Live Your Best Lives
With the borders now open, border cities are bustling again! Finally, it's possible to quickly travel abroad from ports of entry! National Geographic magazine announced its "Most Attractive Travel Destinations for 2023," and one ASEAN country is the only country on the list.
It is the only country in Southeast Asia that is not on the sea. Although it does not have blue sea, blue sky, white sand and coconut trees, God has given it nearly 70% forest coverage. Champa flowers bloom under the Bodhi trees.
In this landlocked country, boats are its traditional means of transportation, the Mekong River is its lifeline, and motorcycles and tricycles are also very common, just like in Thailand.
Some people say this is Chiang Mai, Thailand ten years ago. Like Vietnam, it was once colonized by France, and elegant, exquisite and French-style buildings are everywhere.
Like Thailand and Myanmar, Buddhism is quite popular here. There is a temple every five steps and a pagoda every ten steps. Pious faith and sincere smiles can be seen everywhere, which is primitive and full of human touch.
Here you can enjoy the sunset glow and the sunset which is known as "one of the eight best sunsets in Asia". It is said that lovers who come here to watch the sunset together will stay together forever.
Do you think that's all there is to it? No, it's surprisingly wild, with rafting, kayaking, hot air ballooning, and even real gun shooting. This place has long been an outdoor paradise for Europeans and Americans.
It is one of the least developed countries in the world, but here, with a strong culture of coffee and Western food, coffee starts at only 5 yuan, or 50 yuan per person, and you can enjoy the freedom of Western food.
This is Laos, where tranquility and wildness coexist, faith and smile coexist. Today, You Xiaoxia will take you to this lost paradise that is ignored by most people.
And this time, we don’t have to change planes several times, take a shaky car ride, or have a tiring journey, because the China-Laos Railway from China to Laos has been opened to traffic, and we can take the high-speed rail to Laos!
Because China’s high-speed rail is so amazing!
For example, if you want to go to Vietnam from Hangzhou, there are no direct flights. Even with transfers, it would take 2-4 flights to get there. However, China is building a super high-speed rail network connecting the entire ASEAN. The China-Laos Railway Kunming to Vientiane section has already opened to traffic! It's fast and cheap!
Picture @ "People's Railway"
Air tickets are so expensive these days, so if you want to visit Southeast Asia, taking the high-speed rail is the best option! The China-TravelNote Laos advance team has sent back the latest guide! 👇
Tips:
Q1: To the China-TravelNote team, how has transportation changed compared to three years ago?
What used to be a six or seven-hour drive can now be reached in just 1.5 hours by high-speed rail!
According to the recollections of the team members: In 2016, I took a car for the first time and entered Laos from the Mohan Port in Xishuangbanna. I sat on the winding and bumpy mountain road for 6 or 7 hours. The road conditions were really bad. I was so tired.
▲This month's Boten Railway Station
After the opening of the China-Laos Railway, you can take the high-speed rail directly to the Mohan Port from Kunming and Banna. After leaving the country, you can continue to take the high-speed rail to your destination from Boten Station in Laos.
This time, the China-TravelNote team traveled from Mohan to Luang Prabang in just 1.5 hours! The tickets were incredibly affordable, significantly reducing travel time. Furthermore, the Chinese-made high-speed trains offered similar staff and service to those in China, with signage and voice announcements in Chinese, English, and Laotian. The ride was truly fantastic!
The only problem is that train tickets are currently in short supply and incredibly hard to come by! You can't buy tickets online at Boten train station, so you have to buy them on-site. When we were crossing the border, we saw many tourists stranded in Boten because they couldn't buy tickets.
I was so thankful that China-TravelNote had its own channel! I could buy tickets three days in advance, choose the right flight, and board the train smoothly and happily.
Tips:
Q2: How was the immigration experience? How was the visa on arrival and the queues?
There are many problems with visa on arrival and the queues are long, so it is recommended to apply for a visa in advance.
Laos can obtain visa on arrival. The Mohan Port on the Chinese side has long realized electronic customs clearance, which is very fast. However, the Boten Port on the Lao side uses manual processing, the customs clearance speed is slow, and the waiting time is too long.
Image @YouTube / February netizens filmed queuing at the train station
Recently, there are so many people going out through the Mohan-Boten border crossing that the queue at the visa on arrival window is very long. You have to fill out forms and have them reviewed. It takes at least 1-2 hours to queue up. Some people even missed the next train.
We applied for visas in advance, and the queue time for customs clearance was only about 30 minutes (of course, this was also due to the tips for filling out the entry card). With the visa, we left the country in seconds. It was very convenient!
To ensure the smooth entry and exit of the China-TravelNote team, we will arrange personnel to assist throughout the process to reduce trouble and maximize everyone's customs clearance speed and experience.
Tips:
Q3: Will it take a long time after passing the level?
Traveling independently can be a bit of a hassle, as you'll have to squeeze in and share illegal taxis when leaving the station. China-TravelNote arranged a private car to pick you up, and you arrived comfortably!
Currently, the transportation connection between Mohan and Boten Railway Station is not yet fully opened, and many sections require taxis and carpooling. With China-TravelNote, we will arrange pick-up vehicles in advance to make the group connection more convenient and smooth, ensuring a smooth entry.
So, we left the border at noon and were already lying in the hotel in Luang Prabang at 4 o'clock. After a short rest, we started to have fun!
Tips:
Q4: What’s different this time compared to three years ago?
The Laotian currency has depreciated and the exchange rate is better, the scenery is more beautiful, and we found more interesting things!
Compared to three years ago, the Lao people are still as friendly as ever, and the city still has a laid-back and down-to-earth vibe. Furthermore, the Laotian currency exchange rate has fluctuated dramatically, from 1:1250 to the current 1:250. It's easy to become a multi-millionaire!
This time, we also focused on exploring new ways of playing and experiencing, tourist activities, food exploration strategies, etc., giving everyone the freedom to choose, hoping to truly bring everyone a unique and in-depth trip to Laos.
“Laos, this small country, has long been in a forgotten corner, but it has the best elements of Southeast Asia.”
—Nick Ray
Design@Box
Laos, surrounded by Thailand, Myanmar, China, Vietnam and Cambodia like a dumpling, has an area of 236,800 square kilometers, which is almost the size of two Zhejiang provinces.
The pristine ecological environment, the kaleidoscopically colorful culture and the leisurely and leisurely people are the unique features of Laos.
It's a country where you can relax and smile genuinely, and Laos has something for every type of traveler, from thrill seekers to gourmands.
This is one of the true destinations for travel in Asia. It encompasses the essence of Southeast Asia, with only the purest smiles and the purest scenery.
Experience a morning alms giving
Luang Prabang is the most charming town in Laos, a famous ancient capital and Buddhist center of Laos, and also the oldest existing town in Laos.
Luang Prabang has a history of more than 1,000 years. It was the capital of Laos 500 years ago, but now it is a forgotten southern city.
There is a tranquility and peace here like a lost paradise. More than 600 temples are built in this small town, where traditional Buddhist temples and Western-style buildings coexist harmoniously.
The narrow streets are filled with the scent of sandalwood, and the Mekong River winds along one side, setting a quiet tone.
This is also the first stop for most people to visit Laos. The people here are simple, the natural ecology is well protected, and there is no excessive commercialization. It is recognized as the city with the best preserved traditional and colonial styles in Southeast Asia.
Therefore, as early as 1995, Luang Prabang was listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.
The city is small and cozy. You can visit temples, cruise the Mekong River, dive at Kuang Si Falls, watch the sunset from Mount Phousi, and when night falls, have a bottle of Laotian beer...
Although there are four major waterfalls in Luang Prabang, Kuangsi Waterfall ranks first in various recommendations.
The waterfall is quite spectacular, with three layers of waterfalls cascading down. You can feel the 30-meter drop of the waterfall and the beautiful gurgling stream like a gem.
People come here not only to see the magnificent waterfalls, but mainly to dive!
The tree trunks that extend out of the water at the edge of the pond serve as natural diving platforms. Leaping from the trees into the clear water is incredibly fun. There are many small fish in the water that will nibble on your skin, making it a natural, free fish therapy!
Wat Xieng Thong is the most magnificent and beautiful temple in Luang Prabang. It is located near the Mekong River. It was the private property of the royal family until 1975. It is no exaggeration to describe it as magnificent.
The lintels of all sizes inside the temple are engraved with intricate patterns, mostly enchanting tropical branches, and the outside of the temple is also engraved with golden patterns.
On the door, there are reliefs of fairies or Buddhas with graceful figures and well-defined lines, which are a comprehensive reflection of Laotian religion, royalty and traditional art.
Tips:
1. To show respect to the Buddha, visitors must take off their shoes and enter barefoot
2. No bare chest, no off-shoulder suspenders or miniskirts are allowed. Female tourists are not allowed to enter the temple during their menstrual period.
Mount Phousi is located in the center of the old city of Luang Prabang. It takes 15 minutes to climb to the top and overlook the entire ancient city.
Here you can enjoy the sunset and evening glow which is known as "one of the eight best sunsets in Asia".
The whole city is shrouded in the afterglow of the sunset, covered with a thin layer of golden gauze. This is the romance unique to Luang Prabang.
- Morning Almsgiving -
There is a sacred tradition in Luang Prabang. Every morning, when the first ray of sunlight hits the golden roof of the temple, monks will line up and walk onto the street with their bowls. Local people will prepare food, fruits and vegetables, kneel, put their hands together respectfully, and wait quietly by the roadside.
When the monks walk by, the donors will reverently put rice into the bowl, and then the monks will bow, chant scriptures, and leave. This is a ceremony that is performed every day, which is locally called morning almsgiving.
This traditional ritual, unchanged for over 500 years, has become the perfect start to the day for Laotians. Watching the alms-giving ceremony in the Old Town is an experience not to be missed; witnessing it firsthand will surely touch a tender corner of your heart.
This may be the quietest market in Asia, peaceful and leisurely, with no hard sales.
Silk scarves, patchwork blankets, silverware, pottery, paper lanterns, bamboo lamps... are neatly displayed in front of each stall. They are dazzling and colorful, and the prices are the most reasonable in Laos.
The capital city exudes a light sandalwood scent
Vientiane is the capital of Laos. As early as the 17th century, it was a prosperous commercial center. It is a clean and tidy small city. The streets are not very wide, but the market is very lively.
It faces Thailand across the Mekong River. During the dry season, most of the Mekong River bed is exposed, with only a small stream remaining in the middle. People can even wade to Thailand.
The Arc de Triomphe is located in the center of the city. It was built to commemorate the liberation and independence of the Lao people and is also a landmark building in Vientiane.
▲The musical fountain built with Chinese aid
While its exterior resembles the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, its interior is steeped in Buddhist culture. Climbing the 150-plus spiral staircase to the seventh floor, the beautifully designed windows offer a panoramic view of Vientiane.
The beautiful golden Phra That Luang is the most important national monument in Laos. Built in 1556, it is a symbol shared by Buddhism and the Laotian sovereign state and is covered entirely with real gold.
Even on cloudy days, it can be seen from a distance. It is said that the hair and bones of Buddha Shakyamuni are buried under the pagoda, which are very precious.
Tips:
That Luang Pagoda is considered sacred by locals, and entry requires a dress code that covers shoulders, navel, and knees. If your attire doesn't meet these requirements, free clothing rentals are available at the entrance.
Wat Xiangkun, also known as Buddha Park, is located on the banks of the Mekong River, about 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane. It is a sculpture park that features nearly 100 Buddha statues of various styles, blending Buddhist and Hindu styles.
The two major attractions in the park are the Heaven and Hell Tower, which is shaped like a pumpkin and symbolizes the cycle of life, and the giant reclining Buddha statue that is over 40 meters long.
-Shooting experience-
The Laos 45 Shooting Range, near downtown Vientiane, is the largest commercial shooting range in Southeast Asia. It boasts a variety of indoor and outdoor ranges, and many shooters train there. A visit to Vientiane is a must, of course, to touch a real gun and squeeze the trigger a few times.
Put on your earmuffs and go all out! Professional instructors will provide guidance on shooting techniques and safety precautions in fluent Chinese. You can enjoy the thrill of shooting a variety of firearms at the shooting range. With real guns and live ammunition, you can experience a true PUBG experience.
The cheapest hot air balloon in the world
Vang Vieng is a famous leisure and tourist destination in Laos with beautiful mountains and rivers and simple folk customs. It is located between the two major cities of Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Chinese people who come here call it "Little Yangshuo".
The tranquil Nansong River flows through the magical karst terrain, with numerous bizarre caves scattered throughout the area.
The water in the famous Tempukan Cave converges into a dreamy blue lagoon.
In addition to being able to enjoy the beautiful mountains and rivers in Vangrong, it is also a paradise for outdoor sports, including diving, caving, rafting, ziplining... It can be said to be an original paradise for outdoor sports.
Nansong River is a famous rafting spot in Vangrong. The river is wide with rapids and calm waters. The entire rafting journey is about 13 kilometers.
You can choose to sit on the car tires and drift slowly along the water, or you can choose to kayak and experience the speed and passion!
-Ride a hot air balloon for panoramic views-
Taking a hot air balloon, you can see the beautiful scenery of Vangrong and the entire city from high altitude. In Vangrong, you can find almost the cheapest hot air balloon in the world.
It only costs about 90 US dollars, and the scenery and experience are not inferior to Türkiye at all, so it is very cost-effective.
Watch the sunrise around 6 a.m. and the sunset around 5 p.m. If the weather is good, the morning mist from the mountains will spread, and the whole city will be filled with fairy-like and dreamy air.
-ATV off-road-
You can drive an ATV from Vangrong to the Blue Lagoon, which usually costs 100 yuan per hour. You can just mortgage your passport when renting the car.
If you are not in a hurry, you can stay in the city for a few days, drink iced coffee, get a massage, and travel at a slow pace, which can be very pleasant.
Fengfeng, the product manager for this line, said, "What is there in Laos? Laos has things that are unique to Laos, and your life is unique to you. Traveling can be tiring and disappointing, but it's also bound to be rewarding!"
One journey = two countries + two cultures. Cross the border in the slow-paced way that best suits Laos. Set your watch back an hour. There are fewer people than in Thailand and it’s more fun than in Vietnam. This time, join us on the high-speed rail to experience the charming customs of northern Laos!
