The 19 Most Beautiful Places In Laos

In the heart of northern Laos lies Luang Prabang, a picturesque town added to the UNESCO World Heritage List in 1995 for its unique architecture. Sitting in the center of its old town is the emblem of Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi, a towering natural structure which is over 100 meters high. The climb uphill here can be exhausting, but it will reward with unforgettable views. Overlooking the city, the mountain is an excellent spot for watching spectacular sunrises and sunsets over the Mekong River. At the top of the mountain, as well as at the base and along the way uphill, there are several original and breathtaking temples where you can make offerings and pray for good luck.

The beauty of Luang Ptabang is not limited to Mount Phousi; Kuang Si Falls is another exceptional gift of nature given to the region. The waterfall is located 29 kilometers south of the city, and is the largest waterfall in the province, with the highest drop reaching 50 meters. Given the tropical weather of Laos, diving into the streams and swimming excitedly in the cool, aqua water here are very popular activities to partake in at Kuang Si Falls.

Take a bus to central Laos to see the limestone karst vistas on the Thkhek loop. Khammouane stretches the width of Laos from the Mekong River border with Thailand to the Annamite Mountain border with Vietnam. Check out Kong Lor cave via motor boat, swim at Tha Falang or go on a waterfall trek. Organized tours can be booked in Thakhek through Green Discovery. Alternatively there are several motorbike rental outfits for those who want to see the loop on two wheels. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Bordering Cambodia, and located in Champasak of Southern Laos, Khone Phapheng Falls are the largest set of cascading waterfalls in Southeast Asia. They form part of the Mekong River and the islands of Si Phan Don, and although the drop here is not as high as that of Kuang Si Falls, the water has a strong flow and its fall can be over 9 kilometers long. As well as many different kinds of fish, Irrawaddy dolphins and the endangered Mekong giant catfish can be found swimming in the streams of Khone Phapheng Falls.

Luang Namtha, the provincial capital of the province with the same name, is located in northwestern Laos and borders Myanmar and China. The town is a jumping off point for lots of ecotourism trips in the area. Check out the Nam Ha National Protected area which has four rivers running through it and is home to species such as the clouded leopard, first growth forests, birds and insects. Trekking, cycling and kayaking tours are available. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Along with the Champasak Cultural Landscape, Vat Phou is the second inclusion in the UNESCO World Heritage List of Laos. Vat Phou, meaning ‘mountain temple’ in English, are the ruins of a Khmer Hindu temple dated back to the 5th century. Blended into the surrounding nature, the remains of Vat Phou are dotted charmingly all over the mountain top and the waterfront. In the ruins of the temple visitors here can follow the traces of the Khmer Empire from a thousand years ago, with inscriptions and altars still clearly visible.

Houaphan Province is on the Vietnamese border. The capital city is Sam Neua, which lies in a foggy valley and produces detailed textiles that can be purchased at the market or from weavers’ homes. Visit Vieng Xai cave where President Kaysone Phomvihane (whose likeness can been seen on the Lao Kip) hid during the Vietnam War. The royal family was incarcerated in prison camps in the area. Rent bikes or trek through the pristine valley in this beautiful area rarely visited by tourists. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Situated in Laos’ capital, Vientiane, Buddha Park is an extremely popular spot. It is not a temple, as its religious name could suggest, but rather a public park, with over 200 religious sculptures that tower at over 40 meters high. The Buddha Park, also known as ‘the spirit city’, is exceptional not only because of its large number of gigantic stone sculptures, but it is also unique because the sculptures include both Hindu and Buddhist figures. Buddhism and Hinduism are believed to come from the same origin, and after studying both religions, Bunleua Sulilat, the creator of the park, decided to put the Hindu and Buddhist sculptures together to create an innovative spectacle. Unlike in temples, you can have a picnic at the park and even enjoy a beer.

Bokeo province is the smallest in Laos and part of the infamous golden triangle between Myanmar, Thailand and Laos. Home to the Bokeo Nature Reserve and The Gibbon Experience multi-day zip lining and trekking adventure. Bokeo is known for its gem mining and beautiful mountain ranges. Over 30 ethnic groups call Bokeo home and homestays or visits to ethnic villages can be arranged. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Although not close to the city center of Vang Vieng, the Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon are still incredibly popular with tourists; the area is truly enchanting. With a name derived from the spectacular, glassy color of the water, the best way to enjoy your time here is to jump enthusiastically into the lagoon. Not far away from the beautiful water sits the Tham Phu Kham Cave, a site featuring a bronzed Buddha figure in the middle of the main entrance, and a place revered as sacred by locals. A feeling of mystery is exuded here thanks to the shining Buddhist sculpture being the only thing in the cave.

With an average altitude of over 1,000 meters above sea level, this northern-most province of Laos is much cooler than the rest of the country and often chilly at night. Sharing a border with China and Vietnam, the province contains Ban Komaen, home to a 400-year-old tea tree and the Phu Den Din National Protected area with incredible hiking and mountain views. The capital city of Phongsali is accessible via a 10-hour drive from Udomxai, a two-day boat ride or a flight from Vientiane. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Going to the Kong Lor Cave is to partake in an exciting, other-worldly adventure. Sometimes called Tham Kang Lo, the cave is located in Phu Hin Bun National Park, and features miles of underground, glistening caves ready for exploration. Bring a torch and voyage into the darkness on foot, or sail a small boat on the waters of the Nam Bun River near the site, with both expeditions providing chances to see the wondrous limestone formations the caves have to offer.

Phonsavan is the capital of the northern Lao province of Xieng Kuang, which borders Vietnam. The city itself is home to the Lao-run Mulberry Silk Farm and workshop and several UXO organizations. Further afield in the province are natural hot springs, caves where Pathet Lao leaders hid during the Vietnam War and the Plain of Jars. Hundreds of megalithic vessels which were used in Bronze Age funerary traditions litter the rolling hills. Some of the sites are cleared of bombs and welcome tourists freely. Some require a trekking guide to access safely and others are off limits entirely. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Being one of the ‘4000 Islands’ of Laos, Don Khong is a quiet and ancient island to explore. Look out for the picturesque rice fields in the Ban Houa Khong area where most of the land is reserved for farming. Rice production has always been critical to Laos’ economy, with 80% of the country’s agricultural land utilized for rice farming, and Don Khong gives visitors a beautiful view into this traditional practice. In the rice fields here you can see how the farmers grow the food that will later be deliciously in your bowl at lunch.

Attapeu Province is in the southeastern corner of Laos bordering Vietnam and Cambodia. Said to be the last untouched frontier of Laos, a large part of the province is covered by the Dong Ampham National Biodiversity Conservation Area. Check out noted waterfalls sans tourists such as Tad Saephe, Tad Samongphak, Tad Phok, and Tad Phaphong. Visit the volcanic crater that is Nong Fa lake, said to be haunted by a snake-pig creature who eats those who swim in its depths. Visit during the dry season as Attapeu is not yet set up for tourism and many roads wash out in the rain. Recommended by Regina Beach.

In Southern Laos, in Savannakhet, Dong Natad is a forest that not many tourists know about. Away from other tourist hotspots and the buzz of the city center, and past the famous Friendship Bridge and the salt mines, you will finally arrive at Nong Lam Lake and the Dong Natad forest. Two communities of native villagers live here, and it is quite likely that you may encounter some tribesmen picking mushrooms or fruits, and collecting ants and other insects; this is a must-stop for those seeking to get a true taste of traditional Laos life.

Sainyabuli Province lies west of the Mekong, bordering Thailand in northern Laos. Nam Phouy National Biodiversity Conservation Area is home to herds of Asian elephants. The Lao Elephant Conservation Center is located in the province and has a heard of 30, including several that were born through breeding programs at the center. Gibbons and sun and moon bears also call the conservation area home. Recommended by Regina Beach.

As one of 21 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas in Laos, Dong Hua Sao is a protected forest park which has been established for over 20 years. The forest’s land area has increased over the years from around 867 square kilometers to now over 1100 square kilometers, and the lush, verdant evergreens of the forest are all over 40 years old. On your visit to the stunning forest you may have the chance to meet all kinds of animals and birds, including monkeys, hog deers, peacocks and hornbills. If you are extremely lucky, you may also see some wild elephants and endangered yellow-cheeked gibbons.

Salavan Province, like Savannakhet and Khammouane to the north, spans the width of Laos from Thailand to Vietnam. Salavan has a large coffee growing region as part of the Bolevan Plateau, which is part of a three-day small loop or seven-day big loop around Champasak, Attapeau, Sekong and Salavan provinces. Visit the charming town of Tad Lo and hike and swim in the falls. Several biodiversity areas include Xe Bang Nouan, Xe Xap National Biodiversity Conservation Area, and The Phou Xiang Thong Important Bird Area. Recommended by Regina Beach.

Laos is a country full with natural beauty and rich cultural legacy, from the magnificent waterfalls of Luang Prabang to the spectacular karst landscapes of Vang Vieng. There is a tour that is ideal for you, regardless of your preference for action or tranquility. Check out these trips that come highly recommended!