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Located in Southeast Asia, Laos is often overlooked by tourists because it is not as popular as its neighbours. From mountains and landscapes to rivers and jungles, the entire country is adorned with natural beauty. Among popular places to visit in Laos, you have several ancient temples, villages, and towns with lots of added history and story which make these spots more fascinating. Exploring these places not only offers a unique experience but also gives you a glimpse into the country’s rich past. So, if you are ready for your next vacation, you should consider visiting a lesser-known country like Laos.
Top 10 Places To Visit In Laos
Despite being a small country, many places to visit in Laos offer an authentic experience to travellers.
1. Vientiane
Photo: Meklay YOTKHAMSAY / Unsplash
Your trip to Laos is incomplete without visiting Vientiane, the capital of the country. The city offers a beautiful blend of French colonial architecture and traditional Laotian temples. Located along the Mekong River, Vientiane has many famous landmarks to explore. One of the must-visit attractions includes Pha That Luang, a golden Buddhist stupa that represents the country’s national pride. Besides that, you have the Patuxai Monument, Buddha Park, and Wat Si Saket, some of the must-see attractions in the city. For a rich culinary experience, you should visit the riverside markets, where you can taste delicious local cuisine.
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Patuxai Monument, Pha That Luang, Buddha Park, and Wat Si Saket
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
2. Luang Prabang
When sorting places for the Laos trip, Luang Prabang needs to be on the top of your list. Positioned in northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that is famous for its beautiful temples, and French colonial buildings. While you are in the city, make sure to explore places like the Royal Palace Museum, and Wat Xieng Thong. Visiting these places helps you to delve deeper into the history and culture of Laos. Other attractions include Mount Phousi and Kuang Si Waterfall, where you can enjoy stunning views and feel close to nature.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Kuang Si Waterfall, Mount Phousi, Royal Palace Museum, and Wat Xieng Thong
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
3. Vang Vieng
Situated in central Laos, Vang Vieng welcomes its visitors with natural beauty and limestone mountains. From tubing down the Nam Song River to exploring Tham Chang Cave, there are plenty of places to visit. Vang Vieng also has Blue Lagoon and Pha Ngern Viewpoint, which are perfect for a tranquil retreat. If you are a nature enthusiast, make sure to have enough time in your hand to explore these places. Although the town has a laid-back vibe, it offers a lively nightlife. For a thrilling experience, you must add Vang Vieng to your Laos tourist places list.
Best Time To Visit: October to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Tham Phu Kham Cave, Blue Lagoon, Nam Song River, and Pha Ngern Viewpoint
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
4. Pakse
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Moving towards the south, you will come across Pakse, the gateway to the Bolaven Plateau. People from different countries come here to witness stunning views of cascading waterfalls, rolling hills, and lush forests. No matter where you are in Pakse, you are surrounded by nature. To witness the peak beauty of Pakse, you must visit Wat Luang, Bolaven Plateau, and Wat Phou to make the most of your trip to the town. For those interested in history, you have the Champasak Palace to explore. Well, it’s because of these attractions that Pakse is a must-see tourist place in Laos.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Wat Luang, Bolaven Plateau, Champasak Palace, and Wat Phou
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
5. Thakhek
Photo: Anne Zwagers / Unsplash
This scenic town of Thakhek is studded with limestone caves and traditional villages. During your time here, you can explore the motorbike routes that take you through lush landscapes. One of the key attractions is the Kong Lor Cave, which is almost 7.5 km long. The highlight of this limestone cave is the underground river where you can enjoy boat rides and explore hidden chambers. There’s another similar cave that is popular among tourists is the Tham Nang Aen Cave. It is 1.5 km long and features beautiful limestone formations.
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Top Tourist Attractions: Kong Lor Cave, Tham Nang Aen Cave, and Pha Ngeun Viewpoint
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
6. Luang Namtha
Photo: Desaga Thierry / Pexels
When talking about Laos tourist places, we cannot miss Luang Namtha, which is located in the northern region. Like most other places in the country, Luang Namtha is also known for its natural beauty. Here you get the opportunity to experience eco-tourism and explore places like Akha Village, Nam Ha National Protected Area, Muang Sing, and more. To delve into Luang Namtha’s culture, you can interact with the locals. They are not only friendly but also very welcoming towards tourists and give you a chance to learn about their daily lives.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Nam Ha National Protected Area, Muang Sing, and ethnic villages
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
7. Oudomxay Province
Photo: Gerd Eichmann / Wikimedia Commons
This province in northern Laos is famous for its diverse ethnic cultures and natural scenery. Oudomxay Province is perfect for visitors who are interested in learning more about the country’s culture. You can visit the local villages like Khmu and get a taste of the local traditions and customs. The province is also famous for its adventure tourism, which includes attractions like Chom Ong Cave and Nam Kat Waterfall. Here you get a chance to indulge in adventure activities like trekking, kayaking, and more.
Best Time To Visit: November to April
Top Tourist Attractions: Chom Ong Cave, Nam Kat Waterfall, and ethnic minority villages
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
8. Champasak Province
Photo: Basile Morin / Wikimedia Commons
Located in southern Laos, Champasak Province is home to Wat Phou, a pre-Angkorian temple complex. Another important attraction is the 4,000 Islands, where you can see the Mekong River split into a series of islands and channels. If you are looking for something more thrilling, you should go to the Khone Phapheng Falls, which happens to be the wildest waterfall in the world. For a fun experience, you can explore the countryside and engage in activities like cycling, trekking, and kayaking.
Best Time To Visit: October to April
Top Tourist Attractions: Wat Phou, Si Phan Don (4000 Islands), and Khone Phapheng Falls
Ideal Trip Duration: 3 – 4 days
9. Savannakhet
Photo: Mattana / Wikimedia Commons
As one of the biggest cities in Laos, Savannakhet never fails to amaze its visitors. This beautiful place has everything to make your stay worthwhile. A must-see attraction is the That Ing Hang Stupa, which is an important religious site for the Buddhist people. Besides that, you have plenty of other museums like the Dinosaur Museum, and temples like Wat Sainyaphum to visit in Savannakhet. An interesting thing about this city is the cycle routes. Both locals and tourists enjoy cycling, which is the best way to explore the countryside.
Best Time To Visit: November to March
Top Tourist Attractions: Wat Sainyaphum, Dinosaur Museum, and That Ing Hang Stupa
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
10. Xieng Khouang
Photo: PTD Phonsavan / Wikimedia Commons
Xieng Khouang is a hidden gem in northern Laos, where you can explore popular places like the Plain of Jars, Tham Piu Cave, Wat Phia Wat, and more. During the Vietnam War, Xieng Khouang was destroyed by bombs, but now the city has been restored to its true glory. When in Xieng Khouang, you must take time to visit Phonsavan, which is a popular tourist place that offers a range of temples, markets, museums, and other attractions..
Best Time To Visit: November to February
Top Tourist Attractions: Plain of Jars, Wat Phia Wat, and Tham Piu Cave
Ideal Trip Duration: 2 – 3 days
The popular places to visit in Laos offer a mix of nature, culture, and adventure. Be it Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or Savannathek, every place in the country is unique, and the best part is the city gives you an idea of how a slow-paced life feels. You can turn your trip into an unforgettable journey by planning it with TripXL.
Cover Photo: ROMAN ODINTSOV / Pexels
