Top 10 must-visit destinations when travelling to Laos

Travelling to Laos means discovering a quiet nonchalance, a rich culture, mysterious archaeological remains, a superb colonial architectural heritage, well-preserved nature, and a people of legendary kindness! Don't miss any of the 10 must-see sites to see during your next stay in the ancient kingdom of a million elephants.

1. The charming town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, Laos' cultural capital, boasts an exceptional cultural and architectural ensemble designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site. A beautiful museum city surrounded by the Mekong River, the Nam Khan River, and superb mountain ranges. A perfect geographical location allows the practice of adventure sports such as kayaking, hiking, or cycling. Luang Prabang is also home to many elephants which you can observe in refuges dedicated to them.

>> Read more: What to do in Luang Prabang in 1, 2, 3, or 4 days?

2. Kuang Si Falls

Located about thirty kilometres from Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Waterfalls are one of the natural wonders of Laos. It’s a set of waterfalls in a breathtaking natural setting. There are many possibilities for swimming in one of the many natural swimming pools and having lunch in this enchanting setting. You can reach the falls by boat, by bike, by hiking, or simply by car along a very beautiful country road.

3. Vang Vieng

Halfway between the capital Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng quickly established itself as an essential destination fora stay in Laos. This small town is located on the banks of the Nam Song River, enjoying a privileged location. Travellers particularly appreciate its superb rice fields, which extend at the foot of magnificent karst mountains carved out of numerous caves and cavities. It’s a region of great beauty, inhabited by the Hmong ethnic minority, which you can discover on foot, kayak, rafting, and by bike.

>> Read more: Visit Vang Vieng: Top 10 things to see and do

4. Luang Namtha province

This province in the Northwest of Laos is a popular destination for travellers looking for adventure and fascinating encounters. This mountainous, rainforest-covered region is home to the Namtha National Biodiversity Conservation Area. This wonderful natural setting contains exceptional fauna and flora to see without hesitation when travelling to Laos. Let’s set off on hiking trails through the thick jungles to discover this invaluable natural heritage and to meet the astonishing ethnic mosaic that populates this territory including the Akkha, Thai Dam, Hmong, Mien and Yao.

5. The Plain of Jars

This is one of the most mysterious destinations in Laos. The enigma of this famous archaeological site in Southeast Asia remains unsolved. We still do not know what purpose these hundreds of jars carved from monolithic blocks of rock measuring up to almost eight meters in circumference and weighing from 500 kg to several tons could be used for. Xieng Khouang Province, which is home to this mythical site, is a beautiful land of adventure to discover, including the remains of the Vietnam War, those of the former provincial capital Muang Khoun, the numerous caves and waterfalls and meetings with minority ethnic people who populate this region of raw beauty.

6. Nong Khiaw

The charming little river town of Nong Khiaw is nestled in a magnificent natural site in Northern Laos, embedded in fabulous karst formations. Take advantage of this enchanting natural setting to relax or explore the wonders of the region. You can leisurely take a cruise on the winding Nam Ou River to the small Muang Noi village, go hiking to explore the beautiful nature that hides Hmong and Khmu villages, ride a bike to visit caves that served as refuge to the local population during the Vietnam War. Nong Khiaw is a well-preserved destination that allows you to immerse yourself in the unique Laotian culture.

7. The Bolaven Plateau

The Bolaven Plateau is an atypical destination in Southern Laos. At more than 1000 meters above sea level, the Bolaven Plateau offers magnificent landscapes of primary forests, superb waterfalls, tea, rubber, and especially coffee plantations which have made the reputation of this region. This vast forest area is the territory of many ethnic minorities including the Alak and Katu. It’s a sublime region much appreciated by travellers wanting to get off the beaten track and get as close as possible to the soul of Laos.

8. Champassak and Vat Phou

Champassak,an ancient royal city lying on the banks of the Mekong is a very pleasant stopover in Southern Laos. We appreciate its calm, authenticity, and the vestiges of the French presence, which blend very well with the traditional Laotian houses on stilts. Travellers come to Champassak to also discover the pre-Angkorian archaeological site of Vat Phou, classified by Unesco. The site is a wonderful testimony to Southeast Asia's culture, especially that of the Khmer Empire, which dominated the region from the 10th to the 14th century.

9. The 4000 islands

Located in the extreme South of Laos, the 4000 islands are a true haven where the Mekong River weaves between hundreds of islands and islets. This river archipelago perfectly embodies island paradise. You will appreciate the serenity that emanates from this timeless place, its languorous landscapes, the kindness of the inhabitants, and the superb sunsets that end the day in beauty. During your vacation in Laos, you can discover this region on foot, by boat, or by kayak to explore some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Laos and observe the famous Irrawaddy dolphins that spawn in the waters of the Mekong on the border with Cambodia.

10. That Luang

Believed to contain a hair of Buddha, it is the most sacred religious monument in Laos. That Luang was built in 1566 after King Setthathirath made Vientiane the new capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom. Don't miss out on attending the That Luang festival, held every year on the first full moon of November. During the three days of festivities, thousands of faithful and monks from all over the country gather and numerous processions, offerings and torchlight parades take place. So magical!!!

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