The description of Laos' attractions is quite extensive. In addition to the renowned temples, there are numerous streets, buildings, and squares worth exploring.
Laos boasts a variety of attractions, including natural wonders like caves and rivers, which can be found just outside the urban centers. However, the primary points of interest in Laos are often located in the capital and large ancient cities. We can provide recommendations on which attractions to visit first. Here are some noteworthy ones:
Luang Namtha: Luang Namtha is the administrative center of Luang Namtha Province, situated near the Chinese border. While it may not boast significant temples, the city is a magnet for tourists due to the colorful mountain tribes residing in and around it.
Wat Phra That Sikhothabong: Located six kilometers south of Thakhek, this temple features a 19th-century golden stupa in traditional Laotian style. Nestled by a river, it hosts vibrant festivals in February and July to celebrate annual Buddhist holidays.
Si Fang Don (Four Thousand Islands): Situated in the southernmost part of Laos, Si Fang Don is where the Mekong River swells, creating countless islands, many of which are graced by waterfalls and inhabited by locals. This region once hosted a small French resort during Indochina times, but today, the jungle gradually reclaims its stone villas. The river here is home to freshwater dolphins, providing a tranquil and relaxing getaway.
Lake Nam Ngum: Located 90 km from the capital, this lake is near the small town of Pan Keun, known for salt mining. Visitors can embark on boat cruises or speedboat tours from here, enjoying picturesque landscapes, islands, and pristine crystal-clear waters.
Bolaven Plateau: Just an hour's drive east of Pakse, the Bolaven Plateau boasts an elevation of approximately 1200 meters above sea level. Here, you'll find untouched natural beauty, waterfalls, traditional villages, and flourishing tea and coffee plantations.
Fan Waterfall: This stunning waterfall features two picturesque streams cascading from cliffs, plummeting from a height of 130 meters. It can be found on the Bolaven Plateau.
Limestone Caves in Maha Xai Village: Near Thakhek, you'll discover caves such as Tham En and Tham Mha In. In the latter cave, sunlight filters through holes in the cave ceiling, illuminating a serene pond.
Pha That Luang Temple: Located in Vientiane, this Buddhist religious structure symbolizes the country's independence and is prominently featured on the state emblem. Pha Jedi Lokayulamani, also known as the "World Precious Sacred Stupa," is truly immense, with a central stupa crowned by a monumental stone lotus.
Simuang Temple: An esteemed temple in Vientiane, Simuang Temple is believed to be home to the city's guardian, Nang Si. Within its premises, you'll find a vast collection of bronze Buddha statues.
Wat Ho Phra Kaew: This monastery and royal temple in Vientiane was constructed in 1565 under the reign of King Setthathirath. It also houses the Museum of Religious Art, also known as the Buddha Museum.
Buddha Park: Situated 24 km south of Vientiane, Buddha Park serves as an open-air museum adorned with numerous statues and sculptures inspired by both Buddhist and Hindu beliefs. Among its renowned landmarks is the colossal statue of the Reclining Buddha.
Thai-Lao Friendship Bridge: This road-rail bridge spans 1170 meters across the Mekong River, connecting the city of Nong Khai in Thailand to Laos. It accommodates four daily train crossings, temporarily halting road traffic during these times.
Wat Xieng Thong: Known as the "City of Golden Temples," this royal Buddhist monastery is situated in the northern region between the Mekong and Nam Khang rivers in Luang Prabang. It also houses the renowned Tripitaka Library.
National Museum in Luang Prabang: This museum holds a collection of precious artworks dating back to the Lang San kingdom era. Notably, it contains a replica of the small Prabang Buddha sculpture, from which the city derives its name. The original statue, made of gold and measuring 83 cm in height, weighing 50 kg, was stolen by the Thais in 1779 but returned to Laos in 1839.
That Chomsi: Located on Phousi Hill, this pagoda can be reached by climbing a narrow stone staircase comprising 328 steps. Visitors come here to seek blessings and find solace under the shade of the Champa tree, where a Buddha sculpture resides.
Pak U Caves: Situated on the banks of the Mekong River, 25 km north of Luang Prabang, these caves form a complex adorned with statues and bas-reliefs depicting Buddha in various incarnations. Among them, Tham Ting (or Tham Leusi), the "lower cave," and Tham Theun (or Tham Prakachai), the "upper cave," house the most Buddha sculptures.
Caves in the Vicinity of Vang Vieng: This area boasts impressive formations of stalagmites and stalactites. Visitors can explore 5-7 well-equipped and illuminated caves, some featuring underground rivers ideal for tubing. Additionally, a few of these caves house genuine temples.
Ho Chi Minh City Trail: Located near the city of Kayson Phomvikhan, this open-air museum was once a military-strategic system of strongholds, firing points, and strategically important roads and paths developed by the Vietnamese during the Vietnam War. These areas suffered bombings and chemical attacks during the war, leaving behind numerous remnants of ground and air equipment, bunkers, trenches, and more.
That Inghang Temple: Situated to the east of Kayson Phomvikhana, where the ancient city of Sikhothabong once stood, this 16th-century temple is adorned with many Buddha images. It is crowned with a golden umbrella symbolizing the "kingdom of a million elephants and a white umbrella." An annual religious festival takes place here on the full moon between February and March, although women are not allowed to participate.
Wat Phu: These are the remains of a Khmer temple located in southern Laos, at the base of Mount Phu Khao, approximately 6 km from the Mekong River and 40 km from Pakse. Champatsak, the nearby town, was once the capital of the Chenla Kingdom and is one of Laos' oldest cities. The temple complex, constructed between the 6th and 12th centuries, stands on the foundations of temples dating back to the 5th century. The temple grounds include palaces referred to as the northern (male) and southern (female) palaces, as well as a stone imprint of Buddha's footprint to the north.
Valley of Jars (Xieng Khuang): Situated on the Xieng Khuang plateau, 15 km from the city of Ponesawan, this valley has origins dating back to the megalithic era. It features over 300 enormous stone vessels embedded in the ground, with some dating back at least 2000 years. The purpose of these jars remains a mystery.
