The Best Places to Visit in Laos

Laos, a landlocked country located in Southeast Asia, is known for its pristine natural beauty, rich cultural heritage, and laidback lifestyle. If you’re planning a trip to Laos, you’ll be pleased to know that the country has plenty of amazing places to explore. From historical landmarks to breathtaking waterfalls to serene rivers, there’s something for everyone in Laos. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at ten of the best places to visit in Laos.

• The traditional Laotian dishes you should try

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital city of Laos, is a charming blend of old and new. It’s a city where you can see traditional Buddhist temples alongside modern buildings. Some of the top things to do in Vientiane include visiting the iconic Pha That Luang, exploring the Buddha Park, and strolling along the Mekong riverfront. Here are some more details about these attractions:

• Pha That Luang: This is one of the most important religious sites in Laos. It’s a golden stupa that stands tall at the heart of Vientiane. Many believe that the stupa contains a relic of the Buddha. Visitors can admire the intricate details of the structure and learn about its history.
• Buddha Park: This quirky park is home to over 200 statues depicting various deities and characters from Buddhist and Hindu mythology. It’s a great place to take photos and marvel at the creativity of the sculptures.
• Mekong riverfront: The Mekong river is an integral part of life in Laos, and the riverfront in Vientiane is a great place to witness this. You can see locals fishing and swimming in the river, and there are plenty of restaurants and cafes where you can grab a drink or a snack.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most popular tourist destinations in Laos. It’s a small town located on the banks of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. The town is known for its beautiful architecture, serene temples, and stunning natural scenery. Here are some of the top attractions in Luang Prabang:

• Wat Xieng Thong: This is one of the most impressive Buddhist temples in Laos. It features intricate carvings and mosaics that depict scenes from Buddhist mythology. Visitors can also see the famous “Tree of Life” mosaic, which dates back to the 16th century.
• Kuang Si Falls: These cascading waterfalls are a must-visit attraction near Luang Prabang. The falls are surrounded by lush forest and turquoise pools where you can swim. There’s also a bear sanctuary nearby where you can see rescued Asiatic black bears.
• Night market: The night market in Luang Prabang is a vibrant and bustling affair. You can find all sorts of souvenirs, handicrafts, and local food here. It’s a great place to sample traditional Lao dishes like sticky rice, noodle soup, and grilled meats.

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a mysterious archaeological site located in central Laos. It’s named after the hundreds of ancient stone jars that are scattered across the grassy plains. The jars date back to the Iron Age and their purpose is still unknown. Despite this mystery, the Plain of Jars is a fascinating place to visit. Here are some things you should know:

• Site 1: This is the largest and most accessible jar site. It features over 250 jars of various sizes. Visitors can walk among the jars and learn about the history of the site through informative signs.
• Site 2: This site is more remote and less visited than Site 1, but it’s worth the journey. It features fewer jars but they are more elaborate and intricate than the ones at Site 1.
• Bombs: One thing to be aware of when visiting the Plain of Jars is that the area was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War. Unexploded ordnance (UXO) still litters the site, so it’s important to stick to the designated paths and heed any warning signs.

Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Si Phan Don is a group of islands located in the Mekong River near the border with Cambodia. This is a great place to unwind and relax. The pace of life here is slow and tranquil, and there are plenty of opportunities for swimming, kayaking, and cycling. Here are some of the highlights:

• Don Det: This is one of the most popular islands in Si Phan Don. It’s known for its beautiful sunsets and laidback vibe. Visitors can rent bicycles and explore the island’s rice paddies and waterfalls.
• Waterfalls: Speaking of waterfalls, Si Phan Don has several stunning ones to offer.One of the most impressive waterfalls is Khone Phapheng, which is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume. Other notable falls include Li Phi, Somphamit, and Tad Fane.
• Dolphin watching: Si Phan Don is home to a rare species of freshwater dolphins called Irrawaddy dolphins. Visitors can take boat tours to see these majestic creatures in their natural habitat.

Pak Ou Caves

The Pak Ou Caves are a series of limestone caves located near Luang Prabang. The caves are famous for their collection of thousands of Buddha images. Visitors can climb up to the caves and explore the various chambers filled with statues of all shapes and sizes. Here’s what you should know about the Pak Ou Caves:

• Upper Cave: This cave is easy to access and contains hundreds of small Buddha statues. The cave is well-lit and visitors can see the intricate details of the statues up close.
• Lower Cave: This cave is deeper and darker than the Upper Cave. It requires more effort to navigate but the reward is worth it. The Lower Cave contains larger and more elaborate Buddha statues, including some that are over one meter tall.
• Boat Tours: Many visitors choose to combine a visit to the Pak Ou Caves with a boat trip along the Mekong River. These tours offer stunning views of the river and the surrounding countryside.

Buddha Park

The Buddha Park, also known as Xieng Khuan, is a sculpture park located just outside of Vientiane. The park features over 200 statues depicting various deities and scenes from Buddhist and Hindu mythology. Here’s what else you should know:

• History: The Buddha Park was built in 1958 by a Lao sculptor named Bunleua Sulilat. The park was designed to showcase the interplay between Buddhism and Hinduism, which are the two dominant religions in Laos.
• Highlights: Some of the most impressive statues in the park include a reclining Buddha that is over 40 meters long, a giant pumpkin-shaped sculpture that visitors can enter and climb to the top, and a statue of Indra riding his three-headed elephant Erawan.
• Location: The Buddha Park is located about 25 kilometers outside of Vientiane. Visitors can take a tuk-tuk or hire a taxi to get there.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang, which we mentioned earlier, is one of the most important religious sites in Laos. The stupa is located in Vientiane and is said to contain a relic of the Buddha. Here’s what else you should know about this iconic landmark:

• History: Pha That Luang was originally built in the 3rd century as a Hindu temple. It was later converted into a Buddhist stupa and has undergone several renovations over the years.
• Architecture: The stupa stands at over 44 meters tall and is covered in gold leaf. The base of the stupa is surrounded by smaller stupas, each containing relics of various Buddhas.
• Festival: Every November, Vientiane celebrates the That Luang Festival, which is a three-day event that includes parades, cultural performances, and a giant illuminated fairground.

Nam Ou River

The Nam Ou River is a tributary of the Mekong River that flows through northern Laos. The river is known for its stunning scenery, including soaring limestone cliffs and lush jungle. Here are some things to do on the Nam Ou River:

• Kayaking: The Nam Ou River is a popular spot for kayaking, especially in the dry season when the water levels are lower. Kayakers can paddle through narrow gorges and admire the limestone cliffs up close.
• Boat tours: If kayaking isn’t your thing, you can still enjoy the beauty of the Nam Ou River on a boat tour. Many tours stop at remote villages along the river where visitors can learn about traditional Lao culture.
• Muang Ngoi Neua: This small village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River is a popular destination for backpackers. The village is accessible only by boat and is known for its relaxed vibe and scenic hikes.

Conclusion

Laos may be a small country, but it’s packed with incredible sights and experiences. From the bustling streets of Vientiane to the tranquil islands of Si Phan Don, there’s no shortage of places to explore. We hope this article has given you some inspiration for your next trip to Laos. Happy travels!