July 12, 2007

Asia | Indochina | Laos

Asia on the Edge

By Mark Jolly

Thailand, check. Vietnam, check. Cambodia, check. It’s time to embrace adventure luxe in Laos.

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Laos may still be Indochina’s best kept secret, but that doesn’t mean it’s still the exclusive preserve of the Lonely Planet set. Culture-adventure pioneers Mountain Travel Sobek have just unveiled details of their new journey to the former French colony, departing November. Like previous Laos itineraries, the outfitter’s 18-day trip takes in Luang Prabang, the ancient royal capital that’s often cited among the most enchanting towns in southeast Asia. But beyond the Buddhist temples and colonial architecture, MTS will now start to lead small groups (maximum size: 15) to minority tribal areas in the north, and on a two-night cruise along the Mekong aboard a luxury teakwood houseboat.

Thrill-seekers should also note: this new tour ventures out to the Plain of Jars (pictured), known as one of the most dangerous archaeological sites on earth. The huge swath of land is littered with unexploded bombs from the US bombardment during the “Secret War.” Though if you stick to the designated visitor sites, you’ll get to (safely) see the Laotian answer to Easter Island: thousands of human-size stone jars — that were possibly funeral urns — but whose ancient origins, date and purpose remain a mystery.