Looking to have a fun time as a solo traveler or with family? Laos is a hidden gem in the East. With neighbors like China, Thailand, and Cambodia, you will have a fantastic experience. First things first, you will need a visa for the trip. How do you get a visa?
American citizens traveling to Laos need a tourist visa. Laos’s e-visa is available online for American tourists. The process of application is simple. American tourists can apply for the visa earlier to leave time to get an e-visa tourist.
What are the requirements?
The Laos e-visa for American citizens is a valid USA passport. The passport must be valid for at least six months during the visit. You also ought to have the application form available online and passport photo with a white background. The passport photo must be recent or at least no more than three months old.
Tourists can use the visa for 30 days which are extendable when you contact the relevant authorities. A tourist visa is different from the business visa. You will get your visa in less than a month. You also ought to have not less than two blank pages on your passport to have enough space for stamping.
Once you have the e-visa in your mail, you can finally start planning your vacation. Here are ten exciting things to do in Laos.
- Kuang Si Waterfall
A real vacation is one that connects you with nature. Nature comes to life in the Kuang Si Falls in Luang Prabang. Fall in love with the enticing 50 meter drop high and 3 tiers of elegance. The small pools underneath the falls offer an ideal swimming spot. Fancy a good swim? You do not need to change in the bush, as there are wooden cabins for that. You can also trek along the falls to get a clear view of the fall. At the entrance of the part, there is a butterfly park, which you can visit and view the beautiful nature in the area.
- Sinouk Coffee Tour
Coffee lovers will love the trip. Take a walk in a plantation where the most enjoyable drink originates. The coffee plantations in the southwestern Laos area are breathtaking. The organically certified farms brew the coffee beans organically in the factory to produce the best coffee you will ever taste. Explore how the coffee is grown and processed and learn more about that drink that makes your day brighter.
- Vientiane City Tour
Culture in Laos is diverse. Explore the culture here a city tour can make that easier. Explore key historical areas in the town and learn about the people. The key areas that you can enjoy are the Buddha Park, Wat Si Saket, and the Patuxay monument. If you have time, also try the Cope Visitor center. You will receive important information like the importance of providing disability services. The night market will give you a great thrill if you would like to shop.
- Elephant Sanctuary In Luang Prabang
An elephant center is a place where you can learn about elephants. The shelter is a home for rescued elephants in Asia. The rescue is also a source of employment for the locals. The sanctuary saves elephants captured for work around Laos. At the protection, you will experience the animals up close. They will teach you how to care for the animal, including bathing it and even riding.
- Kong Lor Caves
Are you an explorer? The Kong Lor caves are in the protected area in Central Laos. The caves along the river stretch a good 7.4 kilometers, which is among the longest in the world. You will have so much fun walking through the caves and exploring the different water formations. Plan an overnight trip as the ride from Vientiane is about 5 hours.
- Wat Phu
The ancient temple in Wat Phu received recognition as the UNESCO as a world heritage site. The archeological area has an ancient temple that boasts of rich history. Get a tour of the place including the holy mountain of Phu Kao. The Buddhist temple also has several other temples that have crumbled over time. Explore the religion in the calm ambiance of the river.
- Living Land Company
The Living land company brings you to an organic farm where you can learn how to farm. Plough with cattle and harvest rice patty. If you do not want to get dirty, watch other people do these activities as you enjoy farm life. Here you will have an unforgettable experience.
- Nong Khiaw
You have to work on this beautiful view. However, the long trek will pay off as you will love the picture below. The Nong Khiaw viewpoint is on a mountain. The Nong Khiaw village is where the trek begins. The one and a half hour trip may seem too long for some people. Once dark, you may need a flashlight to help you through the forest. Also, take as much water as possible with you as well as excellent hiking shoes. If you do not want to endure the walk, try the boat ride from the Nam Ou River, which is more relaxing plus you still have the view you wanted.
- 4000 Islands
Explore three islands in Laos. You will take a ferry ride to the remote islands. Enjoy the ferry ride to Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon islands. There are no ATMs or internet. Try and make arrangements before getting to the area. Enjoy ancient culture here and meals prepared with fresh farm ingredients.
- Luang Prabang Temples
If you would like to experience praying in the temple, then this is the place to be. There are trails that you can follow to each one of the notable temples.
Laos has a lot to offer American tourists. The culture here and hospitality will warm your heart. Make good use of your Laos e-visa for American citizens by enjoying these breathtaking places!
