The following list highlights some of the best places to visiting in Laos. So if you are in Laos, I recommend visiting the following:
- Si Phan Don, Champasak, Laos
- Wat Phou, Champasak, Laos
- Tham Kong Lo, Khammouane, Laos
- Bokeo Nature Reserve, Bokeo, Laos
- Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Vang Vieng, Vientiane, Laos
- Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang, Laos
- Nong Kiau, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Pha That Luang, Vientiane, Laos
- Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area, Champasak, Laos
- Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang, Laos
- Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon, Vang Vieng, Laos
- Patuxai Monument, Vientiane, Laos
- Buddha Park, Vientiane, Laos
- Wat si Muang, Vientiane, Laos
- Night Market, Luang Prabang, Laos
1. Si Phan Don, Champasak
The 4000 Islands of Si Phan Don are a group of natural islands located in the middle of the Mekong River. Life on the 4000 islands is quiet and peaceful, the people who live there live basically on fishing and agriculture that the land allows them to cultivate, in a somewhat strange environment, but at the same time is able to captivate thousands of backpackers who settle in this area throughout the year. Among the activities you can do here are: Cycle around the islands, visit the Li Phi Falls, hike or trek, take a boat trip, visit the Mekong River and much more.
2. Wat Phou, Champasak
At Wat Phu (or Vat Phou) we find the ruins, the temple, the shrine and a museum corresponding to the Khmer civilisation. The ruins of the Wat Phu Champasak shrine itself are 1.5 kilometres long and can be covered on foot. The complex is made up of six terraces on three levels which are accessed by a staircase that crosses the entire site. As you go up the stairs and enter the different pavilions, the grandeur of the area can be glimpsed behind you.
3. Tham Kong Lo, Khammouane
Kong Lor is a unique cave in the world, an extraordinary experience in the centre of Laos. What makes it interesting is the 7.5 km journey in total darkness and by boat, the only light you can see is from the lantern carried by the driver. The route is like a horseshoe. When you come out of the other entrance to the cave, there is a chance to see the landscape and the village. Buses leave from Vientiane South Station at 10 a.m. directly to Kong Lor Cave. The boat for a maximum of 3-4 people costs 110,000K. It is advisable to bring a torch, or rent one there for 5,000K.
4. Bokeo Nature Reserve, Bokeo
The Bokeo Nature Reserve was created to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, rediscovered in 1997, which was thought to be extinct. A visit to the Bokeo Nature Reserve is not complete without a stay at the Gibbon Experience, an eco-tourism conservation project. Guests stay in tree houses and travel along the zip line through the forests in search of the Black Gibbon. In addition to the elusive black gibbon, visitors to the reserve may also see wild elephants, bears, tigers and buffalo.
5. Kuang Si Waterfall, Luang Prabang
The trip to the falls is a very scenic drive through rice paddies, local villages and green hills. At the entrance to the falls there are stalls selling food, snacks and drinks, as well as some souvenir shops, and it is advisable to wear modest swimwear. A short walk from the entrance leads to a group of shallow natural pools filled with turquoise water where swimming is allowed. A beautiful walk upstream through the jungle leads to the main waterfall of about 50 metres in height. To the left is a path to the top which can be slippery on rainy days, although swimming is not permitted at the bottom of the falls. Rural Laos is conservative, and local women will bathe fully clothed.
6. Vang Vieng, Vientiane
Originally founded in the 14th century, when it was known as Mouang Song, it was given its present name when Laos was a French colony. It is best known for its karst limestone hills. Because it is situated on the Nam Song River, many tourist activities, such as kayaking and tubing, revolve around the river. Vang Vieng is popular with backpackers who enjoy a relaxed atmosphere as well as hiking in the hills and exploring caves.
7. Plain of Jars, Xieng Khouang
Amidst the mountains of northern Laos lies one of archaeology’s greatest mysteries. The site, known as the Wasteland of Jars, contains thousands of large stone vessels, scattered across some 50 square kilometres in a seemingly random formation. These megalithic vessels are between one and three metres high and can weigh up to 14 tons. These megalithic vessels are called the “Jars of the Dead”. And they are, to this day, a great millenary mystery, something that archaeology has not yet managed to solve.
8. Nong Kiau, Luang Prabang
It is a popular tourist destination in Luang Prabang Province, due to its many opportunities for hiking, mountaineering and cycling. A must-see site is the bridge over the Nam Ou River, which was built by China. The bridge connects the two parts of Nong Kiau, and is a most impressive place to see breathtaking views of the river and mountains. Nong Kiau is a rustic village, so visitors should not expect luxurious accommodation. They can also enjoy exploring the Tok Pha Caves which is located about a mile from the town.
9. Pha That Luang, Vientiane
Pha That Luang or “Great Stupa” is the most important Buddhist monument in Laos. Vientiane’s great golden stupa is believed to contain a bone and hair of the Buddha. The 45-metre high stupa has three levels: a base, a body and a spire. Its golden structure shines blindingly brightly reflecting the sun’s rays. The stupa is flanked by two temples and the surrounding area is a popular place for a sunset stroll. Pha That Luang is the site of the country’s most important Buddhist festival, the Boun That Luang, which is held during the full moon of the 12th lunar month. Thousands of people flock to the grounds for three days of Buddhist ceremonies and celebrations to pay homage to the golden stupa and make offerings to hundreds of monks.
10. Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area, Champasak
Dong Hua Sao is a protected forest park that was established more than 20 years ago. The land area of the forest has increased over the years from approximately 867 square kilometres to now over 1100 square kilometres, and the lush green evergreen trees of the forest are over 40 years old. On your visit to the stunning forest you may have the opportunity to meet all kinds of animals and birds, including monkeys, hog deer, peacocks and hornbills. If you are very lucky, you may also see some wild elephants and endangered yellow-cheeked gibbons.
11. Mount Phousi, Luang Prabang
An imposing natural structure that is over 100 metres high. The uphill climb can be strenuous, but will reward you with unforgettable views. Overlooking the city, the mountain is an excellent place to view spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Mekong River. At the top of the mountain, as well as at the base and on the way up, there are several original and impressive temples where tourists and locals alike often make offerings and pray for good luck.
12. Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon, Vang Vieng
With a name derived from the spectacular, glassy colour of the water, the best way to enjoy your time here is to enthusiastically jump into the lagoon. Not far from the beautiful water is Tham Phu Kham Cave, a site that features a bronze Buddha figure in the middle of the main entrance, and a place revered as sacred by the locals. A sense of mystery is exuded here thanks to the glowing Buddhist sculpture that is the only thing in the cave. The area is truly enchanting.
13. Patuxai Monument, Vientiane
Patuxai is one of the most important monuments in the city of Vientiane. National pride for symbolising all the liberation struggles that the country experienced during the second half of the last century, it is one of the most recommended visits to make on any route through the city. With a height of about 60 metres, the Patuxai is formed by 4 big arches and 7 floors or floors where you can find a small museum, restaurant, government offices and in the last one, a viewpoint from where you can enjoy beautiful views of the city.
14. Buddha Park, Vientiane
Located in the Laotian capital of Vientiane, Buddha Park is an extremely popular place. It is not a temple, as its religious name might suggest, but rather a public park, with more than 200 religious sculptures towering more than 40 metres high. Buddha Park, also known as “the city of spirit”, is exceptional not only for its many gigantic stone sculptures, but also because the sculptures include Hindu and Buddhist figures. Unlike the temples, you can have a picnic in the park and even enjoy a beer.
15. Wat si Muang, Vientiane
Wat Si Muang is another of the most prominent Buddhist temples and one of the most important places of worship to visit in Vientiane. It was built in 1563 and is one of the most visited by locals because it houses the pillar of the city of Vientiane, known as Lak Muang. Legend has it that when the pillar was put up, a young pregnant girl named Si Muang sacrificed herself by jumping into the hole where it was to be placed, to calm the evil spirits and bring good luck to the city of Vientiane. Inside Wat Si Muang, along with an emerald Buddha, the famous pillar is kept wrapped in a sacred cloth and the faithful make offerings to commemorate the sacrifice of the young girl and for being the protector of the city.
16. Night Market, Luang Prabang
The Vientiane Night Market, known as Riverside Night Market, is located along the banks of the Mekong River and is one of the liveliest places in the Lao capital from sunset until 10pm. In the streets around the market you’ll find many restaurants and local stalls where you can eat well and cheaply. This market is also the most popular place to buy souvenirs. After visiting the various attractions in the city, the best thing to do in Vientiane at night is undoubtedly to go to the Riverside Night Market. As a curiosity, from this market you can see Thai territory on the other side of the Mekong River.
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