- On 21 August, 2020
- In ALL BLOGS LAOS BLOGS
- Tags Tags: 4000 islands, kuang si waterfall, Luang Prabang, Mekong River, PLAIN OF JARS, SI PHAN SON, things to do, travel blogs, VANG VIENG, vientiane
Top places to visit in Laos
Laos is often overlooked by visitors to its neighboring countries. But with gilded temples, stunning scenery, and one of Asia’s most epic waterfalls, there’s every reason to visit Asia’s best-kept secret.
Vientiane
In what in possibly Asia’s most laid-back capital city, it’s hard not to be enchanted by Vientiane’s beautiful French colonial architecture and glittering Buddhist temples. Wide, tree-lined boulevards perfect for a leisurely stroll and uncommonly friendly locals in sleepy street-side cafes are highlights of Vientiane.
Beyond its charming aura, Vientiane is also home to ornate yet rustic architecture, a tasty blend of French flavour infused in its local cuisine and the wonderfully bizarre Buddha Park just outside of city centre. While Vientiane’s beauty and allure is less readily apparent than other historic cities in Indochina, Vientiane has a few enchanting secrets up its sleeve that are well-worth exploring.
Luang Prabang
A kaleidoscope of culture, religion, and natural beauty, Luang Prabang is perhaps one of Indochina’s most alluring towns. Humming with an uncommonly peace and spirituality that reaches well beyond its over three-dozen Buddhist temples, it is a supremely walkable town.
And since its recognition as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995, Luang Prabang’s wats and temples are getting the renovations they need to stand the test of time. Make time to explore its most famous sites, including Wat Xieng Thong and the Royal Palace Museum before heading down the river to see the fascinating Pak Ou Caves and Kuang Si Waterfall.
Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)
A spectacular archipelago in southern Laos that seems to exist in entirely different era, life in Si Phan Don is governed by the ebb and flow of the mighty Mekong River in which it rests. The islands and smaller islets here are uncommonly quiet, and the web of sandbanks and rocks here are unique.
Though the Mekong surrounding Si Phan Don will surge to an incredible 14 kilometers wide during rainy season, the archipelago is landlocked, making it a truly unique experience on a tour through Laos’ mountainous terrain. Si Phan Don is also a great place to spot some of the Mekong’s most famous wildlife – including Irrawaddy dolphins!
Plain of Jars
No one is entirely certain of the story behind these jar-like stone structures scattered across hundreds of kilometers in north-eastern Laos. Some locals believe they were left by giants who once roamed the area – and archaeologists estimate the date from the Southeast Asian iron age. Though only about 90 remain accessible, this bizarre and fascinating mystery is a favorite experience for history buffs visiting Laos and should be on the top of any first-timers list.
Vang Vieng
Though especially famous for backpackers’ en-route to its river tubing, Vang Vieng is a top-tier destination for adventurous travelers looking for a rustic destination in the heart of Laos’ famously untamed wilderness.
Boasting a stunning backdrop of cliffs and vivid emerald rice paddy fields, Vang Vieng is a stunning location for kayaking and caving for novices and veterans alike. Even if adventure isn’t in the cards on a visit to Vang Vieng, a lounge on the banks of the Song River or a stroll through the sleepy nearby town is a charming respite from reality.