the temple. It was a serene oasis amidst the hustle and bustle of the city. And to top it all off, I was standing in a temple that had stood the test of time for over 400 years. It was indeed a humbling experience to be in the presence of such ancient history.
Wat Sisaket in Vientiane, Laos.
11. An overview of Vientiane City
I recently had the opportunity to visit Vientiane and was determined to get the best aerial shot of the city. After asking locals and researching, I discovered that the Patuxai War Monument was the best spot for a panoramic view of Vientiane. Climbing the steps was no easy feat. But let me tell you, the view from the top was breathtaking.
Seeing the city from a 360 angle gave me a new appreciation for its unique charm. What struck me the most was the lack of high-rise buildings, which allowed for an unobstructed view of the city's beautiful architecture and natural growth. So if you're up for a workout, I highly recommend trekking to the top of the Patuxai War Monument for an unforgettable aerial view of Vientiane.
A view of Vientiane from the Patuxai War Monument.
12. A Crazy Group Photo with Students
Teaching can be challenging, but there's nothing quite as rewarding as seeing bright, energetic young minds soak up knowledge like sponges. I recently had the pleasure of working with a group of kids eager to learn, even though they didn't have access to all the fancy electronics that seem necessary these days.
One of my favourite moments was taking a group photo with all the students and volunteers. As soon as the camera came out, the kids came running from all directions, with one cheeky little guy in the front who loved being the centre of attention. Moments like these make all the hard work and effort completely worth it.
It was hard work, but it was worth it for the experience of watching these children grow and thrive.
I was volunteering at a Laos primary school.
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