Which Destinations To Choose In Laos?

Preserved from mass tourism, Laos is an off-the-beaten-path destination less popular than its neighbors, Thailand or Vietnam. And yet, this country with its seven million inhabitants will surely offer you a magnificent journey. Let yourself be guided by these few lines, which we hope will enrich your travel plans to the Land of a Million Elephants.

In this article, we will give an overview of some of the must-see destinations as well as the more unusual ones in Laos. Let's start with the north!

Must-see destinations in Laos

Luang Prabang

Surrounded by lush hills, the former royal capital offers visitors an unparalleled view of Lao culture, spirituality, and history. Whatever your interests, Luang Prabang will charm you with its unique atmosphere, temples, market, and restaurants. Plan to spend at least two days exploring the city and its surroundings, including the stunning Kuang Si Waterfalls, just 30 km from the city center.

Things to see: the morning alms ceremony for monks, the old town of Luang Prabang, the Kuang Si Waterfalls, the Royal Palace Museum, the night market, a boat ride on the Mekong River, Pak Cave, and its many temples…

The village of Nong Khiaw

Nestled among sugarloaf mountains, Nong Khiaw is a beautiful riverside town untouched by mass tourism. A stop in Nong Khiaw offers the chance to embark on a river escape along the Nam Ou River in the north of the country for a few days (for example, departing from Muang Khua) to fully appreciate Laos' natural beauty in its most pristine setting. If the boat ride doesn’t appeal to you, you can also enjoy hiking, cycling, kayaking, and even rock climbing!

Oudomxay province

While not typically a popular destination, we want to highlight Oudomxay Province, which remains relatively unknown and offers numerous adventure destinations. The province is rich in breathtaking natural sites, home to many ethnic villages, and offers some hiking trails not to be missed. In short, it is a peaceful haven where encounters and moments of sharing are fueled by the generosity of its people. You can hike in Muang La, explore the wild nature of Nam Ha National Park, or travel from village to village to meet the various ethnic groups living in Pak Beng. It’s a province worth including in a northern Laos loop starting from Luang Prabang.

Vang Vieng

On the banks of the Nam Song River lies Vang Vieng, a town surrounded by towering limestone peaks. Many travelers come to rejuvenate in this exceptional natural setting and undoubtedly admire some of the most beautiful sunsets in Laos. For mountain enthusiasts and adrenaline seekers, Vang Vieng is an ideal destination. You can try activities like via ferrata, ziplining, and tubing. You can also explore the sacred cave of Tham Phu Kham, famous for its turquoise lake at the entrance, as well as the cave of Pha Poak. In short, Vang Vieng is a refreshing retreat that should be included in your itinerary if you are traveling to or from Vientiane, the capital, which is less than two hours away by car.

*Tubing: an activity where you float down a river, seated in an inner tube, with the option to stop at riverside bars to refresh.

The Bolovens plateaus

If you're planning a trip to Laos, we believe you'll want to get closer to nature, and the Bolaven Plateaus are the perfect place to do so. Located in the south of Laos, this area is a natural wonder with jungles, waterfalls, and a nature park. But that's not all! It's also the country's primary coffee-producing region, known for producing some of the best coffee in the world. You can explore the coffee plantations and learn about the farming methods while enjoying a cup or two of this delicious, bitter brew.

The 4000 islands

Between serenity and adventure, there is Khong. Marking the border with Cambodia, the 4000 Islands, also known as Si Phan Don, is a true paradise that is surprisingly little known in standard tourist circuits. While in reality, the 4000 Islands are actually about a hundred small islands scattered across the Mekong River, the area is simply stunning. By bike, boat, on foot, or even via zipline, there are many ways to explore the inhabited islands (Don Khong, Don Kone, Don Det). You'll surely enjoy staying there for one, two, or even three days... time passes unnoticed!

Unusual activities in Laos

Vat Phou

Mount Wat Phou was off-limits for visits until very recently, so it remains a site that is still little known despite its historical significance. A cradle of the Khmer civilization, this pre-Angkorian site has been designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site for its structures built between the 11th and 13th centuries. Nestled at the foot of the sacred Phu Kao mountain, this ancient temple invites you to appreciate the legacy of one of the most powerful and ingenious civilizations of its time. Furthermore, the surrounding beliefs, its stones merging with nature, and the animal engravings scattered around impose a fascinating atmosphere. If you’re in the Champassak region, make sure to stop by!

Laos, a land of adventure

Laos is a land of adventure that will reignite your appetite for thrills. Zipline and via ferrata (assisted climbing) routes are spread across the country, especially in the 4000 Islands, where you can fly over the Mekong River and waterfalls, as well as in Vang Vieng — a great route where you climb a peak and descend via zipline — in the charming village of Nong Khiaw, which was previously mentioned, and in the Boloven Plateau, where you can sip coffee between the two Tad Fane waterfalls. In short, if you enjoy these types of activities, go for it! And if you're apprehensive, one of our team members has tried almost all of them and is still alive… well, she’s currently in France.

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Monastic Alms

A Buddhist tradition unique to Laos: the alms-giving or Tak Bat ceremony. At the first light of dawn, monks walk the paths of their villages or the streets of their towns to receive offerings from the Lao people. A monk in Laos lives solely off this tradition and dedicates himself entirely to spiritual tasks and maintaining his temple. This daily ritual — the most famous of which takes place in Luang Prabang — is practiced throughout Laos. To experience it, you must wake up early, around 5 AM. Be sure to wear clothing that covers your legs and shoulders — both men and women. Traditionally, Lao men wear a scarf, while Lao women wear a scarf and a typical skirt called a Sinh. You can also take photos, but keep in mind that this is primarily a significant spiritual practice for both the monks and the local residents.

The plain of jars

The Plain of Jars is an archaeological site located in the northeastern part of Laos (refer to the map), covering an area of 1000 km². Here and there, massive ancient jars made of a limestone material — which is not found in the province — protrude from the earth. Who? When? Why? These questions remain unanswered, leaving us with the pleasure of letting our imagination wander in a magnificent natural setting. This mystical destination is worth a visit if you enjoy enigmas and unusual sites.

Kong Lor caves

Surrounded by karst formations, Kong Lor is a popular destination in central Laos, often included in North-South or South-North itineraries. This small village is home to the longest cave in the world, with a length of 7.5 kilometers. It will take nearly two hours to travel there and back by boat. In short, if you enjoy caves, Kong Lor is a must-visit. It’s a fantastic exploration opportunity for families. Claustrophobes should abstain!

Cruise on the Mekong river

Although Laos doesn’t have a coastline, it has the Mekong River. Flowing through the entire country, much of Lao life flows, organizes, and transmits through it. Taking a cruise along the river is therefore a must to understand the way of life in this Southeast Asian country. Several cruises are offered throughout the country: in Luang Prabang (visiting the Pak Ou Caves and surrounding artisan villages), the 4000 Islands with its famous waterfalls (natural borders with Cambodia)... Refreshing and enriching, take the plunge without hesitation!

We wish you a great vacation

This list, though not exhaustive, presents the must-see destinations in Laos. Now it's time to create your itinerary based on your preferences. Rest assured, your choices won’t prevent you from enjoying the warm and serene atmosphere that permeates the entire country. Bo pen yang! (No worries!)

If questions are racing through your mind, don’t hesitate to contact us. Our team consists of running enthusiasts, hiking lovers, history buffs, and art aficionados... sometimes all at once! 😉

If you have any questions or would like us to organize your trip, please contact Vietnam Insolite !