Laos, a country bordered by Myanmar, China, Vietnam, and Thailand, is attracting more and more travelers. The small kingdom “of a million elephants,” as it was once nicknamed, is gradually becoming a leading destination in Southeast Asia, particularly for its extraordinary heritage.
If you are planning to go there, do you really know what to do in Laos and what to expect? Traveling to Laos means journeying through stunning natural landscapes, admiring magnificent waterfalls, exploring dazzling Buddhist temples, and strolling through cities with authentic charm.
Discover this country through a top 10 list of must-see and must-do experiences in Laos.
1. Visit Luang Prabang
Former royal capital, Luang Prabang is known for its many temples, monks, delicious English-influenced cuisine, and magnificent viewpoints over the Mekong River. The city was built along the Mekong and the Nam Khan River and will surely charm you.
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is an essential stop during any trip to Laos. It is the country’s third-largest city but surely the first in terms of beauty. In perfect harmony with the surrounding nature, Luang Prabang and its region offer many excursion possibilities such as visiting the Kuang Si and Tad Sae waterfalls (pronounced Tad “Sé”).
Architecture lovers will not be disappointed by the many temples found throughout the city. When night falls, a stroll through the illuminated night market streets will allow you to see the city from a different perspective.
2. Relax in Si Phan Don, the 4000 Islands
Known as the 4000 Islands, Si Phan Don is a peaceful haven on the Mekong, a true river archipelago located near the Cambodian border. Here, relaxation or sports activities are on the agenda. For the more active, tubing (floating on an inflatable tube), cycling through rice fields, or kayaking will offer moments of relaxation and discovery.
Most of the islands are small uninhabited islets, however some are home to small fishing villages that will welcome you warmly.
Other interesting sites can be discovered nearby, such as the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, the Hindu-Khmer temple of Vat Phou that we discuss later in this article, the archaeological site of Phou Asa, and the former royal city of Champassak.
3. Cruise down the Mekong by boat
The Mekong is at the heart of life in Laos. This river, which runs the entire length of the country, offers the opportunity to enjoy beautiful boat cruises while appreciating the country’s diverse landscapes. A gateway to the Golden Triangle, many boats navigate the Mekong and river traffic is intense.
The Mekong also supports the local economy. Many businesses are located along the riverbanks and fishing boats travel back and forth daily. Cruising down the Mekong by boat offers a peaceful experience that is a must when visiting Laos and will leave you with unforgettable memories.
4. Taste Lao local specialties
Lao culinary specialties are delicious. One of them is Lap (or Larb), the country’s traditional dish. It consists of minced meat of your choice (pork, chicken, beef, or fish), often spicy, and usually served with sticky rice.
This type of dish can also be found in nearby countries such as Thailand. In Laos you will also find insects eaten grilled by locals, such as fried grasshoppers or even ant soups for the more adventurous.
5. Zipline in Bokeo, “The Gibbon Experience”
The Bokeo reserve is a natural park covering 123,000 hectares of forest spread across several valleys. Home to several species such as bears, Asian tigers, and even elephants, this stop is a must during your next trip to Laos. Discover the surrounding fauna and flora and move around the park in an unusual way: by zipline!
Indeed, “The Gibbon Experience,” an organization dedicated to protecting this area, has installed huge ziplines high in the treetops. These cables, sometimes up to 500 meters long, connect treehouses where visitors can spend the night safely above the forest and away from wild animals. A truly unique experience.
6. Explore the Bolovens Plateau by motorbike or bicycle
Above the Mekong plains lies the Bolovens Plateau, where primary forests are abundant. Explore this still wild region by motorbike or bicycle and enjoy surprising landscapes combining spectacular waterfalls, lush jungle, and authentic countryside. You can also meet ethnic minorities and visit small villages to learn more about the local culture.
7. Explore the caves of Vieng Xai
An astonishing cultural site, the caves of Vieng Xai sheltered the leaders of the Pathet Lao (the Lao government) during the Lao civil war that opposed them to the royal government supported by the American army in the 1970s. The caves of Vieng Xai also hosted performances such as theater, cinema, and even weddings. These natural caves are both beautiful and historically fascinating. Visiting them will help you better understand the events the country experienced.
8. Take an excursion to Vat Phou
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Vat Phou is a complex of Khmer temples dating back more than 1,000 years. Located at the foot of a sacred mountain, the site can be explored by bicycle or motorbike, allowing visitors to discover the ancient ruins at their own pace.
It is one of the major archaeological sites in Laos, sometimes described as a “little Angkor,” as it strongly resembles its Cambodian neighbor in its Khmer-style architecture. It is truly a must-see site in Laos.
9. Visit Vientiane, the capital
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, features streets lined with tamarind trees, colonial villas from the English era, traditional Chinese houses, and temples. The city also preserves several other vestiges of English colonization that you can admire during your visit.
Do not miss Patuxay, the triumphal arch built in the early 1960s using cement originally intended for a new airport, created to celebrate independence from France.
In the Lao capital you will also find other important landmarks such as Pha That Luang, a sacred Buddhist monument and the main national symbol of Laos, as well as Vat Si Saket and its 6,400 Buddha statues.
If you wish to explore around Vientiane, you can also visit another interesting site: Buddha Park, a surreal and spiritual place displaying Buddha statues unlike anywhere else.
10. Admire the cliffs of Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a town located at the foot of immense cliffs along the Nam Song River. The atmosphere is breathtaking. It is impossible not to be fascinated by the humble rice fields of the valley overlooked by these impressive karst cliffs.
A calm and peaceful atmosphere reigns in this town, but there is no shortage of activities. The main attraction is tubing, floating down the river on an inflatable tube where the riverbanks become a gathering place for many travelers and a lively party scene. However, everyone will find something to enjoy with activities such as hot-air balloon rides, hiking, caving, and rock climbing.
CONCLUSION
Although one might think there are fewer things to do in Laos compared to its neighboring Southeast Asian countries, this is far from the truth. Whether it is history, cultural heritage, nature, or Lao gastronomy, you will always find an activity to enjoy or a place to discover in Laos.
Strolling along the Mekong, exploring temples and historical remains at Vat Phou, or hiking through the jungle of the Bolovens Plateau should definitely make you consider traveling to Laos. If we had to choose just one must-do experience in Laos, our favorite would be Luang Prabang and its region—simply unmissable.
This top 10 list of must-see experiences in Laos is only a glimpse of the many places and activities the country has to offer. If you would like to learn more and organize a custom trip to Laos, contact our travel experts who will help you create your journey.
