Taking a Laos tour, you’ll step into a tranquil and mysterious corner of the ever-changing world. Years of isolation and the prevalence of Buddhism have successfully helped Laos remain a pristine, unspoiled country with a friendly ambiance. Believe it or not, after appreciating Vientiane’s gilded temples, offering alms to saffron-robed monks in the morning in Luang Prabang, and encountering verdant rice paddy and extremely friendly people along the Mekong River, it’s hard not to indulge in the sheer tranquility and simplicity here. For a longer schedule, we recommend extending your trip by combining a visit to Laos with a trip to Vietnam, Cambodia, or both. It will unquestionably enhance the flavor of your trip to Southeast Asia.

Bordered by Thailand in the west and south, China to the north and Vietnam to the east, Northern Laos is filled with mountainous terrain, meandering river valleys, lush forests and stunning waterfalls. The capital of Laos, bustling Vientiane, is located here, as well as sophisticated and regal Luang Prabang.

Northern Laos is incredibly ethnically diverse, sporting dozens of various ethnic minorities, like the Hmong, Khmu and Tai Dam people, usually living in hill tribes in small rural communities. Visiting these charming villages will transport you into what feels like a different time, with the people there living the traditional lifestyle of their ancestors.
Jaw-ping natural sights are everywhere here, including towering mountains covered in lush forest, majestic rivers meandering through valleys draped in fog and amazingly beautiful waterfalls. To take advantage of all this spectacular scenery, you have a plethora of options. Nong Khiaw or Muang Khua are great places to trek up the green mountains, and Nam Ha National Park near Luang Namtha is amazing for delving deep into the jungle in the hopes of observing some endangered wildlife. While there are so many scenic waterfalls that it might seem almost overwhelming, Kuang Si, just outside of Luang Prabang, is the clear standout, considered by many to be one of the most beautiful natural scenes in the world.
For cosmopolitan travellers, the lively streets of Vientiane or comparatively relaxed Luang Prabang are destinations that cannot be missed. Aside from an active nightlife and great culinary options, there are a multitude of authentic Laotian cultural experiences to be had as well, including traditional Laotian storytelling at Garavek Storytelling in Luang Prabang, and dance, art and music performances at The Centre Culturel et de Cooperation Linguistique in Vientiane.

Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment.

Visitors to Luang Prabang are charmed by the friendly atmosphere of this small town. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museum and a variety of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Taui architecture.

The town is famous for its unique textiles and beautiful mulberry paper. Famous foods in Luang Prabang are “Aur Lam” (a thick stew made with the herb “Sakhan”, meat and eggplants), “Jaew Bong”, a sauce made with hot chillies and buffalo skin and “khai Pan” dried river weed lightly fried with sesame seeds and garlic.

Some of the most visited sites in Luang Prabang Town are Wat Xieng Thong, Mount Phou Si, Wat Visounnarath, the former Royal Palace and Wat Manolom. Equally beautiful are the lesser known temples across the Mekong River in Chomphet District. You can take a 1,5 hour walk through the hills and forest opposite the main town to explore the old temple sites and peaceful environment. Just outside of the main town are the beautiful Tad Kwang Si Waterfall, Tham Ting Caves, Ban Xang Hai Village and the tiered waterfall Tad Sae. Further out is muang Ngoi Kao, a quiet village located on the banks of the Nam Ou River surrounded by high karst mountains and sheer limestone cliffs. You can visit these sites on your own or use the services of one of the many tour operators based in town.

South-east of Luang Prabang, is the province of Xiang Khouang. This province contains one of the most mysterious pre-historic sites in the world – the Plain of Jars. Across the plain are over 90 sites containing thousands of stone jars scattered in groups varying from just a few to hundreds. Scientists and archaeologists believe these jars formed part of some kind of funerary rites and the place is a huge burial site, but many questions remain unanswered.

In Xiang Khouang, it is rewarding to take a trip into some of the hill tribe people’s villages for a look at life in the Laotian countryside. Many of these villages, inhabited by the Hmong and Tai Dam ethnic minorities can be found near the old capital city, Muang Khoun, itself an interesting place.

The former royal city has been destroyed over and over again by war and weather. It was heavily bombed during the first Indochina War and again in the Vietnam War, leaving almost everything in ruins. Miraculously one Buddha statue remains undamaged at Wat Phia Wat and stands proud and serene among the ruins.

On the banks of the Mekong, bordering Thailand is Vientiane, the capital of Laos. This is the country’s largest city and by Lao standards, it’s most cosmopolitan. That is not to say that it isn’t home to Lao tradition. In fact, one of the most iconic sites in Laos is right here. The large, gold covered stupa sits in the city center and its architecture reflects Laotian culture and identity.

The former temple, Wat Prakeo, once home to the Emerald Buddha, now in Bangkok, Thailand, is now a museum full of prime examples of Laotian religious art: hundreds of Buddha statues, steles, wood carvings and much more. The museum is set in attractive landscape gardens.

Also popular in Vientiane is Talat Sao Morning Market. Despite the name, the market is open from 7 am until around 4 pm, selling everything from fruit and vegetables to silk and jewelry, arts and crafts, musical instruments, electrical goods etc; a good place to seek out souvenirs. It also contains a number of restaurants.

Once being known as a party destination for years, Vang Vieng has been reborn itself into an eco-adventure destination, attracting not just the usual backpackers but the adventurers and thrill seekers alike. Located halfway between capital Vientiane and UNESCO World Heritage site Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng town is now a calm oasis for enjoying nature, jungle hikes, and lazy days cooling off in the river, as a fun destination for a few days.

You can visit the Nam Song River, where you can enjoy activities like tubing, kayaking, and paddleboarding. The serene river is surrounded by stunning limestone mountains, creating a picturesque backdrop. Or you can explore the famous Tham Chang Cave, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.

Kaeng Nuyi Waterfall is the one that you can spend time when visiting Vang Vieng. Around 25-minute drive away from the center of town on the east side, this 30-m tall waterfall which is located in a park maintained by the villagers of Ban Naduang.

All the way in the north, close to the Thai border, lies Huay Xai. It’s one of the most visited places in Laos by people looking to cross the land border. Huay Xai is connected to Luang Prabang by the Mekong River and slow boats can take you between the two on a beautiful two-day journey. Although most people move through Huay Xai quickly, it is worth a stop.

The town itself is small and has little to offer, but the surrounding countryside has lots to do. It is possible to visit traditional mountain communities and do homestays in the area around Huay Xai. The most famous attraction near Huay Xai is the Gibbon Experience. The Gibbon Experience includes a few days stay in the beautiful Bokeo nature reserve, sleeping in treehouses. You reach the accommodations by ziplining between the trees. It’s a once-in-a-lifetime experience, and all proceeds go to supporting the park.

Running from Paksan in the north to Savannakhet in the south, Central Laos consists of the provinces of Bolikhamsai, Khammuan and Savannakhet.
In Savannakhet Province, you’ll finally find a town worth spending some time in, name Savannakhet Town itself. The Old Quarter here is incredibly charming, and contains many great wats as well as a fascinating Dinosaur Museum. Of course there are nature sights here too, with the nearby Dong Phu Vieng National Park Area and Phu Xang Hae National Park Area, both teeming with wildlife.

In the central Laos, you can visit Pak Kading, a typical sleepy Mekong town, but featuring the turquoise water of the best-preserved river in all of Laos. The town is also a great base to explore Nam Kading National Park Area.

You can also explore Tha Kaek, another sleepy river town. The reason for visiting this place is not the town, but the surrounding countryside. Use Tha Kaek as your hub to visit Phu Hun Bun NPA, where giant limestone peaks rise up over turquoise rivers and dense monsoon forests. Within the park are also the famous caves of Tham Kang Lor and Tham Pa Seuam, highlights of any Laos itinerary.

Nestled within the heart of Laos lies Savannakhet Old Town, a captivating tapestry woven with whispers of the past and vibrant energy of the present. This charming town, bursting with French colonial architecture and traditional Laotian influences, invites you on a journey through time.

Step into a world where historic streets lined with colorful buildings tell tales of a bygone era. Immerse yourself in the unique cultural blend, where the aroma of freshly brewed coffee mingles with the sounds of bustling markets. Savannakhet Old Town promises an unforgettable experience, offering a glimpse into the heart and soul of Laos.

Savannakhet Old Town boasts a rich and fascinating history, dating back to the 17th century. Established as a crucial trading post connecting Laos and Thailand, it witnessed a vibrant exchange of goods and culture.

Khammouane is largely covered in forest. Its capital is Thakhek which sits on the bank of the Mekong River and its colonial history is clearly evident in the old French architecture.

The Province’s natural environment is the main attraction. Tham Khonglor Cave within the Nation Protected Forest Area is almost 7.5 kilometres deep and sometimes 90 metres wide. Its maximum height is 100 metres and the Hinboun River flows inside. There is even a white sandy beach. Tad Kham Waterfall and Tad Nam Khengkam Waterfall are worth a visit. The Laotian rock rat had only been seen before in fossils; it was discovered alive in 1996 and later was confirmed as a new species. There are species of deer, pig, squirrel and rabbit as well as the chance of seeing elephant and rhino.

Stretching south from Pakse to Si Phan Don, Southern Laos is contained by the Mekong and Thailand in the west, and the Annamite Mountains and Vietnam in the east. The land and people are defined by the mighty Mekong, as it spills its waters across the border to Cambodia in the south.

The highlights of the region include trekking on the Bolaven Plateau, discovering hidden waterfalls and venturing deep into the heart of the forest to visit minority villages. The world heritage site of Wat Phu Champasak is also a must-see, featuring ancient Khmer ruins and a stunning natural back. For a more sedate experience, relaxing on the islands of Si Phan Don is as peaceful as you’d expect, a sharp contrast to the violent roar of the giant waterfalls nearby, like Khon Phapheng or Tat Somphamit.

Home to beautiful waterfalls, jungles, and islands on the legendary Mekong River, Champasak is an attractive destination in Laos. As a southwest province of the country, Champasak owns its charm of diverse beauty from nature, history, to Buddhism, culture, and local life. If you’re planning to explore exotic Laos, here could be a great stop in your voyage to the land of million elephants.

Wat Phou (Mountain Temple) is a Heritage Site of Khmer Kingdom’s Ruins in Laos. Comprising ancient architectures of the Khmer Empire before they moved to the South, Wat Phou is quite similar to Angkor Wat Complex in Cambodia. This Angkor Temple Ruin is the pride of Lao people by its values of history, art, and culture. Also, the place offers gorgeous surrounding scenery from the mountain’s top which is well-worth climbing.Bolaven Plateau covers a large area ofseveral Laos’ provinces but the region in Champasak is one of the most attractive spots due to its distinct beauties of nature, ethnic villages and indigenous culture.

Pakse is a town of Champasack province, located at the confluence of two rivers Xedone and Mekong, a quiet town where life runs along the banks of the Mekong River. This entire area was heavily influenced by French colonialism, as well as the nearby city of Savannakhet. This is not the only land with many interesting tourist attractions, but also a place that hides a lot of cultural and distinctive culinary. Attractions in Pakse are mainly French colonial architecture near the Xe Don River and pristine Buddhist temples such as Wat Phabad, Wat Phousalao and Wat Luang or the Champasak Provincial Museum, Pakse Market, Xe Don Bridge.

Situated on the SeDon river and built in 1935, Wat Luang is one of the biggest among the 20 wats and one of the most charming temples in Paske. This colorful temple has a school that teaches Buddhist courses for monks. The Champasak Provincial Museum, the main local museum in Pakseprovince, holds the unique history of the province, which assembles all kinds of artifacts and documents to relate the history of Champasak.