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Laos has been touted as Thailand without all the tourists. And while I see the many similarities, Laos is really a country all it’s own. With plenty of destinations you must see while in Laos.
French-influenced food, beautifully preserved UNESCO-Heritage cities, & vast expanses of rural countryside–all connected by the gushing banks of the Mekong river.
Visiting the country you’ll be struck by its natural beauty. Towering limestone peaks, quaint riverside villages, massive caves, and the greenest rice fields we have seen anywhere in Southeast Asia. & the cities are filled with modern cafes, phenomenal food, and wonderfully preserved architecture.
Before we get to all the must-see Laos destinations and attractions let’s take a look at some general Laos travel tips.
Travel in Laos
Your tourist visa gives you 30 days. But travelers (myself included) typically spend about 3 weeks in the country.
This is more than enough time to see the must-see sights in Laos that I’ll list below. But if you want to stretch your vacation a little further or are traveling long-term an additional week in the country could be spent exploring The Plain of Jars, Luang Namtha and the War Caves in Pak Ou (Viengxay).
I didn’t make it to any of those, so I’ll be leaving them off my list.
Before we get into it, here are some general Laos travel tips that will help you along the way.
General Tips For Travel in Laos
- The Lao Kip is Closed Currency. This means when you leave the country it is practically worthless. You should exchange any & all leftover Kip before you leave Laos. It is not accepted at most currency exchange locations outside Laos.
- Exchange your cash for Lao Kip at the border!! Specifically, the Northern Thailand/Laos border but I’m sure all are roughly the same. The exchange rate for Thai Baht to Kip was in our favor, which means that you actually MAKE money as you exchange it. Just make sure to wait until you are on the Laos side to swap.
- You have to pay for your Visa on Arrival in US Dollars. Bills must be good quality, ink-free, and with NO tears. They are very strict about this rule. Don’t test it.
- Transportation is more expensive here. You don’t have many options for getting around and there really isn’t a “super-saver” option. Even local buses charge more than other countries in Southeast Asia.
- To add to your transportation troubles, most rural areas wait until the bus is full to leave regardless of whatever the scheduled departure time may be. So prepare with patience.
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To get a well-rounded picture of the country & to experience all the best Laos has to offer here are my 16 must-see attractions in Laos.
To make it easier to plan your trip the destinations will be in the order of how I traveled the country.
16 Must-See Attractions in Laos
1.The Gibbon Experience
Ever dreamed of zip-lining through the thick jungle canopy of the Laotian rainforest? How about sleeping in an elegant tree-house high above the misty tree-tops? Then this is the experience for you. A combination of jungle trekking, zip-lining, and glamping all with the chance of spotting some of the long-armed gibbons that call this forest home.
Travel Tip: There are two different trek options the cheaper one has more zip-lining and less of a chance of seeing gibbons. But it still costs around $150 per person. This isn’t an attraction for budget backpackers. This is why we opted to skip it.
2. Take a River Cruise down the Mekong Delta.
If you plan on crossing the border into Laos from Thailand, you’ll find yourself in the little town of Huay Xia. This is the best place to begin your journey floating the Mekong. It’s a two-day trip along the slow-moving riverway to Luang Prabang & scenic the entire way.
There are many companies that offer fancy-schmancy private cruises for a premium price. But the local ferry is the way to go. It’s cheap, comfortable, & a great place to meet fellow travelers. Most hostels in the area can sell you tickets for the boat to Luang Prabang.
Travel Tip: Don’t bother booking your accomodation ahead of time in Pak Beng (where you’ll dock for the night). It costs about 50,000 Kip ($5) for a double room if you wait to book with the touts waiting at the dock.
If you are looking to book something a bit more luxurious you can check out the Mekong Smile Cruise boats. (Although the boats do look exactly like the cheaper local “ferry” boats).
Another Top Tip: Don’t forget to bring food & drinks for the ride because there are no stops & the bar on board is very limited when it comes to snacks. Also, stock up on lots of beer from the wholesaler shop in Huay Xi before you go.
3.Take in the Beauty of UNESCO-Heritage City Luang Prabang
A real tourist gem. Luang Prabang is the favorite city in Laos for a reason. Utopia restaurant puts on an amazing Yoga class with a view for just $5 per person. The alleyway night street food market is the best in all of Laos. The city itself is clean & packed full of stunning architecture & French Influence. There are even a few spectacular temples to wander to.
Travel Tip: Skip the famous Alms ceremony at 5 AM. The ceremony is a daily ritual for monks collecting their food for the day and has unfortunately become a tourist trap. It’s now an excuse for foreigners to come photograph monks up close & for locals to try and capitalize on the tourists desire to join in the ritual. Just skip it. You’ll see plenty of Alms giving throughout your time in Laos in a much more natural setting.
4. Swim in Kuang Si Falls Outside Luang Prabang
This idyllic blue series of waterfalls is one of the most impressive falls in all of Asia. The powder blue natural pools are laid out in tiers through the jungle and you can even swim in the lower levels. There is a short hike that guides you to the top of the falls up some very wet staircases where you can swim & rope swing with fewer tourists.
Travel Tip: Rent a motorbike in Luang Prabang and visit the falls, moon bear sanctuary, and water buffalo farm in one afternoon. It’s a very scenic 40-minute ride to the falls and the other stops are along your way back.
5.Visit the Moon Bear Sanctuary
A sanctuary committed to the conservation of the Asiatic Black Bear. They have around 25 bears on-site & are solely donation based. Unfortunately, Asiatic Black bears are used in traditional Chinese Medicine. China uses the bile extracted from the liver of the bears (while they are still alive) & those in captivity are kept in absolutely vile conditions. This sanctuary is working to rescue those bears found in captivity & give them a better life.
Travel Tip: Currently, the sanctuary is at the base of the Kuang Si Falls so you can’t miss it. But they are working on building a much larger sanctuary further from the falls currently so check and make sure of their location before you visit. Don’t forget to buy some “Save the Bears” merchandise to support the cause.
6.Try Some Water Buffalo Ice Cream, Cheese, and Desserts
This buffalo farm has it all. Cheesecake, Ice Cream, Milk, & a variety of Buffalo cheeses. This was a perfect pick-me-up stop on our way back to Luang Prabang.
Travel Tip: The cafe is free to visit (just pay for your food) but you can also pay for a tour of the farm where you feed the baby buffalo & see the inside scoop on the milking and production process.
7. Hike to the Scenic Phadaeng Peak in Nong Khiow at Sunset
Nong Khiow is truly my #1 must-see Laos destination. It was my absolute favorite town we visited in the country.
Tucked away in the mountains this little town is nestled up against the twisting river and surrounded by limestone peaks. Hiking up Phadaeng Peak is the best way to take it all in. Just 1-hour of hiking up through the forest you’ll reach the summit with just a bit of bouldering. The viewpoint looks down at the small town of Nong Khiow and the river twisting its way between the peaks below you. Sunset gets the best view but make sure you bring a headlamp to navigate your way down in the dark.
Where to Stay: Without a doubt we found the the best place to stay in Nong Khiow. This was pure luxury at a budget price. Our second-floor room had huge picture windows across from our bed that overlooked the river & had stunning views of the town. It’s located across the street from the most popular hostel in town–Delilah’s. Located just before the bridge. $12 a night for a second-story room with a balcony.
8.& Then Treat Yourself to a Herbal Steam Bath
Northern Laos loves its herbs. From the fresh mint piled high on every plate of laab to the lemongrass filled steam rooms of Nong Khiow. After your hike, head to a steam room to cleanse yourself of all your impurities and capture the glow of eternal youth. & to smell like a freshly steeped teabag. 20-minutes in there & you’ll be drenched in sweat & feel like you can take on the world.
Travel Tip: Definitely take the time to rent a kayak and float up the pastel green river while in Nong Khiow. The slow-moving water makes for an easy ride and the landscapes spotted with rocky limestone peaks was absolutely unreal.
9. Float the Infamous River in Vang Vieng
Pure hedonist debauchery. This river has a reputation and although in the past few years the town has cleaned itself up, the party still goes on. Today you float the painfully slow-moving river and get roped into the 5 bars along the shorer. It’s basically a bar crawl with water. Bar #2 is the best. It’s owned by a local man who passes out shots of homemade opium whiskey (partake or not it’s up to you) & local kids wrestle nearby in a giant mud pit.
Travel Tip: Skip the first bar. It was absolute trash. The tourists working there are everything that’s wrong with “party backpacker tourism” today. Aside from forcing liquor down our throats, I witnessed 3 employees throw up off the side of the balcony at 11 AM. They chugged drinks, shotgunned beers and all wore matching beer tab necklaces and neon leggings. They had a frat boy meets barefoot traveler kind of vibe. Just give this bar a pass.
In 2011, 27 tourists died while floating the river. This was due to massive consumption of alcohol and poor decisions. Since then the Lao government has cracked down on bars operating in the area and closed all the ones operating without a license.
10. Hike Nam Xay & Marvel at the Motorcycle on its Peak
Yet another limestone peak, yet another beautiful view. The areas surrounding Vang Vieng are incredibly beautiful and not enough people get out of town to explore them. This short hike is basically a quick climb straight uphill. & if you can make it for sunrise you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of the valley around you and watch the gentle mist rise off the crops below.
Travel Tip: This viewpoint is very popular because some local managed to lug two motorbikes to the peak somehow. & it created a very dramatic photo opportunity.
11. Follow the Bumpy Road to the Blue Lagoons of Vang Vieng
Didn’t get enough blue lagoons at Kuang Si Falls? Vang Vieng has 5 different natural and man-made lagoons scattered about the valley. Lagoon #3 & #5 are the best but they take some dedication to reach. The roads are extraordinarily bumpy on a motorbike. & long. The loop we took to lagoon #3 took us about 2 hours on a motorbike. #5 is even further. But it’s much less developed and doesn’t have the ziplines and rope swings that #3 has.
Travel Tip: This drive was very frustrating. You putter along at a crawl and still somehow your bike rattles so much you think that you might just fall to pieces. There are dune buggies for rent by the hour in town & if you have the budget the roads are much better suited to the buggy for a scenic drive.
12. Motorbike the Thathek Loop
As far as attractions go, this is my #1 must-see (or do) Laos attraction & absolutely cannot be missed. Check out my full guide on motorbiking the Thathek Loop.
A 3-4 day motorbike loop through some of Laos most untouched natural landscapes. The route takes you through such varied scenery it’s a whole new experience every single day. Vast green rice paddies, small rural villages, golden fields of crops, and tall mountain peaks. Some of the crucial stops to make are Golden Rabbit Viewpoint, the beachside Ghost Ship, the flooded forests of Thalang, Mangkone (Dragons) Cave, Cool Springs, Konglor Cave & Limestone Forest Viewpoint.
Travel Tip: Rent your motorbike from Wang Rentals. They have great quality bikes for the lowest price & if you need a repair they will come to you. We had no problems with their bikes for our whole ride.
13. Explore the Massive Kong Lor Cave
This is the main stop on your Thathek Loop journey. It adds an additional 80 KM to your loop but it’s 100% worth it. This massive cavern is explored by boat. You’ll be equipped with headlamps and life preservers as you venture into the never-ending dark abyss. Even if you aren’t a big cave person (like myself) this is one you can’t miss.
Travel Tip: The last entrance to the caves is at 3:30 PM. You’ll likely arrive later in the day so Kong Lor town is the perfect place to spend the night. Grab some dinner at Konglor Restaurant and hit the cave first thing in the morning.
14. Visit a UXO Museum and Learn about Laos Tragic Role in the Vietnam War
The UXO Museums in Laos are set up to educate the public about UXO’s and the organizations in charge use the donation money to locate and remove UXO’s from all over Laos. The fact of the matter is once every two days someone is injured in Laos from UXO’s. There are 80 million UXO’s currently in Laos & it would take over 1,000 years to remove them all.
Wondering what the hell a UXO is? Unexploded Ordinance. Clusterbombs leftover from the carpet bombing tactics of the United States during the Vietnam War. Locals here turn the scrap metal into BBQ’s, decorations, and even souvenirs. You absolutely MUST visit the UXO museum while in Luang Prabang or Vientiene. You’ll come away with a whole new perspective on the “American War”.
The museum was super informative and I didn’t feel that it portrayed the U.S. unfairly. (Afterall, the U.S. did donate some money to the organization to help in the recovery efforts.) But the blame is on the United States. Laos has vast areas of their country that they have been unable to develop due to UXO’s & they weren’t even officially a part of the Vietnam War. It was a sad but informative look at our history as well as Laos.
15. Take a Dip in the Waterfalls on the Bolavan Plateau
The town of Pakse was underwhelming but it does have one major appeal….waterfalls. The Bolavan Plateau is famous for two things, being the coffee region of Laos & having loads of stunning cascading waterfalls. So grab yourself a cup of joe, hop on a motorbike, and set out on a day-trip to discover some very out of place waterfalls.
Travel Tip: My favorites of the falls are E-Tu, Tad Fane, and Tad Yuang Waterfalls. Tad Fane & E-Tu for the views and Tad Yuang because it’s the perfect swimming spot in addition to being a breathtaking waterfall.
16. Relax in the 4,000 Islands & See the Irrawaddy River Dolphins
Specifically Don Khone. But Don Det is great too. With easy access to the river dolphins, a quiet relaxed atmosphere, and plenty of lovely accommodation near the water it’s definitely the best of the 4,000 islands. If you’re looking for some peace and quiet that is. & it’s really more of 10 islands with a lot of little rocks. Watching the sunset over the river and the water buffalo submerge themselves neck-deep in the still waters is the perfect send-off of Laos.
Travel Tip: You can rent a bike and peddle your way to the docks where the dolphin tours begin. It should only cost $9 per boat (we had 4 people).
The Banana Pancake Trail is firmly established in Southeast Asia. The set backpackers loop through all the major cultural cities in the region. But the trail seems to leave out many of the best parts of Laos. So instead of following the crowds through Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, and Vientiene only—Follow my guide to all the must-see destinations in Laos.
Planning on Continuing Your Trip Through Southeast Asia?
- 17 Must-See Attractions in Myanmar that you Absolutely Cannot Miss
- 5 Things I Wish I Had Known Before Traveling to Cambodia
- Getting Your Cambodian Visa & Avoiding Scams Along the Way
- A Beginners Guide to Scams in Southeast Asia
- Hiking Mount Bromo in Java, Indonesia (For Free!)
3 Comments
Lauren Gabel
April 11, 2020 at 10:41 amThank you so much for this wonderful list! Laos is actually super high up on my list…somehow in all my Southeast Asia trips I still haven’t made it there. I thought it was happening 2020 but now with the quarantine, who knows! I will definitely revisit your list when I am booked and going though!!! I look forward to checking out more of your Southeast Asia articles (my favorite part of the world!!)
Carla Vianna
April 11, 2020 at 2:39 pmOmg this is making me want to go back to Laos so badly!!!
Marcella
April 12, 2020 at 8:20 amLovely article and great value for anyone preparing a trip to Laos! We traveled through Laos for one month and did most of the 16 things your mentioned. The Gibbon experience was one of our favorites, as wel as hiking the Phadaeng Peak.
Instead of cruising the Mekong River we cruised the lesser known Nam Ou River, quite an experience.