Former home to one of the greatest kingdoms in the history of Southeast Asia, where ornate Buddhist temples sit alongside jarring reminders of the nation’s sad recent history, Laos is a land of mystery, natural beauty and welcoming people. Your Laos travel guide will undoubtedly make sure your visit includes all the must-sees, which we have compiled in a list below so you can start to count down the days to departure with excitement.
Alms-giving at Pha That Luang
Vientiane’s great gold stupa is the Laotian national treasure, featuring on the ‘kip’ currency bank note. The ornate three-layered Buddhist temple is the peaceful meeting point for saffron-robed monks giving morning alms (money or food to the poor).
Explore Vientiane
Huddled on the bend of the Mekong River, Laos’ capital city Vientiane weaves past French colonial crumble to tree-lined temple charm. After visiting Buddha Park’s giant deity sculptures, follow the waft of fresh baguettes and steaming noodle stalls, and at sunset toast a cold Beerlao (with ice!) by the river.
Tube at party-wild Vang Vieng
Floating along Nam Song River between karst landscape, Beerlao in hand, has become somewhat de rigueur in Vang Vieng, thanks to the noisy route of music huts and frighteningly cheap whiskey buckets. The hedonistic show goes on despite some protests, as long as travellers continue to enjoy responsibly.
(Pic Vang Vieng)
Lose yourself in magical Luang Prabang
As the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers join at the confluence the old kingdom of Luang, so do the multi-ethnic fusion of architecture and communities thriving since communists opened the doors to Laos tourism. Wander the many restaurants, visit the French-Indochina shop houses, and browse the night market in the city largely protected by UNESCO. Don’t forget the many excursions available in the region.
Set your alarm to join monks at dawn
Witness morning almsgiving to the monks’ processional route around the red-roofed temples in Luang Prabang. Keep your distance and be respectful with silent appreciation and clothing appropriate for the old tradition that survives against the tourist lens. Your Laos travel guide will provide expert advice on how to watch and take part in this tradition.
Cruise on the Mekong Slow Boat
Southeast Asia’s greatest river, the Mekong, meanders most of the 4,350 km route in landlocked Laos, making it an essential experience when visiting the country. The reward of lush green scenery is featured in most Laos tour packages and Indochina tour itineraries.
Cool off at Kuang Si Falls
Take a refreshing dip at the scenic waterfall cascades, a half-day trip from Luang Prabang perfect for soothing the humid summer days. Endangered brown bears and a butterfly conservation centre are on display near the entrances.
Marvel at the Pak Ou Caves
The carved cliff dwellings home to hundreds of Buddha figurines dedicated by hill tribe villagers over the course of centuries should be considered a must when doing a tour comparison Laos. Known locally as ‘Tam Ting’, the caves are a devoutly important Buddhist pilgrimage site most frequented during Pii Mai New Year.
Wonder through Vat Phou
The stunning Khmer ruins in the Champasak province, the little temple cousin of Cambodia’s Angkor Wat, are smaller scale with half the crowds – and just as mystical.
Forget modern life in Si Phan Don
Lay back on the laid-back archipelago of 4,000 islands, kayak paddling in the current of Irrawaddy Dolphins, stopping off at timeless fishing villages on the way.
A moment of education at the COPE Visitor Centre
Learn from the inspiring organisation rebuilding Laos through limbs and prosthetics, fixing daily injuries still occurring from casualties of unexploded ordinance (UXO) throughout the villages of the world’s most bombed country.
Visit remarkable Vieng Xai
As the former headquarters for Pathet Lao, Vieng Xai was heavily bombed throughout the 1960s and early 1970s. The extensive cave city designed to protect the area, which featured hospitals, schools and even theatres, remains impressive to this day.
Experience ethereal Buddhist temples
Ornate Buddhist temples such as Wat Si Saket and Wat Xieng Thong are an inclusion on most Laos tour packages, ensuring you witness the stunning artistry and architecture that created these beautiful structures.
The prehistoric Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is a somewhat eerie reminder of old burial practices, dating back to the Iron Age. Thousands of stone jars are scattered through the valleys and lower foothills of Xiangkhoang Plateau, creating one of Southeast Asia’s most important prehistoric sites.
Learn from elephant mahouts
Once revered as one of the most sought-after professions in Laos, mahouts now mainly work with their elephants either in the logging or tourism industries. Do justice to these magnificent creatures and their mahouts, who form a special bond with one elephant and stay with them for years or lifetimes, by visiting an elephant-friendly centre or organisation where you can learn all about the tropical forest and elephants from these most knowledgeable experts.
Stop and smell the national flower
The national flower of Laos is the Champa flower, or frangipani. Keep your eyes open for these sweetly-fragrant flowers, which you will be sure to spot around Luang Prabang and further afield.
Watch out for local products
When shopping up a storm, keep your eyes open for traditional Laos items such as bamboo lamps and fish traps – though the latter is more an interesting educational item than a practical souvenir.
Courtney Gahan is a serial expat, traveller and freelance writer who has bartered with Moroccan marketeers, seen the sun rise at Angkor Wat and elbowed her way through crowds on NYE in NYC