The 15 most beautiful places to visit in Laos

Are you planning your next holiday in the millions of elephants? Here are the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Laos!

With its still preserved landscapes of mass tourism, the Laos has preserved its authenticity. Less famous than its neighbours, and despite the lack of access to the sea, the country of the million elephants does not lack assets. Bordered by Thailand, Vietnam, Burma and Cambodia, this country of only seven million inhabitants, extends over a thousand six hundred kilometres from North to South, on an area of two hundred and thirty-six thousand square kilometres.

Marked by the Khmer civilization, Hinduism and Buddhism, and finally French colonization, Laos offers a rich and exciting culture, in a lush nature, which covers almost seventy percent of its territory. At Laos, each of your discoveries will take place in a serene, warm and gentle atmosphere. This is a country in Asia that will undoubtedly satisfy your desires for adventure, nature and calm.

Is your backpack ready? Come and discover the 15 most beautiful places to visit in Laos.

1. Pha that Luang

To start your trip well, go to Vientiane, the capital of the country, to admire one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos: the Pha That Luang . This immense Buddhist monument is forty-five meters high and sixty-nine meters wide. Fully covered with more than five hundred kilos of gold leaves and precious metals, this symbol of the past splendor of Laos, dated 1566.

Don’t hesitate to visit the interior and stroll around the gardens. You'll take your eyes!

2. Vat Phra Keo

The Vat Phra Keo is also located in the city of Vientiane. Destroyed on several occasions by the Siamorous invasions, then rebuilt, this temple has for a long time hosted the Emerald Buddha, which is today Bangkok . Just for that, the Vat Phra Keo is worth the detour!

3. Luang Prabang

The city of Luang Prabang is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos. This colonial and ancient royal capital city is located in the hollow of the mountains, on the banks of the mythical Mekong. You will be charmed by the atmosphere that reigns in this small town.

Take the time to stroll through the pedestrian streets, and raise your head to admire colonial architecture and colorful houses. Night market, charm clusters, monk processions, all in Luang Prabang invites to the wonder of the senses.

And then make a detour through the temples of the city. The Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham will amaze you with its tedious decorations and impressive dimensions. Built in the 18th century, it is located close to the Royal Palace. The elegant Vat Xieng Thong temple also deserves a visit. This Buddhist temple was founded in 1560 by King Setthathirat of the Lan Xang.

If you want to enjoy a panoramic view of the city, climb the three hundred steps to reach the top of the mountain Phu Si . On the same occasion you can admire the That Chomsi, a white and gold stupa, surmounted by seven royal shadows, caves and statues of Buddha.

4. The village of Nong Khiaw

Take a small boat from Muang Khua and join, peacefully, the small village Nong Khiaw , one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos.

You can admire the white limestone cliffs, caves and a lush tropical jungle. Each year, boat races are organized. The ski sports amat·rices will undoubtedly appreciate this place for nautical sessions.

5. Mekong

Almost all life at Laos is organized around this legendary river. By taking one of the many cruises at your disposal, you can admire the floating villages, desert islands, green rice fields and better understand the life of the Laotians. A trip over the water not to be missed!

In some places, it is possible to swim in the Mekong, but be aware that sometimes can be strong. For a safe swim, learn first and do not get away from the shore.

6. Vang Vieng

Welcome to Vang Vieg , along the Nam Song River, not far from Vientiane.

You will fall under the charm of this little paradise. So get out your camera, the landscapes are absolutely splendid! Kayak, climbing, trek, sports enthusiasts will also be filled with the discovery of one of the must-sees to visit in Laos.

7. The plateau of the Bolovens

Are you looking for a virgin and paradise destination? Take the direction of the plateau Bolovens . In the lush jungle, you will be marvelled by exceptional cascades. Don't miss Tad Champee's or the beautiful twin cascades, Tad Fane and Tad Katamkok.

A little hot? Dive into the crystal clear waters of the nearby rivers. A magical place out of time. For the anecdote, it is here that one of the best cafes in the world is cultivated: do not miss to taste it!

8. Vat Phou

Want to discover one of the most impressive archaeological sites in Laos? Take direction Wat Phou , which will undoubtedly make you think of the famous temples of Angkor. Located in the middle of nature, at the foot of the sacred mountain Phu Kao, only eight kilometers from Champassak, this huge temple was built between the 9th and 12th century. It is only in the 16th century that it will become a Buddhist temple. Built on more than eighty hectares and classified as UNESCO World Heritage, the temple is considered a representation of paradise on earth.

For the bravest, take the direction of the top of the sanctuary to admire a breathtaking view. Wonderful!

9. The waterfalls of Kuang Si

Without hesitation, the fall of Kuang Si are one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos. Close to Luang Prabang, in the middle of a bamboo forest, in a turquoise blue basin, throws a multitude of waterfalls in which you can refresh yourself.

You will, of course, be dazzled by the nature that surrounds these fabulous cascades of Kuang Si.

10. The caves Kong Lor

Photo credit: Shutterstock / Tong_stocker

Embark on a canoe for a cruise to the light of your flashlight, and discover the caves Kong Lor . The visit spans seven kilometers and the discovery is impressive. An experience not to be missed. Claustrophobes, abstain!

11. Muang Ngoi Neua

Built on the edge of the tributary Nam Or, between the mountains and the karst cliffs, the small village of Muang Ngoi Neua , will charm you by its authenticity. Here life flows slowly and modernity still seems far away. Eight hundred people still live here, mainly through fishing, agriculture and tourism.

12. Buddha Park

Only 25 kilometers from the city of Vientiane, you will discover along the Mekong, Buddha Park a public park, created in 1958 by a shaman-prêtre-yogi, whose aim was to merge philosophy, mythology and Hindu and Buddhist iconography. The idea, a little saugrenue, gives an amazing result. But chut, we don’t tell you any more and let you discover, by yourself, one of the most surprising places to visit in Laos.

13. The Bokéo Nature Reserve

Do you like treks in the jungle? In the northwest of Laos, not far from the Thai and Burmese borders, is the natural reserve of Bokéo , built in 2004, to preserve the hundred and twenty-three thousand hectares of virgin forest and its incredible biodiversity.

It is an ideal place to observe many insects and birds, but also monkeys, elephants or buffalo. You could even see tigers and bears!

14. If Phan Don or the 4000 islands

Here is a real corner of paradise, which you will soon consider as one of the most beautiful places to visit in Laos. In fact, there are not four thousand islands, but only a hundred islets spread over the Mekong River, on the Cambodian border, in the province of Champassak .

Only three of them are inhabited: Don Det, Don Khong and Don Khone. To visit them, take one of the pirogues that regularly depart from the city of Paksé. You will spend a day relaxing with family, cycling in a fabulous environment. Know that it is possible, if you wish, to stay several days in bungalows, located on the island of Don Det.

15. The Falls of Khone Phapheng

On the island of Don Phapheng, you will certainly be subjugated by the fall of Khone Phapheng which peak at twenty-one meters high. Know that these are the largest waterfalls in Southeast Asia and the longest rapids in the world, as they extend over ten kilometers. Impressive, isn’t it?

Have you ever visited this beautiful country? Share your most beautiful places to visit in Laos !