Ecotourism in Laos

Ecotourism, these days, has become a trend in the tourism industry due to its positive environmental and cultural impact to destination countries and the travelers themselves. Laos, for one, promotes several ecotourism destinations, hoping to become "world renowned in sustainable tourism that benefits natural, cultural and local socio-economic development".

Laos is a perfect ecotourism destination, having low population density, diverse, well-preserved ethnic traditions and probably the richest, unspoiled ecosystem network in the Indochina region. At present, the country has 20 National Protected Areas that offer a vast range of ecotourism attractions such as monsoon forests, wildlife, bizarre karst limestones, and dozens of ethnic minority groups. Around more than 900 species of birds and mammals have been identified in the country and more new species are discovered every year. Some examples of these fauna are tigers, clouded leopards, douc languar, gibbons, irrawaddy dolphins, hornbills, peafowls, ibis, crested argus and silver pheasants, among others.

Not only that, Laos also has two World Heritage Sites. These are the ancient town of Luang Prabang in the center of northern Laos described as the most charming and best preserved town in Southeast Asia, and Vat Phou Temple Complex in Vientianne which is a pre-Angkorian site dating from the 7th to 12th centuries.
Soon to add to this list is the Plain of Jars on the Xieng Khouang Plateau in north-central Laos that is comprised of thousands of megalithic stone jars in clusters of up to 300 with sizes varying from 1 meter to over 3 meters in height. Research suggests that these stone jars are associated with prehistoric burial practices dated to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE).

Another highlight of Laos is its 47 recognized ethnic groups scattered all over the country. The most diverse collection of ethnic minority villages is in the northern provinces of Luang Namtha, Pongsali and Bokeo. This gives travelers an intense and definitely unique cultural experience and insight into the Laos ethnic way of life.

APSARA TOURS, with the aim of offering our clients one-of-a-kind travel pleasures, brings you to Laos for an Ecotourism experience. Contact our team of dynamic tour operators to organize a trip to Laos like no other.