The Best Places to Visit in Laos
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia, wedged between Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia, China, and Myanmar. It's one of the least visited and least developed nations in the region, which is exactly why a lot of people like it. You have millions of tourists in the neighboring countries, but who really stops in Laos? Around 8 million people live here, and Buddhist culture is all over the country. Laos has some lush rolling hills and stunning landscapes, but you wont find skyscrapers or big touristy cities here; it’ll be a very different vibe to the southeast Asia most are used to.
Capital: Vientiane
Currency: Laotian Kip
Language: Lao
When to visit: November to February
1) Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is the msot beautiful town of Laos, and the top tourist destinations. It sits on a confluence of two rivers with a population of barely 50,000. It’s not jam packed or lively, so you’re gonna feel the traditional spirit of the city. Especially when you see all the monks in orange robes walking at dawn, during their ceremony at 5:30am.
Things to do:
You can actually participate in the ceremony of the monks. At around 5:30 they come and collect sticky rice from visitors and locals in a silent line, so you can stand there quietly and watch or contribute. Besides that, you have to visit Wat Xieng Thong. It is the most beautiful Buddhist temple in the town. Wat Sensoukharam is also another temple close by with a traditional design. Furthmore, the Royal Palace Museum is an important site in the town, as gives a good look at Laos before the revolution, plus it was formerly a palace. You can also climb Mount Phousi, it’s a common sunset spot and it overlooks Luang Prabang. It’s supposedly 328 steps to the top. While that’s basically it for Luang Prabang’s main attractions, one of the best day trips you can do is to Kuang Si Falls, about 30km south and a beautiful, multiple-tiered blue waterfall.
How to get there:
Luang Prabang International Airport (LPQ) has direct flights from within the Asian continent to the town.
Otherwise take a bus or a classic slow boat from the Laos border town of Huay Xai (for those coming from Thailand).
You can also take the new high speed trains between Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
2) Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a small town in central Laos and it’s amazing to visit, as it sits in a dramatic valley surrounded by mountains. It used to be the party capital of the country, but after too many incidents that began to change. Now, it’s more a place for adventures and the stunning nature. You can still find a lot of backpackers here in the right months, of course.
Things to do:
There are 5 Blue Lagoons accessible from Vang Vieng (numbered from 1-5), and they lie mainly a bus trip away from the town. They are great for swimming and hanging out, a few of them have bars and stuff around. An iconic thing to do in Vang Vieng nowadays is to go on a hot air balloon ride. They usually occur during sunrise and it offers by far the best and most iconic views of the town. In terms of hiking, there are two main viewpoints which I’d say are the best. Both Pha Ngern Silver Cliff View Point and Nam Xay Viewpoint are beautiful, accessible by trail and 100% worth it. If you even have 2 days here, spend one on a fun hike.
How to get there:
You can take the new high speed trains between Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
3) Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos, but it doesn't feel like a typical capital city at all. The population does range up to a million, but it still feels small, low-key, and quite chill. It’s nothing like its southeast-Asian counterparts capitals, and there is probably less to do than other Laotian towns. However you always have the opportunity to immerse yourself into local life, so it’s a great city to do that.
Things to do:
Here in Vientiane is Pha That Luang, which is basically Laos’ golden national statue (it’s not in the city center). Another interesting building is Patuxai, essentially the Arc de Triomphe of Laos. When you get closer to the Mekong River, you can find a lot of temples, such as Wat Si Saket, Haw Pha Kaew, Wat Si Muang Temple, and Wat That Khao. It’s great if you want to see what traditional Buddhist designs look like. Check out some of the morning and night markets in Vientiane too, they usually open up near the river.
How to get there:
Wattay International Airport (VTE) is the main gateway into the country, and exiting to around Asia.
You can take the new high speed trains between Vientiane, Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng.
4) Pakse / Vat Phou
Pakse is the main city in southern Laos, and while it isn’t a big tourist draw at all, it’s the best base to see the incredible UNESCO Heritage Site of Vat Phou (Wat Phou). It’s an ancient Khmer temple complex and one of the most important sites in the entire nation of Laos. Wat Phou is built on the side of Phou Khao mountain, so the layout climbs up the slope in terraces. Pakse itself is a fairly nice spot too, with some temples and cool attractions.
Things to do:
In Pakse, cross the river and you’ll see Wat Phousalao, the massive golden Buddha statue overlooking the city and the river. Definitely a good idea to go at sunset. To add to the ever-growing collection of Buddhist temples in Laos, visit Wat Luang and also Xuan Khong Temple. Then you can make your way to Dao Heuang bus station and find a minivan headed towards Vat Phou. Make your way over and explore the standout parts, which include the main sanctuary, the ruins of two palaces, and a bunch of carved statues. There is some steep stone stairs as you climb up to the main sanctuary.
How to get there:
Pakse International Airport (PKZ) has direct flights which are usually from within Laos.
Otherwise, you may need an overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane.
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