Laos is one of the few truly exotic travel destinations left in the world. With a ‘back-in-time’ feel to it and with a truly friendly population combined with atmospheric Buddhist temples, places of interest and enigmatic heritage sites, you are guaranteed a roller coaster of a cultural ride in exploring this country.
From the UNESCO World Heritage site of Luang Prabang (yes, that’s right – an entire town a heritage site) to the unexplained and mysterious Plain of Jars you’ll be fascinated and in awe of this glorious land.
1 Luang Prabang
Northern laos Luang Prabang, a UNESCO World Heritage site located in northern Laos, is an important yet charming little town that ranks among the top must-visit destinations in the country. It features former royal palaces and more than 30 temples, Old French colonial architecture as well as beautiful natural sites.
2 That Luang Vientiane
That Luang, or the great Stupa, in Vientiane is a national symbol (on Laos’ official seal) and also the most sacred monument in the country. From the outside That Luang looks more sort of a fortress surrounded by high walls and it features 2 temples with the main stupa, the top of which is covered with gold leaf, standing 148 feet tall.
3 Vang Vieng North of Vientiane
Vang Vieng is simply a piece of heaven on earth that has attracted many world travelers for years, especially young backpackers. surrounded by great mountains, rivers, limestone cliffs and rice fields, this small and scenic town offers a long list of interesting attractions. The Nam Song river is where you will witness the infamous ‘tubing’.
4 Wat Sisaket Vientiane
Wat Si Saket located in Vientiane is famous for its cloister wall housing thousands of tiny Buddha pictures and rows with hundreds of seated Buddhas. These images mainly date from the 16th and 19th centuries and come in all sizes and are made from wood, stone and bronze – more than 6,800 Buddhas in total.
5 Bolaven plateau and tad Fane waterfall Pakse
Champasak Bolaven plateau in southern Laos is famous for its great scenery, ethnic villages and unexplored corners. It’s probably best known for being home to some of Southeast Asia’s most spectacular waterfalls including tad Fane and Dong hua Sao. The plateau’s elevation ranges approximately from 1,000 to 1,350 metres above sea level.
6 Bokeo
Bokeo is a peaceful rural province in northwestern Laos. rich in natural resources with hilly mountains, tropical forest and farmland, Bokeo is also home to many ethnic groups who still preserve their traditional lifestyles and culture.
7 Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) Vientiane
Buddha Park (aka Xieng Khuan) is a famous park with more than 200 religious statues as well as a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. it was built in 1958 by Luang pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. this is why his park is full not only of Buddha images but also of Hindu gods as well as demons.
8 The Plain Of Jars Xieng Khouang
The Plain of Jars is considered the most distinctive and enigmatic of all Laos attractions. the large area around Phonsavan, the main city of Xieng Khouang Province is dotted with stone jars but no one has a clear plan on why they’re there. The mysterious jars were carved from each sandstone and granite in various sizes.
9 Wat Phu Champasak
Wat Phu (meaning ‘mountain temple’), is situated on a hillside and offers stunning views over the surrounding land and Mekong River. visitors who appreciate art and history will be amazed by the impressive workmanship in this ruined Khmer temple complex in the form of temple pillars, barays, lintels, pediments and more.
10 That Ing hang Stupa
That Ing hang Stupa is about 9 metres high with beautiful carving and decoration. It’s reported to house a relic of Buddha’s spine. The 16th century stupa is located in Savannakhet, Central Laos. Savannakhet itself is famous as the birthplace of Laos’ popular former leader, Kaysone Phomvihane.