Laos is a lot like Thailand - the two cultures and languages are very similar, which leads many to describe Laos as “like Thailand 30 years ago”.  It's a really cool experience to appreciate Thailand so fully and then step into this skewed (and equally amazing) mirror image of it.

We will begin our Laos portion of the trip in Luang Prabang. This is a very unique city in that it is a combines both Asian and European influences. Laos was a French Protectorate until 1949, and this city has many examples of French colonial architecture everywhere you look; imagine a small French town located in a subtropical mountain terrain.  Even though the buildings may look French you will make no mistake that this is Asia with the brightly robed monks and temples everywhere you look.

Like Chiang Mai, this city offers a nice slow pace where one can be content meandering through the streets, sipping local coffee in cafes, and shopping at its markets. Adventure can still be found though, as nearby there are caves and waterfalls to be explored. One in particular, Kuang Si Falls is quite stunning. There are several pools at the bottom where you can swim and take in the amazing scenery.