Pak Lai, Laos

A voyage through the land-locked nation of Laos along the mighty Mekong River can take tourists to many magical destinations, both popular and less-known landmarks. One of the most captivating of those is Pak Lai. Pak Lai is a lovely colonial French town in Sainyabuli Province, in the west of Laos, which is famous for its free walking trips through the rainforest and the interesting elephant festival held annually in the region.
At the first look, Pak Lai is likely to be a typical village-like area of local homes in other countryside of Laos and have little to detain travelers. However, if you take your time discovering around, the town can itself be a wonder to witness. Stretching five kilometers of Route four, Pak Lai is a bustling river port and also an almost unavoidable stop on many Mekong River Cruise itineraries, especially the offbeat route between Loei in Thailand and the Sainyabuli province. Exploring north to south, the main attraction of the town you should not miss out is Wat Sisavang. It is a Buddhist temple with a gaudily ornate bell tower and gateway, where visitors can enjoy the tranquil atmosphere and meet some older monks. Crossing a picturesque wooden bridge, you can take a stroll around the quaint town, admiring a plethora of colonial historic buildings in French style and wandering throughout the small yet vibrant  market for a glimpse of local life.
Besides, Pak Lai is home to a considerable number of elephants, and every year in mid February, there is a fascinating Elephant festival in the town with the participation of many locals and tourists alike. Here, you can see elephant parades and demonstrations for two days, as well as enjoy some of the finest local dishes and Lao beers. All in all, Pak Lai is a stunning town worthwhile a visit when you’re in Laos.