Laos is one of Southeast Asia’s least known countries. Yet it has many natural and cultural attractions!
Bordered by Myanmar and China to the northwest, Vietnam to the east, Cambodia to the south, and Thailand to the west. Mountains cover most of its territory, creating a dividing line between Chinese and Indian influenced cultures.
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Best places in Laos
Luang Prabang
One of Laos’ most charming cities, rightfully listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
This northern Laotian settlement lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, surrounded by mountains. Luang Prabang is a center of Laotian culture and history, rich in religious tradition and colonial heritage.
The city’s uniqueness lies in its abundance of temples: over 30 Buddhist monasteries and pagodas, with Wat Xieng Thong being the most famous. Built in the 1500s, this temple with its beautiful gold and mosaic decorations is one of Laos’ most beautiful sanctuaries. Another iconic location is Phou Si Hill, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape and sunset.
The daily alms collection (Tak Bat) by Buddhist monks provides a special experience. At dawn, orange-robed monks silently walk through the streets while locals and visitors donate food.
Kuang Si Waterfall
One of Laos’ most beautiful natural wonders is located south of Luang Prabang.
A three-tiered waterfall complex where crystal-clear water cascades into blue-green limestone pools. At the top level, water falls from a large cliff about 25 meters high, then flows through smaller cascades and pools.
The water’s turquoise color comes from high mineral content and limestone presence, especially visible during the dry season when water is clearer. Several pools are suitable for swimming, making it even more worth visiting.
Vientiane
Laos’ capital sits on the Mekong River bank, near the Thai border.
Its most famous symbol is Pha That Luang, a golden stupa considered Laos’ national symbol. According to Buddhist belief, this stupa contains a piece of Buddha’s bone, making it an especially sacred site.
Another iconic structure is the Patuxai, or Victory Gate, Laos’ version of the Paris Arc de Triomphe. This monument celebrates the country’s independence and offers wonderful city views from its top.
One of Vientiane’s oldest temples is Wat Sisaket, distinguished by thousands of Buddha statues and wall frescos. Wat Ho Phra Keo, a former Buddhist temple now serving as a museum, once housed the country’s most sacred statue, the Emerald Buddha.
Buddha Park
This unique and wonderful sculpture park is near Vientiane.
Built in 1958 by Laotian Buddhist monk and mystic Bounleua Suliat, who combined Buddhist and Hindu mythology elements in the sculptures. Contains about 200 sculptures varying greatly in size and form, from tiny details to monumental works.
One of the park’s most spectacular pieces is a huge reclining Buddha statue depicting Buddha’s departure to nirvana. This statue symbolizes peace and enlightenment. Another is the „Hell and Paradise” sculpture. A giant spherical structure where Buddhist cosmology can be explored across three levels.
Vang Vieng
Located in central Laos along the Nam Song River, embraced by large limestone mountains and jungles.
The city is a center for active tourism. Rock climbing, zip-lining, and cave exploration are popular activities. The surrounding countryside has numerous hiking trails leading directly into jungles and mountains.
The area is full of impressive caves, like the easily accessible Tham Chang cave offering beautiful views. Adventure seekers can explore Tham Nam (Water Cave) by sliding through underground passages on inner tubes.
Si Phan Don
A picturesque archipelago in southern Laos on the lower Mekong River, near the Cambodian border. The name means „4000 islands”.
The area’s appearance changes during rainy season when the Mekong’s water level rises, leaving only the largest islands inhabited. The three most famous and popular islands are Don Khong, Don Det, and Don Khon.
Two popular attractions stand out. One major draw is the rare freshwater Irrawaddy dolphins living near the Cambodian border. The other is Khone Phapheng Falls. This is the Mekong River’s largest waterfall by volume, sometimes called „Asia’s Niagara Falls”.
Nong Khiaw
An enchanting small town in northern Laos, situated on the Nam Ou River amid scenic limestone cliffs.
The river is central to town life, used for boating, kayaking, and swimming. Don’t miss the Pha Daeng viewpoint. Though the path is steep, it offers magnificent panoramic views.
Several traditional Laotian villages are found nearby, including Ban Sop Houn and Ban Hat Sao. These villages showcase local crafting techniques, rice farming, and daily life.
Wat Phou
An ancient Khmer temple complex in southern Laos, near the Mekong River.
This UNESCO World Heritage site is one of the country’s most important cultural and religious monuments. Originally built as a Hindu sanctuary, it underwent significant expansions during the Angkor Empire in the 10-12th centuries. After the empire’s decline, it became a pilgrimage site.
Similar to Angkor Wat, it’s arranged along an axis with three levels. The main sanctuary sits at the top level, built on a natural rock. It contains an ancient Shiva lingam statue and several Buddha statues.
Tad Fane Waterfall
Laos’ highest waterfall is located in the famous Bolaven Plateau region.
The waterfall is fed by two parallel rivers, Champi and Pak Koot, which plunge together down steep cliff faces, creating its unique appearance.
The surrounding area is excellent for hiking. Marked trails explore nearby forests, offering panoramic views of the waterfall and valley. Exotic plants and local wildlife can be encountered during hikes.
Tad Lo Waterfall
This waterfall complex is famous for its green landscape and coffee plantations.
It actually consists of three separate waterfalls. Tad Hang is the closest and most accessible waterfall, showing spectacular cascades during rainy weather. Tad Lo is the complex’s main waterfall, offering impressive views of water plunging from height. Tad Suong is the highest and most spectacular waterfall, reached by a longer walk.
Several ethnic minority villages, such as Katu or Alak villages, are located near the waterfalls.
Bokeo Nature Reserve
One of northern Laos’ most unique ecological regions located in the Golden Triangle area, near the Thai and Myanmar borders.
Covers about 136,000 hectares. Most of the region is dense, pristine rainforest, among the country’s best-preserved habitats. Its main attraction is the black-cheeked gibbon, believed extinct for decades.
The Gibbon Experience is a popular tourist program. Visitors can stay in tree-top huts and travel across the rainforest on zip lines, observing gibbons in their natural habitat.
Thakhek
A historically and naturally popular city in central Laos.
Thanks to its connection with Thailand, it was an important trade and transportation hub with rich historical background. The city played a significant role during French Indochina and still maintains its colonial architectural style.
The Thakhek Loop is one of the most famous routes around the city. This multi-day tour covering surrounding mountains, caves, and waterfalls is a real adventure for nature lovers. During the tour, visitors traverse beautiful landscapes and experience local villages and culture.
