Lost In Laos
Travel+Leisure India|June 2019

On a whirlwind tour of Laos, Devanshi Mody dissects its heritage and local culture, gets introduced to the austere ways of monks, and indulges, albeit guiltily, in some luxurious retreats.

Devanshi Mody
Lost In Laos
“LAO PDR OFFICIALLY STANDS for Lao People’s Democratic Republic,” says Michael Roehrig of Trails of Indochina, “but really, it stands for Please Don’t Rush.” Languorous like the stately River Mekong that traverses it, this is a destination where two cars on the street counts as a traffic jam. Unless, luxury cars from China are whizzing through Luang Prabang’s quaint, slender streets, their broad, burnished bodies almost grazing the UNESCO-protected town’s heritage edifices. These French-colonial structures are fast becoming hotels, restaurants, bars, and boutiques for tourists, whose numbers near Laos’ seven-million population. And yet, an imperturbable tranquillity pervades Laos. In three weeks, I won’t hear a horn bleat. Nor see a McDonald’s, Starbucks, or smug white Apple store!

My hotel—the latest ultra-luxe abode in the region—the Rosewood Luang Prabang is 15 minutes out of town, and that’s considered far. Michael awaits me at Rosewood’s colonial Great House, which pulsates with elephant motifs evoking Laos’ former name ‘Land of a Million Elephants’ almost in tragic irony. Just 400 elephants survive. Poaching has exterminated rhinos and crocodiles. Apparently, rhino horns (the Chinese love them) sell at Luang Prabang’s famous Night Market.

Michael has been in Laos for 15 years and is phlegmatic, even about Laos’ corruption sensations. However, my displeasure at much-vaunted erstwhileroyal capital Luang Prabang provokes him. Why is it UNESCO-stamped when Puducherry and Chettinad’s architectural splendour surpasses the charming but unstaggering French-colonial buildings here? Michael calls these the best-preserved vestiges of Indochina architecture. I have seen finer specimens in Vietnam and Cambodia. Michael claims that UNESCO’s presence checks China. Really?

この記事は Travel+Leisure India の June 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

この記事は Travel+Leisure India の June 2019 版に掲載されています。

7 日間の Magzter GOLD 無料トライアルを開始して、何千もの厳選されたプレミアム ストーリー、9,000 以上の雑誌や新聞にアクセスしてください。

TRAVEL+LEISURE INDIAのその他の記事すべて表示
Retro: Timeless & Trending
Travel+Leisure India

Retro: Timeless & Trending

As AI dominates the tech world, Nikhil Chawla introduces devices and apps that evoke nostalgia with their retro charm and timeless appeal.

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024
Celebrating Timeless Austin
Travel+Leisure India

Celebrating Timeless Austin

Austin is a melting pot of culture and style, and a personification of the great American lifestyle,

time-read
5 分  |
October 2024
A Legacy of Art and Activism
Travel+Leisure India

A Legacy of Art and Activism

Mallika Sarabhai reflects on her rich heritage as she discusses her unique approach to blending tradition with modernity, the power of arts in activism and her commitment to bringing about social change, in this conversation with Dipali Patwa.

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Second Course
Travel+Leisure India

Second Course

Noma chef René Redezpi found fame with ingredient-focused fine dining. His new TV show goes even further.

time-read
2 分  |
October 2024
The Safari Sanctuary
Travel+Leisure India

The Safari Sanctuary

Aamaghati Wildlife Resort, Ranthambore’s latest opening, offers the finest facilities and accommodation in the district and has the park embedded deep inside its soul.

time-read
3 分  |
October 2024
THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS
Travel+Leisure India

THE ETERNAL FLAVOURS of our TIMELESS CLASSICS

India's most-loved restaurants have all stood the test of time, especially in an era when food ventures open with vast market research and modern aesthetics but fail to make a lasting impression. This is what makes our favourites timeless.

time-read
6 分  |
October 2024
LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana
Travel+Leisure India

LATE CHECK OUT WITH Ayushmann Churrana

A film with a social message, a deeply inspiring couplet, a music tour that lets him explore his alter ego of sorts—what makes Ayushmann Khurrana the right fit in everything he chooses to do?

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Luxury Legacy
Travel+Leisure India

Luxury Legacy

Meet Tikka Shatrujit Singh, the visionary who paved the way for luxury brands to thrive in India. One of the most iconic figures in India's fashion and luxury industry, the former head representative of LVMH in Asia tells Samreen Tungekar about his journey, what today's consumer wants, and how Indian tourism can turn the world on its head.

time-read
4 分  |
October 2024
Global Glamour
Travel+Leisure India

Global Glamour

Attention shopaholics, we've got you covered! From Copenhagen to Cape Town, Marrakech to Melbourne, here are 20 cities across the world where you can indulge in retail therapy. Follow our guide to get your hands on traditional, bespoke, sustainable, slow fashion, and innovative, kitschy must-haves.

time-read
10 分  |
October 2024
ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR
Travel+Leisure India

ARTISTIC INGENUITY MEETS ARCHITECTURAL SPLENDOUR

Architect Simran Boparai's skilled designs blend modernity with heritage, while striving for spatial excellence.

time-read
1 min  |
October 2024