Top 10 Tourists Attractions in Laos
Laos is a mountainous and landlocked country in South-East Asia that has long been isolated from the outside world. A visit to Laos is, in many ways, a trip back in time. There're Top 10 Attractions in Laos to discover for you.
Laos is one of the few truly exotic travel destinations left in the world. With a 'back-in-time' feel to it and with a truly friendly population combined with atmospheric Buddhist temples, places of interest and enigmatic heritage sites, you are guaranteed a roller coaster of a cultural ride in exploring this country.
1, Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng, Laos
We can say that Vang Vieng is "the paradise to discover" attracting millions of backpackers around the world. As one of top tourist attractions in Laos, Vang Vieng riverside town is the ideal place for young people to conquer the rapids or experience drunken alcohol concentration heap. Don’t miss the opportunity to sit on the bike and make green travel exploring ancient caves and talk with the native in ancient villages.
2, Luang Prabang
Luang Praban, Laos
Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Laos, is an important yet charming little town that ranks among the top must-visit destinations in the country. It features former royal palaces and more than 30 temples, old French colonial architecture as well as beautiful natural sites.
Kuang Si Waterfall, Laos
A popular side trip in Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall attracts both locals and tourists because of its three tier cascades with the main one having a 60-metre drop. With its mesmerising waters, cool turquoise pools and idyllic environment, it’s a great spot for sightseeing, photography and even swimming. However, you will have to pay for a minimal admission fee to access the site.
4, Pak Ou Caves
After your Mekong River cruise, you must step into the mystic Pak Ou Caves, two linked caves on the west side of the Mekong River. These caves are jam-packed with thousands of gold miniature Buddha sculptures and statues of varying sizes and shapes – definitely a must-see treasure of Laos!
5, Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket, Laos
When exploring Vientiane, this stunning Buddhist temple is hard to miss. Located just across the Presidential Palace, Wat Sisaket is the oldest surviving monastery in the capital city built by King Anou in the early 19th century. It is believed that the temple was spared during the Siamese invasion because it resembles the structure of Thai temples. Wat Sisaket now houses a museum and more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images.
6, Vientiane
Vientiane, Laos
Vientiane wouldn’t be the country’s capital for no good reason. Once a French colony, this city is filled with French-inspired structures that stand in lovely contrast with the ancient Buddhist temples. If you’re on a budget, you wouldn’t have a hard time finding affordable accommodations, restaurants and other places to hang out in Vientiane. Despite being the centre of commerce and politics, it’s still a pretty laid-back city that is not over-commercialised and not too far from the pleasant countryside.
7, Wat Phu - Champasak Town
Wat Phu, Champasak Town - Top 10 Attractions in Laos
Wat Phu (or Vat Phou) is a ruined Khmer temple complex located at the base of mount Phu Kao, in the Champasak province. The Hindu temple structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries. Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental Angkor-era sites in Cambodia but the tumbledown pavilions, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site give Wat Phu a mystical atmosphere. The temple is still in use as a Buddhist site today.
8, Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
Buddha Park, Laos
Buddha Park (aka Xieng Khuan) is a famous park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. This is why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons.
9, That Luang- Vientiane
That Luong stupa, Laos
Aside from Wat Sisaket, another great place to learn about Buddhism and the rich history of Laos is the That Luang Stupa which translates to the “Great Stupa in Lao”. This gold-covered stupa was built in the 16th century, but unlike Wat Sisaket, it was destroyed during the Siamese invasion. It was later reconstructed by the French in the early 20th century. Today, it is revered as the most important national monument and symbol of Laos.
10, Plain of Jars - Xieng Khouang
Plain of Jars, Laos
The Plain of Jars is considered the most distinctive and enigmatic of all Laos attractions. The large area around Phonsavan, the main city of Xieng Khouang Province is dotted with stone jars but no one has a clear idea as to why they are there. The mysterious jars were carved from both sandstone and granite in various sizes...