Laos is becoming more and more interesting for travelers. No wonder, because the landscape and sights are one of a kind.
Rice fields, turquoise, natural pools and waterfalls, Buddhist temples, and the Mekong river: Laos has many unique and special sights to see.
Why Laos should be on your bucket list
Laos is still not as popular as Cambodia, Thailand, or Malaysia, which is actually a good thing. The country settled between Vietnam, Thailand, and Cambodia is still a hidden gem.
People are friendly and open, and the landscape is simply breathtaking.
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THE 7 BEST PLACES AND SIGHTS IN LAOS
Laos is incredibly diverse, and when planning a trip to Laos, you should not miss these places:
1. CHAMPASAK – UNESCO WORLD HERITAGE SITE WAT PHOU
The Wat Phou, a Khmer temple from the 6th century, was built before the Angkor period.
The temple is extensive, and one of the highlights is the old stone staircase, followed by the view from the ancient temple to the surrounding terrain.
2. ALONG THE MEKONG RIVER
The best way of getting a feeling of Laos and its culture is by getting on a boat. While I traveled around Laos, I took a 2 ½ day trip along the Mekong river. We visited small villages hidden in the jungle, went to a market early in the morning, and enjoyed the landscape passing by slowly from the long boat.
The boat trip ended in Luang Prabang and started with a sundowner in one of the restaurants along the Mekong river.
ALONG THE MEKONG | FROM HOUEI SAY TO LUANG PRABANG
3. LUANG PRABANG
Luang Prabang – in my opinion – is the most beautiful city in Laos. While traveling around Laos for two weeks and seeing different cities, Luang Prabang is by far my favorite.
The city is situated along the Mekong river and has some of the most beautiful temples in Laos. One of these temples is on top of Mount Phousi. You can reach it easily from within the city. On the way up to the top different Buddha statues are displayed.
At the top, you are rewarded with an amazing view over Luang Prabang and the Mekong river.
There is a lot to see and do in the city. You can read more about it here:
FASCINATING LUANG PRABANG – THINGS TO SEE AND DO
About 30 km from Luang Prabang is another hidden gem you should not miss. The Kouang Si Falls, also known as the Tat Kuang Si or Tat Kuang Xi falls, turn into natural, turquoise pools.
At the entrance to the forest, where you hike up to the Khouang Si waterfalls, you will pass by the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Center.
This rescue center is specifically for the Asian black bear or the moon bear. It is run by Free the Bears. The bears are able to enjoy their lives on hammocks, playing with tires, and laying in the shade of the trees.
You can do a tour from Luang Prabang to the Khouang Si falls. Click here for the latest prices.
4. PLAIN OF JARS
Laos is known for its minefields. About a third of the country is still affected by mines. I experienced it at the Plain of Jars.
Next to the stone jars are signs like the one in the picture telling you exactly where you are safe and where you should not go. A bomb crater is a warning that you better stay on the path.
Nevertheless, the plain of jars is a special place you should not miss while being in Laos.
There are three main sites where you can visit the jars. They are called site 1, site 2, and site 3. All of them are at an altitude between 1000 to 1200 m. If you stay overnight in the area of the Plain of Jars, it is good to have some warm clothes with you. It can get chilly at night.
About the stone jars: No one knows exactly why they were built. Some believe the stone jars were used to bury people, others believe people used them to store food.
5. VIENTIANE
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is definitely worth seeing. The symbol of the city (and Laos) is the golden Wat Pha That Luang. If you visit Wat Pha That Luang, there are some things to consider, especially for women.
I also recommend visiting the Buddha park, which is about 24 km from Vientiane.
You find all the places and things to see and do here:
VIENTIANE – TOP THINGS TO SEE AND DO
6. PAK OU CAVES
The Pak Ou Caves are close to the city of Luang Prabang. The caves are religious sites with a lot of different Buddha statues inside. As the Pak Ou Caves are next to the Mekong river, you can only visit them by hopping on a boat.
From there, you climb up the steep stairs. Inside the main cave are thousands of Buddha statues varying in size and material.
You will also have a great overview of the Mekong river and the opposite countryside.
7. BUDDHA-PARK
The Buddha Park is about 24 kilometers from the capital Vientiane. It is also named Xieng Khuan, or the City of Ghosts, and was built in 1958. The Buddha Park has more than 200 Buddhist and Hindu statues. Some of them are huge.
Next to the entrance of the Buddha Park, you will find the Demon’s Mouth. When you step inside, you go through three floors representing hell, earth, and heaven. From the top of the building, which looks like an apple or a pumpkin, you have a great view of the park and the statues.
BEST TIME TO TRAVEL TO LAOS:
November until mid-December are the best months, especially if you want to go on a boat trip along the Mekong. Later is not enough water in the Mekong for boats to pass.
The weather in November and the beginning of December is perfect. If you want to visit the Plain of Jars, do not forget to bring warm clothes with you.In the evening, it is pretty cold up at 1000 to 1200 m altitude.
For women: While visiting the golden temple in Vientiane, you have to cover your shoulders and wear a skirt (you can rent a skirt outside the temple).
There are great options for tours in Laos. You can check them out here via Viator or GetYourGuide. These are two companies I book trips and tours myself.
MORE HELPFUL TIPS AND INFORMATION ABOUT LAOS: LAOS
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zuletzt aktualisiert am February 23, 2023
