Amazing Places In Laos You Need To Visit

Laos was once considered a forgotten backwater in Southeast Asia, but that has changed in recent years. With its mountainous landscapes, waterfalls, beautiful temples, rich history and friendly people, it’s becoming more and more popular with travellers. Whether you’ve been to Laos before or are planning your first trip, here are some amazing places you need to visit while there:

Huay Xai

Huay Xai used to be just a convenient place for travellers to stop when entering Laos from Thailand; however, it’s definitely worth stopping here, especially if you’re interested in the Gibbon Experience. This ecotourism project is perfect for those who like adventure. There are zip lines through the jungle, with some of the highest treehouses in the world where guests stay.

If the Gibbon Experience is not for you, there are other outdoor activities you can do including cycling, hiking and kayaking. You can also check out the temples — Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham, Wat Khonekeo Xaiyaram or Wat Keophone Savanthanaram — and an old French fort called Fort Carnota.

Luang Namtha

Located in northern Laos, Luang Namtha used to be a convenient stopover location for those entering the country from China. Recently, however, it’s become increasingly popular for its abundance of outdoor activities.

If you’re looking for some adventure, head to Nam Ha National Protected Area where you can trek, kayak or cycle. There’s also Nam Dee Waterfall, which is 6 kilometres outside Luang Namtha.

If you’re not outdoorsy, you can check out the Golden Stupa (also known as the Luang Namtha Stupa) or the Poumpouk Stupa. There are also two markets — the Night Market, where you can try some local food, and the Morning Market.

Nong Khiaw

Nong Khiaw is a lovely little town located on the banks of the Ou River with gorgeous Karst mountain scenery.

The main attractions in Nong Khiaw are the caves, Tham Pha Thok and Pha Kuang. While Tham Pha Thok is located 2 kilometres outside of town, Pha Kuang is a little further out at 3 kilometres. Both were used as hideouts during the Vietnam War when the Americans were bombing Laos.

There’s also the 100 Waterfalls Trek if you are interested in a one-day hike where you explore the jungle and its many waterfalls. Just make sure to book a tour with a reputable company. If you want more adventure, you can always hike to the top of Phadeng Peak where you will be rewarded with some incredible views.

Other outdoor activities include zip-lining through the jungle or hiking up to Sleeping Woman Viewpoint or Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint for some spectacular views of the area.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is considered one of the most alluring places in Southeast Asia with its many temples, saffron-clad monks, French architecture and beautiful river views. When it comes to places in Laos that you need to visit, this Unesco-protected city should be at the top of your list.

There’s plenty to do in Luang Prabang. If you want to stay inside the city, you can rent a bicycle and check out some of the city’s many temples. Some popular ones include Vat Xieng Thong, Vat Haw Pha Bang, Vat May Souvannapoumaram, Vat Sensoukharam, Vat Syrimoungkoun Xaiyaram, Wat Manorom, and Vat Sop Sickaram.

Also, you can climb Mount Phousi and get one of the best views of the city, or you can hop on a boat and cross the Mekong River. At night, there’s the Handicraft Night Market, which starts after dark.

For people looking for some adventure, you can organize a trip to Kuang Si Falls, a multi-tiered waterfall that is about 29 kilometres outside Luang Prabang. Or, you could head to the Green Jungle Park, which is about 32 kilometres outside the city. There you can zip line or enjoy some monkey bridges and rope lines. There are also flower gardens, natural swimming pools, and rescued elephants.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is definitely one of the places in Laos that every traveller needs to visit. The scenery is breathtaking. Karst mountains surround the town and the Nam Song River runs through it.

There are plenty of outdoor activities, including tubing, rock climbing, kayaking and zip-lining. There are also a number of caves that you can explore, such as Tham Chang; Tham Nam, which is a water cave; Tham Sang; and Tham Hoi.

If you’re in the mood to just hang out, there are three different swimming spots where you can lounge around. Blue Lagoon 1 is the most popular and closest to Vang Vieng while Blue Lagoon 2 is located about 7 kilometres Southwest of Blue Lagoon 1. The furthest away is Blue Lagoon 3. It is about 14 kilometres past Blue Lagoon 1.

Phonsavan

Phonsavan is located in northeastern Laos in Xieng Khouang Province and is famous for the Plain of Jars sites. While there are three sites, the first one has the largest collection of jars and is the most easily accessible.

While visiting the Plain of Jars should be on everyone’s itinerary, there are other things to do as well. There is the Navang Craft Center where they make wood carvings; the UXO Survivors’ Information Center, which sells handicrafts made by UXO survivors and provides information on the Secret War; and the UXO Information Center that is run by the British Mines Advisory Group (MAG). Here you can also learn more about the Secret War and the scale of the bombing.

There are also outdoor activities. For hiking, head to Tad Ka Waterfall, which is about 32 kilometres away from the center of Phonsavan. There are also Hot Springs in Baw Nyai, which are about 67 kilometres away. If you have time, it’s also worth travelling to Tham Xang Caves. They are 36 kilometres away and include a hospital and a medicine depot that was used during the Secret War.

Vientiane

Another one of the places in Laos worth checking out is the country’s capital city, Vientiane. It’s located on the banks of the Mekong River and is the largest city in Laos. Like many other locales in the country, it’s quite relaxed.

What’s there to do? You can hang around the city and check out some temples, including Wat Si Saket and Pha That Luang. There is also the Vientiane Night Market. If you want an adventure, you can always take a day trip to Buddha Park or Phou Khao Khouay National Park.

Thakhek

Located south of Vientiane on the border with Thailand is Thakhek. This former French trading post is definitely one of the places in Laos where you should stop during your travels. The town sits on the banks of the Mekong River and features crumbling French colonial architecture with authentic Laos life.

Around Thakhek, there is plenty to do. You can visit Phu Hin Bun NPA, an area of protected jungles full of large Karst formations and turquoise rivers. Deep in Phu Hin Bun, there is a spectacular Karst limestone cave, Tham Kong Lo. It lasts about 7 kilometres and in some parts is as high as 300 feet.

As for what else there is to do in Thakhek, there is Tham Xang, which is a cave temple with a stalagmite that looks just like an elephant. There are other caves as well including Tham Pa Fa and Tham Pha Chan.

Savannakhet

Stretching along the Mekong River, Savannakhet is a mixture of aging French colonial buildings and new commercial development. While it might not have the magic of some of the other places in Laos, it’s still worth a stopover. In the city itself, there are two museums, Musee Des Dinosaurs and the Savannakhet Provincial Museum. You can also check out the two temples in town, Wat Sainyaphum and Wat Rattanalangsi, or the only church, Eglise Sainte Therese.

Outside of Savannakhet, there is That Ing Hang Stupa, which was built in the 16th century, and Heuan Hin (meaning Stone House), a set of Cham or Khmer ruins from anywhere between 553 and 700 AD.

Pakse

Pakse is the second most populous city in the country and is located in the southern Laotian province of Champasak on the Mekong River and Se Don (Don River). One of the cool things about Pakse is the colonial-style architecture.

There isn’t a shortage of things to do in Pakse. If you’re looking for some adventure, head out to the Bolaven Plateau. There are trails, wildlife, ethnic villages, traditional coffee farms, as well as some spectacular waterfalls. There’s also Mai Savanh Lao Farm about 10 kilometres from the city center.

In the city, there are temples, including Wat Luang and Wat Phou Salao, as well as Champasak Historical Heritage Museum. At night, you can head to the riverfront where there is an assortment of local street food stalls and some restaurants.

Si Phan Don

Si Phan Don is one of the places in Laos where every traveller needs to stop. This collection of islands is located on the Mekong River in the southernmost tip of Laos. If you’re looking for beauty and tranquillity, this is the place for you. Travellers usually stick to three of the islands — Don Khlong, which is the largest and sleepiest of the three; and Don Khon and Don Det, both of which have more of a nightlife.

What is there to do in Si Phan Don? There are three beautiful waterfalls you can check out — Khon Pa Soi Falls, Khone Phapheng Falls and Li Phi Falls (Tat Somphamit). As well, there are some nice temples — Wat Khon Tai, Wat Jom Thong and Wat Phu Khao Kaew — and a cave in Don Khong called Tham Phu Khiaw.

If you’re looking for something more relaxing, there’s tubing on the Mekong River, or you can just hang out on one of the small beaches on the islands. If you’re interested in seeing more of the area, I recommend taking a boat tour.