Republished as featured in Agoda Travel Guides
With activities like hiking through mysterious UNESCO World Heritage Sites and kayaking down the Mekong River, travelers will find no shortage of things to do in Laos. This hidden gem of Southeast Asia touts untouched rural landscapes teeming with coffee plantations and outdoor adventures. Visit these exclusive destinations in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Pakse for short getaways, or plan a long itinerary to see all the best Laos attractions in one trip.
The Mystical Allure of the Plain of Jars
Trek around one of the most dangerous archaeological sites in the world to a UNESCO World Heritage Site that contains as much mystery as historic artifacts. The Plain of Jars, near Phonsavan in Xiengkhouang Province, is believed to be a series of tombs left from the Iron Age, but the exact meaning of the more than 2,000 limestone vessels left on this plain in central Laos remains a mystery to this day.
What is not a mystery to archaeologists, however, is the fact that this site was used for defense during the “Secret War” of the 1960s, a part of Laos’ history that went largely unnoticed until unexploded bombs leftover from the war began detonating throughout the historic Plain of Jars site.
Visitors can analyze evidence for themselves from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily on three sites that have been cleared for tourism.
How to get to the Plain of Jars near Phonsavan: Fly directly into Phonsavan or catch a bus from Luang Prabang (8 hours), Vientiane (11 hours) or Vang Vieng (6 hours).
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A Step into Nature: Phou Phaman in Khammouane Province
Part of the Khammouane Loop, or Thakhek Loop, for motorcycle enthusiasts, Phou Phaman holds some of Laos’ most breathtaking landscapes and scenic views. The nationally protected limestone forest is an eco-tourism hot-spot and home to Curtain Cliffs, a series of rock formations with deep folds like that of a curtain. Find one of the most popular Phou Phaman viewing areas along Route 8. At The Rock Viewpoint, visitors can zip line over the woodlands or take in a bird’s-eye view of the forest from an elevated walkway. Extend your stay in the area at nearby hotels to tackle nature trails, explore caves and waterfalls, and view wildlife in Phou Hin Poun National Bio-Diversity Conservation Area and Nakai-Nam Theun National Park.
How to get to Phou Phaman in Khammouane Province: Take a bus from Luang Prabang (13 hours), Vientiane (6 hours) or Vang Vieng (8 hours).
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Patouxay Monument: Laos’ Triumphal Arch
Get a panoramic view and a taste of Laos’ history from atop Vientiane’s most cherished landmark. The Patouxay Monument, sometimes called Victory Monument, stands in the center of Vientiane in honor of soldiers who fought and died for their country during wartime. With architecture that has been compared to the Arch de Triumph in Paris and walls etched in local mythology, tourists have plenty to savor.
Stairs to the top of the monument are open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily and grant views of the city and the Mekong River, which is just a 30-minute walk from Patouxay Monument. Admission to Patouxay Monument is free.
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That Luang: The Golden Stupa of Vientiane
While trekking around Vientiane’s quaint streets and bustling alleyways, don’t pass up the opportunity to visit Pha That Luang, just a 10-minute ride by taxi from Vientiane Night Market and backpacker area. Tourists who exchange their currency for Laos kip can get an early glimpse of this treasured landmark, as it is the national seal of Lao currency. Sometimes called the Great Sacred Stupa, Pha That Luang is a magnificent golden temple that houses the supreme patriarch of Laos Buddhism. It is one of the most cherished Buddhist temples in Laos and a prominent spiritual site for Vientiane locals.
The temple is open to the public daily at no cost. A popular time to visit the Great Sacred Stupa is in November when the weather is cooler and the three-day Boun That Luang festival is in full swing. The annual celebration includes colorful processions and parades, traditional games and local foods.
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Vat Phou: The Ancient Khmer Temple Complex
Plan a getaway to Pakse for an unforgettable rendezvous with luscious landscapes and ancient history at Vat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site nestled between the banks of the Mekong River and the foothills of Phou Khao and Lingaparvata mountains. With structures and natural elements dating to the 5th century, this vast temple complex left from the Khmer Empire presents hours of exploration for outdoor and history enthusiasts alike. The ruins and remaining temples are considered the oldest place of worship in Southeast Asia and feature megalithic stone statues and Hindu carvings resembling pre-Angkor craftmanship.
The park is open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. daily, and visitors should plan on spending at least three hours exploring the temple architecture and encompassing landscape. Guests who don’t want to make the long hike to the temple entrance gate can catch a ride on a golf cart in the parking lot for a nominal fee. Wat Phu Museum, inside the compound, closes at 4:30 p.m.
How to get to Vat Phu via Pakse: Tourists can fly directly into Pakse and catch a ride by taxi to Vat Phou. The drive takes about one hour. Buses also run regularly to Pakse from major cities, with routes from Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng going through Vientiane, a 13-hour ride from Pakse.
FIND HOTELS VAT PHOU IN CHAMPASAK PROVINCE
Wat Xieng Thong: A Jewel of Luang Prabang
Step inside one of the most treasured Buddhist temples in the historic district of Luang Prabang, the ancient capital of Laos. Known as the Golden Tree Monastery, Wat Xieng Thong sits on the northern tip of what is called the Luang Prabang peninsula, a popular area for backpackers. Wat Xieng Thong temple was built between 1559 and 1560 and is considered one of the most important temples in the country and serves as the religious emblem for Luang Prabang. Along with ornate architecture and mosaics, a glass montage of a tree of life etched in the rear of the temple exemplifies the art and culture of the period when the complex was built. Plus, the spacious grounds are excellent for hosting annual festivals and large spiritual gatherings.
Tourists who want to immerse themselves in Laos culture should visit Luang Prabang during one of the following festivals:
- Lao New Year takes places from April 14 to 16 and includes festivities, fireworks, water activities and traditional foods.
- Join the Fire Boat Festival Oct. 20 to set lighted paper boats afloat down the Mekong River.
- The Festival of Light during the second week of October marks the end of Buddhist lent with fashion shows, handicraft markets and a boat-racing festival.
How to get to Wat Xieng Thong: From the Royal Palace in the historic district of Luang Prabang, Wat Xieng Thong is a 15-minute walk. Tourists who would rather ride can catch a ride with a tuktuk driver from the area in front of Luang Prabang Night Market.
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Vang Vieng: Laos’s Natural Wonder
If spelunking is your go-to adventure sport, then a holiday in Vang Vieng is your jam. Few other tourist destinations in Laos offer the caving expeditions that Vang Vieng features. And caving isn’t the only outdoor attraction waiting for travelers in Vang Vieng. The off-the-beaten-track region contains some of the country’s most awe-inspiring blue lagoons, limestone cliffs, rice fields, mountains and historic landmarks, like 15th-century monasteries. Plus, it is situated on the banks of Nam Song River, which is popular for kayaking and river tubing.
Here are a few of the most popular caves and things to do in Vang Vieng:
- Tham Chang (Jang Cave) – cross a bridge over the Nam Song River to reach this cave that features stalagmites, stalactites and a spring for swimming.
- Wat That – admission is free to this ornate temple, which is considered the cornerstone temple of central Vang Vieng.
- Tham Poukham Cave – swim in a blue lagoon after exploring this cave just outside Vang Vieng.
- Tham Nam (Water Cave) – pull yourself through a winding cave passage while floating on an innertube on this thrilling adventure that requires a life jacket and torch!
- Tham Xang Cave – stop by this small cave on the way to Tham Nam to view a stalactite that resembles an elephant.
How to get to Vang Vieng: Take a bus or train from Vientiane or Luang Prabang. The journey from either direction is about two hours.
FIND HOTELS NEAR NAM SONG RIVER IN VANG VIENG
Bolaven Plateau: Champasak’s Beautiful Gem
Buzz around by moped on the scenic Bolaven Plateau to view some of Champasak’s most beautiful country gems. This scenic region near Pakse in southern Laos features miles of lush coffee and tea plantations and is home to a number of villages that welcome tourists for a true cultural experience. Meaning “Home of the Laven,” Bolaven Plateau is made up of several ethnicities, including the Laven, Alak, Tahoy and Suay. It also is part of Dong Hua Sao National Bio-Diversity Area, where tourists can hike through jungles to spot natural wildlife, like elephants, monkeys and even leopards. The best time to visit Bolaven Plateau is during the cooler months of November and December. Travelers trekking in the area during this time should prepare gear for cool mornings and hot afternoons.
Don’t miss these things to do in Champasak:
- Waterfalls – Tad Yuang, Tad Fane, Tad Tayicseua and Tad Champee are the four most impressive waterfalls in Champasak. Each can be reached during a day trip from Pakse.
- Villages – visit the town of Toumlan for traditional foods, shops and tours with Katu weavers.
- Coffee farms – riding around the province’s winding roads by motorbike is the best way to view the region’s elaborate tea and coffee plantations. The countryside is full of them. Take off and enjoy the view!
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Mount Phousi: The Sacred Hill of Luang Prabang
In the center of historic Luang Prabang, tourists are treated to a panoramic view of the city from Mount Phousi. Visitors will want to make the climb at sunrise or sunset for the most stunning photographs. Two staircases lead to the top of the temple: one has 328 steps, and the other has 355 steps, so visitors should prepare for a 15-minute climb. Visiting Mount Phousi, meaning “sacred hill,” is one of the can’t-miss things to do in Luang Prabang. Visitors must pay a small entrance fee to enter. Once summited, tourists can take in views of Luang Prabang and the Mekong River.
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Visit Laos Caves
While Vang Vieng holds an abundance of caving adventures, spelunking opportunities exist all over the country. Many caves in Laos hold religious significance, while others are popular swimming areas and day trips getaway spots. Tourists who are visiting Laos for caving adventures will want to check out these popular caves, or tham, in Laotian.
- Pak Ou (Tham Ting and Tham Theung) – this group of caves overlook the Mekong just north of Luang Prabang. They contain a group of preserved Buddhist figures and is popular for meditation, teaching and taking peaceful hikes.
- Tham Xang (Elephant Cave) – find a cluster of four caves just north of Vang Vieng and enjoy tubing through tunnels, hiking by stalactites and discovering incredible nature.
- Kong Lor Cave – this 4-mile-long karst limestone cave in Khammouane Province sits along the Nam Hin Bun River. Hire a boat to conquer its waterways, and hike along adjacent trails to spot wildlife and take in the scenery.
- Tham Khoun Xe – a river and cave in one, Tham Khoun Xe resides in Khammouane Province and contains nearly five miles of underground river passages.
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Cultural Insights and Practical Tips for Travelers
Like many nationalities, Lao people value tradition and welcome tourists to discover their culture. Travelers visiting Lao will want to be mindful of Laos culture and traditions, as well as how to get around during a holiday. Here are a few practical tips about transportation, cultural etiquette and accommodations in Laos.
- Getting around – tourists who visit Vientiane will have access to taxis to get around the city, but in the communities of Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng and Pakse, guests will need to have some good walking shoes and depend on tuktuks and motorbike taxis for transportation.
- Cultural etiquette – Lao people dress modestly and appreciate that their guests do as well. While dressing like a tourist in tank tops and flip-flops is fine for seeing the sights in cities, guests should wear more modest clothing, like shirts with sleeves and long pants or a skirt, when visiting temples and shrines.
- Accommodations – larger tourist destinations in Laos, like Vientiane and Luang Prabang, contain options for accommodations that range from budget hostels for backpackers to 5-star hotels for luxury travelers. Check Agoda for affordable hotels and accommodations in the most popular places to visit in Laos.
Best Time to Visit Laos: Seasons, Popular Festivals, Highlights
Mid-October to April is the rainy season and Laos and considered the best time to visit. Travelers can catch some of the country’s most popular cultural festivals during this time. The That Luang Festival in Vientiane takes place in November; Wat Phou Festival in Champasak Province happens in January or February; and Lao New Year is celebrated in cities and villages throughout the country. Travelers who want to experience the rainy season in Laos’ tropical climate should visit between May and September.
