Laos travel Forum

Laos Attractions

Things to do in Laos usually incorporate the attractions of religious sites and the natural world. Near Vientiane, Xiang Khouan is a religious park that has integrated Buddhist statues into a river meadow landscape. Vientiane has the most impressive religious site named That Luang, an enormous and ornate stupa within the city. The serene and historic city of Luang Prabang is near beautiful religious locations such as the Royal Palace, Wat Xieng Thong and Pak Ou caves, which all house ancient Buddhist statues and relics. Another great Laos tourist attraction is the beautiful cave of Tham Phou Kham in Vang Vieng.

Travellers looking for fun activities in Laos can hire inner tubes and float down the warm rivers that criss-cross the country (often with refreshing cocktails in hand).

Visitors to Phonsavan can marvel at hundreds of enormous stone jars strewn about a meadow for mysterious reasons in ancient times. The area also hosts a number of other tourist sights and activities such as a Mines Advisory Group (MAG) centre, a silk farm and tours of the local villages.

Northern Laos is very accessible and generally tends to attract most of the tourists travelling to Laos. However, eastern and southern Laos are well off the tourist trail, for the moment, and richly rewarding for those willing to make the effort.


Royal Stupa at sunset

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

The Royal Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule, and is Laos' most important religious building. A wonderful sight for tourists to Vientiane to behold, the dazzling golden temple and its spire are visible from afar - and locals claim that...  see full details



Buddha Park

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

The site known as Buddha Park is a bizarre collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow, dominated by a gigantic reclining Buddha. Hundreds of huge concrete structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu philosophies are spread around representing a variety of...  see full details



Royal Palace

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

The former Royal Palace, a mixture of French and Lao architecture, is now a museum preserving the possessions of the monarchy. Above the entrance is a three-headed elephant sheltered by the sacred white parasol, the symbol of the Lao monarchy. The most impressive room...  see full details



Gold relief at Wat Xieng Thong

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

The most enchanting monastery in the country, and its most talked-about tourist attraction, is the magnificent Golden City Temple at the tip of Laos' peninsula. The graceful, sweeping tiled roof of the main temple is its most impressive feature and the walls are decorated...  see full details



Plain of Jars

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an unusual sight, and a must-visit tourist attraction for travellers to Luang Prabang. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered about the landscape, some weighing up to six tonnes and measuring about...  see full details



Pak Ou caves

Pak Ou Caves

About two hours by boat from Luang Prabang lie the Pak Ou Caves, worth a visit if only for the scenic boat trip. A lower and upper cave contain an impressive collection of mostly wooden Buddha statues assembled over the centuries by locals...  see full details



Main waterfall at Kuang Si falls

Kuang Si Falls

The beautiful multi-tiered Kuang Si falls are worth a trip from Luang Prabang for their refreshing beauty and serenity. Turquoise-green water tumbles over a series of limestone steps and collects in beautiful pools that are surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways lead around the base...  see full details



The 4,000 Islands region

Si Phan Don

The famous 4,000 Islands region of Laos unfolds at the tail of the Mekong River in the far south of the country, lapping over into Cambodia. The area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls, tranquil village life and unspoiled natural beauty. It is...  see full details



Monks receive alms in Luang Prabang

Alms Ceremony

The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning Alms Ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in their life. As such the city is teeming with men...  see full details


Laos travel Forum
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