Not only happy shakes make Laos a wonderful country

ludekjirous
Apr 12, 2015
3 min read

„Don’t hurry be happy“, could be the motto of this peaceful country in Southeast Asia. The people from Laos are one of the most relaxed people in the world, probably thanks to their buddhistic beliefs which accompanies them on their life's journey. Lao people smile a lot and work less, they believe that too much work is bad for the brain, so you can often spot them relaxing and contemplating life.

vilage life in Muang Ngoi Neva

If you are going to visit this idylic country,do not rush, just slow down and absorb the atmosphere. Lay down on a bamboo deck in one of the restaurants, relax and watch how the river flows. Be patient and don´t forget to smile. Leave your problems at home because here there is no place for them.

monks in Luang Prabang

sun set by 4000 islands

Laos is all about relaxation, rural life and wonderful nature! Ready to chill? Countless wooden restaurants with amazing views of rivers, romantic sunsets, towering mountains and wooden bridges are scattered along the river shores. Reggae or other chill music is played out of the speakers and it creates the perfect atmosphere to sprawl in a hammock or lay on a cushion bed. You can just lay down and take a rest, read a book, enjoy the view or chat with other travelers. There are plenty of magical places that made travelers to change their plans and where a one day visit became a few days or a couple of weeks, and for some the visit has yet to finish. If you want to go to these relaxed places with such an atmosphere you shouldn't miss 4000 islands on the river Mekong or a picturesque village Muang Ngoi Neua.

red hot chilly peppers

,,One, two, three and look there is another pig...“ If you leave the town’s borders you can see pigs everywhere, small ones, black ones, spotted ones or fat ones, as well chickens and waterbuffalos. ,,And there, the red stuff on the ground, what is it?“, thousands of red peppers drying on the sun, probably getting ready for your chilli soup. Rural life in Laos is quite spread out and it makes this country even more romantic. Stroll the narrow paths between the paddy ricefields, say hello to the animals that move freely along the roads or let yourself be woken up by chickens. If you want to experience the village lifestyle, you don't have to walk far, just rent a motorbike and explore the region by Pakse, it's a golden opportunity to to see the charming villages. If you are in Muang Ngoi Neua - leave your favourite bar for a day and spend a night in some of the villages further inland. You will be very surprised what life is about there.

watterfall by Luang Prabang

,, Oh booh there is no beach ...“, that’s true, but you won’t really miss it in Laos. The stunning views of the towering mountains, meandering rivers and bubbling waterfalls fully substitute the beach. If you are warm, you take a cold shower under the waterfall or join one of the famous tubing routes. Laos is the kingdom of a dozen waterfalls and hundreds of tubbing routes. You can experience one of the longest tubing-runs on rivers in all of Asia. Floating on the river surrounded by the mountains in Vang Vieng, kayaking by 4000 islands or visiting several waterfalls of different lengths and shapes by Bolaevan Plateau are the unforgettable memories of Lao nature.

Hive bar with happy shake

Eventhough the era of hippies who used to travel here to experience all kinds of drugs has passed and a new generation of travelers seeking adventure have started to arrive, the narcotics are here still quite easily accessible. A huge sign on the borders welcoming new tourist with the slogan: ,,Live the sunshine without drugs" probably doesn't work out very well. Because if you ask around a little bit you can still find places with menus filled with different kind of drugs.

Very popular are the happy shakes, a drink that consists of weed (or mushrooms) blend with fruit (banana, mango or whatever you feel like). It' s a drink which is suppose to make you happy, it basically has the same effect as smoking weed but lasts for hours. If you are going to have one of these please note that the drugs from this region are naturally strong, so it might be better to drink only a half of this magical cocktail and wait 30-45 minutes for the effect. Do not forget to drink some water, don't plan any trips, just relax and observe the river to flow...