Laos

Laos Highlights

Laos, located in Southeast Asia, is a country known for its mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, and Buddhist monasteries. Vientiane, the capital, offers landmarks like the historic Pha That Luang stupa, the unique Buddha Park, and the vibrant Vientiane Night Market. Beyond the capital, explore the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, the historic town of Luang Prabang, or the mysterious Plain of Jars. Don`t miss the beautiful landscapes of the Bolaven Plateau, the unique architecture of the Wat Phu temple complex, or the tranquil 4,000 Islands region. Lao cuisine, known for dishes like larb, sticky rice, and a variety of unique noodle soups, is simple yet flavorful. Whether you`re exploring a historic temple, trekking in a beautiful national park, or taking part in a traditional Baci ceremony, Laos offers a unique and enriching travel experience.

Top 10 Attractions

Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau is known for its great scenery, ethnic villages and unexplored corners. It`s probably best known for being home to some of Southeast Asia`s most spectacular waterfalls including Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao. more

The Bolaven Plateau is known for its great scenery, ethnic villages and unexplored corners. It`s probably best known for being home to some of Southeast Asia`s most spectacular waterfalls including Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)

Buddha Park is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast of Vientiane. Also known as Xieng Khuan, it contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The park was started in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. more

Buddha Park is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast of Vientiane. Also known as Xieng Khuan, it contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. The park was started in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism.

Kaysone Phomvihane Museum

Located in Vientiane, the museum is dedicated to Kaysone Phomvihane, one of the leaders of the Lao communist movement. It provides an interesting insight into the recent history of Laos. more

Located in Vientiane, the museum is dedicated to Kaysone Phomvihane, one of the leaders of the Lao communist movement. It provides an interesting insight into the recent history of Laos.

Kuang Si Falls

Kuang Si Falls is a three-tier waterfall about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. These stunning waterfalls are a favorite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists an... more

Kuang Si Falls is a three-tier waterfall about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. These stunning waterfalls are a favorite side trip for tourists in Luang Prabang. The pools also make great swimming holes and are very popular with both tourists and locals.

Lao National Museum

The Lao National Museum, located in Vientiane, is the country`s national museum highlighting its history from prehistoric times to the present. It was originally built as a French governor`s residence in 1925 and converted to a museum in 1980. more

The Lao National Museum, located in Vientiane, is the country`s national museum highlighting its history from prehistoric times to the present. It was originally built as a French governor`s residence in 1925 and converted to a museum in 1980.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architectural and cultural heritage. The city`s layout reflects the fusion of traditional Lao structures and European colonial architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries, m... more

Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site known for its well-preserved architectural and cultural heritage. The city`s layout reflects the fusion of traditional Lao structures and European colonial architecture from the 19th and 20th centuries, making it a unique spot to explore in Laos.

Mount Phousi

For a stunning view over Luang Prabang and its surrounds, head up to the peak of Mount Phousi. This small mountain is located in the center of the town and is topped by a golden Wat Chomsi. more

For a stunning view over Luang Prabang and its surrounds, head up to the peak of Mount Phousi. This small mountain is located in the center of the town and is topped by a golden Wat Chomsi.

Nam Ou River

The Nam Ou River is one of the most important rivers in Laos. It runs 448 km from Phongsaly Province to Luang Prabang Province. Along its path are several villages that offer a look into rural life in Laos. more

The Nam Ou River is one of the most important rivers in Laos. It runs 448 km from Phongsaly Province to Luang Prabang Province. Along its path are several villages that offer a look into rural life in Laos.

Pak Ou Caves

The Pak Ou Caves are a group of two caves on the west side of the Mekong river, north of Luang Prabang. Known as a place of pilgrimage for locals, the caves are packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons. more

The Pak Ou Caves are a group of two caves on the west side of the Mekong river, north of Luang Prabang. Known as a place of pilgrimage for locals, the caves are packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons.

Patuxay Monument

The Patuxay Monument is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, built between 1957 and 1968. Known as the Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, it`s dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. It also offers panoramic vi... more

The Patuxay Monument is a war monument in the centre of Vientiane, built between 1957 and 1968. Known as the Victory Gate or Gate of Triumph, it`s dedicated to those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. It also offers panoramic views of the city from the top.

Phou Khao Khouay National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area

This conservation area, near Vientiane, offers beautiful scenery and an array of plant and animal life. The area is home to herds of wild elephants. Waterfalls are a key feature, with the three-tiered Tad Leuk and Tad Xay being particularly impressiv... more

This conservation area, near Vientiane, offers beautiful scenery and an array of plant and animal life. The area is home to herds of wild elephants. Waterfalls are a key feature, with the three-tiered Tad Leuk and Tad Xay being particularly impressive.

Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars is a collection of large stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang plain. This archaeological landscape dates back to the Iron Age and is one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric sites. The purpose and creators of the... more

The Plain of Jars is a collection of large stone jars scattered across the Xieng Khouang plain. This archaeological landscape dates back to the Iron Age and is one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric sites. The purpose and creators of the jars are still unknown, adding a mysterious allure to the area.

Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands)

Si Phan Don located in southern Laos, is a beautiful set of islands set against the Mekong River. The area is famous for its slow pace of life and magnificent natural beauty. more

Si Phan Don located in southern Laos, is a beautiful set of islands set against the Mekong River. The area is famous for its slow pace of life and magnificent natural beauty.

Tham Kong Lo Cave

Tham Kong Lo is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, in Khammouane Province, Laos. At 7.5 kilometers long, the cave is a favorite destination for tourists, who hire boats to explore its length. The cave is also home to several types o... more

Tham Kong Lo is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, in Khammouane Province, Laos. At 7.5 kilometers long, the cave is a favorite destination for tourists, who hire boats to explore its length. The cave is also home to several types of bats.

That Luang

That Luang, or `Great Stupa`, is the most significant religious and national monument in Laos. A symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Legend has it that Ashokan missionaries from India erected a tâht (stupa) here to enclose a pie... more

That Luang, or `Great Stupa`, is the most significant religious and national monument in Laos. A symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. Legend has it that Ashokan missionaries from India erected a tâht (stupa) here to enclose a piece of Buddha`s breastbone as early as the 3rd century BC.

The Mekong River

The Mekong River, the 7th longest in Asia, flows through several countries including Laos. It`s a vital lifeline for the country, supporting agriculture and providing fish for consumption. River cruises are a popular activity, offering a unique persp... more

The Mekong River, the 7th longest in Asia, flows through several countries including Laos. It`s a vital lifeline for the country, supporting agriculture and providing fish for consumption. River cruises are a popular activity, offering a unique perspective of life along the river.

UXO Laos Visitor Centre

The UXO Lao Visitors Centre is located in Luang Prabang. It provides tourists and residents with information about unexploded ordnance issues in Lao PDR. The centre has exhibits on the impact of bombings during the Vietnam War, efforts to clear the U... more

The UXO Lao Visitors Centre is located in Luang Prabang. It provides tourists and residents with information about unexploded ordnance issues in Lao PDR. The centre has exhibits on the impact of bombings during the Vietnam War, efforts to clear the UXO, and survivor stories.

Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape

This site was part of the Khmer Empire and reflects the Hindu belief in the harmony between nature and humankind. It consists of complex stone buildings and waterworks extending over 10km. more

This site was part of the Khmer Empire and reflects the Hindu belief in the harmony between nature and humankind. It consists of complex stone buildings and waterworks extending over 10km.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao. It was part of the Khmer empire, centred on Angkor. The temple has a unique structure, with a linear layout built to express the Hindu vision of the relationship bet... more

Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao. It was part of the Khmer empire, centred on Angkor. The temple has a unique structure, with a linear layout built to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity.

Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important monasteries in Laos, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on the grounds including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences, in ad... more

Wat Xieng Thong is one of the most important monasteries in Laos, a significant monument to the spirit of religion, royalty and traditional art. There are over twenty structures on the grounds including a sim, shrines, pavilions and residences, in addition to its gardens of various flowers, ornamental shrubs and trees.

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