Most Beautiful Places To Visit in Laos

Laos is the most peaceful countries in Southeast Asia which can bring you different experiences rather than Vietnam and Thailand. The country is known for its friendly and kind people with most of the population are Buddhist and beautiful nature landscape which still remains its wildness. Here are some recommendations of the Most Beautiful Places to visit in Laos. Hope that we may help you to find your next destination and explore the countries of elephant.

Bokeo Nature Reserve

Bokeo Nature Reserve was established in 2004 to protect 123000 ha of wild tropical jungle whose diverse biology is hardly to be seen anywhere else in the world. It is the house of tigers, bears, elephants and many insects. Coming to Bokeo, you will get overwhelmed by the grand natural scenery. Everything is so green and spectacular with the grand old trees. The scenery is exactly like the tropical jungle in the movie Tarzan.

Bokeo Nature Reserve

Tree houses is an interesting part of Bokeo. You can try living on the tree and move to others by hanging on the cables. The nature reverse is definitely a must for those who have passion with nature and biology or for those who just want to sneak out of the modern busy life for a while any see how free and grand the nature is. The unique wildness is what makes Bokeo so attractive. Don’t worry about the bad impact of travelling on the wild jungle. The Laos government and the local authority have a clear direction to develop travelling and agriculture in a sustainable way to create employment for local people and still consider protecting the environment as their first priority.

Nong Kiau

Located beside the Ou river, Nong Kiaw is a peaceful small village which hasn’t accessed much to the modern society. Therefore, it maybe not appropriate for those who expect for something like luxurious accommodation or 5 star services. Nong Kiaw is famous for its mountain climbing, walking and biking opportunities. Since 2002, the Laos government has allowed tourists to climb the calcareous rock mountains in Nong Kiaw. It can be dangerous and hard to reach the summit but once you did, the scenery of peaceful and wild nature of the north Laos will not disappoint you. Another spot is Nong Ou brigde from which you can see and capture the beauty of grand mountains and rivers and streams. Spelunkers can explore the Pha Tok Caves a mile from the village which is the shelters for villagers during the Indochina War II. Nong Kiaw is a nice place to challenge yourself with the rock mountain and see how daily life in the rural of Laos is.

Tham Kong Lo

Tham Kong Lo is a massive karst cave located in the national forest Phu Hin Bu in Khammouane province. Thank to the Nam Hun Bun river flowing through the cave, tourists can explore the cave by small boat. 7 km is the length of the tour through Kong Lo which is described as the geological wonder of Southeast Asia.

Tham Kong Lo

Tham Kong Lo’s highest point is 90 meters, the interior is huge, mysterious and grand, hence it may be not suitable for those who are not fan of too grand things. Inside the cave is a sacred place to the local people, the emerald-colored pool. The pool water has a rare blue color which is stunning and mystic at the same time. The local believes that the blue water reflects the skin of Hindi god, Indra. The pool reflects the natural blue light on the ceiling and makes it even more amazing. It is advised that you need an experienced guide to lead you and life vest and pocket lamp is essential for a complete cave exploration. It is highly recommended that you book a professional tour to assure your safety and convenience.

Luang Namtha

The capital of Luang Namtha province is the biggest city in the northwest Laos. Luang Namtha is a common stop for trekkers who come Laos from China. Visitors can go around the hills and see the daily life of the minority ethnics. Hiring motorbike and bicycles is also a good way to explore little villages and water falls nearby. After a day walking around, it is time for hot herbal sauna and enjoy some special dishes here.

Si Phan Don

Located in the south pole of Laos, Si Phan Don is a beautiful archipelago whose name means “4000 islands”. Coming to Si Phan Don, tourists may have chance to see Irrawaddy, a kind of dolphin living in river. Si Phan Don is still a wild place with few population, thus it’s perfect for those who would like to travel alone and explore themselves.

Si Phan Don

Of all 4000 islands, Don Khone and Don Det are the 2 biggest ones where there are traveling services like accommodation, restaurants. Si Phan Don’s landscape reminds of a peaceful village in the Southwest of Vietnam with small houses and ranges of coconut trees. The prices here are quite cheap so don’t worry about the budget and just join the activities to have complete experiences. The main means of transport is the small and narrow wooden boat which can scare you when overcoming the accelerated flow of Mekong. But don’t be scare as the driver is very skillful and familiar to the river. Another experience you can not miss is to go hunt Irrawaddy, the rare dolphin. You are not going to hunt them, just see and take some picture. They may be dangerous but very cute as well.

Luang Namtha

Phonsavan

The natural landscape of Phonsavan is rarely to be seen anywhere else in the country. Phonsavan owns special colors in different seasons: the dark red of soil, the blue of sky and green of plants.

Phonsavan

Phonsavan has something similar to the West of America. Since cattle raising is one of the town’s main business, it’s not not common to see Hmong “cowboys” wearing brown and violet cowboy hats. The town even hosts bullfights in occasion of Hmong New Year. The famous Plain of Jars is a must when it comes to Phonsavan. The mysterious antique pots still remain as a secret for their existence.

Vang Vieng

150km away from Vientiane the capital, the little town is among spacious green field and grand mountains. Vang Vieng is popular for its peace, fresh air and nice weather and also the famous traveling destination of the country. What makes Vang Vieng so attractive is its wild and peaceful beauty and its perfect location. Without complex structures or large roads, the town still draws a large number of tourists every year. People come here to enjoy the wild peace reflected by the ranges of mountains, the quite river and the beautiful paddy field. Despite being visited by so many tourists, Vang Vieng still remains its slow pace. It seems like everybody coming here already calmed by its beautiful landscape and peace. Vang Vieng has become a favorite place for foreign tourist, especially trekkers when they come to Laos.

Wat Phu

Wat Phu is the oldest temple complex in Laos which was recognized as the world’s heritage in 2001. Wat Phu used to be the shrine place of Shiva god and in 13th century, it became the center of Theravada Buddhism. So far Wat Phu has become a place storing historical and religion value. Each temple is an exquisite sculpture.

Wat Phu

Located at the foot of the sacred Phu Khao mountain, under the grand forrest, the mystic beauty of the temple complex really has a special sacred vibe which can calm your mind and raise your respect. Wat Phu is a must for the Buddhists to Go on a pilgrimage and for those who want to broaden knowledge about Buddhism and culture of Laos people.

Vientiane

The capital is a peaceful and romantic city located right on the Mekong river’s bank. As a land of Buddhism, there are many temples and pagodas in the city, especially Pha That Luang, the symbol of the country and World’s heritage. Come to Vientiane, you may run into some French architects and features as the city was France’s colony. There are also many beautiful café shops in the city and bars at night. Don’t forget to have some beer as Laos beer is so famous and is the local’s pride. Just let you know, Vientiane is a good place to buy silk as a gift for your relatives. Riding bicycle is an ideal way to take a tour around the clear and green streets of the city.

Luang Prabang

Located at the confluence of Nam Khan and Mekong river, among the huge ranges of mountains covered by clouds , Luang Phabrang is the most favorite place for travel when coming to Laos. Luong Prabang was the capital of Laos until 1975, after ranges of historic events, the city still remains its calm and old beauty with many special architectures. You can find here the mixture of Laos traditional and exquisite French architecture which create a well organized city. The most famous place to visit is the Royal Palace which stores many invaluable things like the antique statues of Buddha and the royal family’s daily stuffs. There are many pagodas and monasteries in Luong Prabang. The monks collecting alms every morning has become the typical image of the city. The night market at the end of the main street is also an interesting spot to buy some souvenirs.