If you look for things to do in Laos, this general article will help you before you travel. Laos, a country surrounded by Burma, China, Vietnam and Thailand, is attracting more and more travelers. The Land a Million Elephants, as it was once nicknamed, is beginning to become a flagship destination in Southeast Asia, particularly for its extraordinary heritages. If you plan to go there, do you really know what to do in Laos and what to expect? Traveling in Laos means traveling through sublime natural landscapes, contemplating magnificent waterfalls, exploring sparkling Buddhist temples and strolling through towns with authentic charm. Discover this country through top 10 essential things do and see absolutely in Laos.
1. Visit Luang Prabang
A former royal city, Luang Prabang is characterized by its many temples, its monks, its appetizing French cuisine and its magnificent viewpoints over the Mekong River. This city was indeed built on the banks of the Mekong and the Nam Khan River, and will charm you. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is an essential thing to see in Laos during a trip. This city is the third most important of the country but surely the first by its beauty. In full harmony with the surrounding nature, Luang Prabang and its region offer numerous possibilities for excursions such as the visit of the waterfalls of Kuang Si and Tad Sae (pronounced Tad “Sé”). For lovers of architecture, you will not be disappointed by the many temples offered by this city. When night falls, a nocturnal stroll through the lit alleys of the night markets will show you the city from a different angle.
2. Relax in Si Phan Don, the 4000 islands
Known as the 4000 islands, Si Phan Don happens to be a haven of peace on the Mekong, a real archipelago on the river, on the border of Cambodia. Here, rest or sports activities are on the program. For the more active, a moment of Tubing (sliding on an inflatable buoy), a bike ride between the rice fields or a kayak tour will offer you moments of relaxation and discovery. Most of the islands are only small uninhabitable islets, however, some have a few fishing villages that will welcome you with great pleasure. The adventure to Si Phan Don is a typical thing to do in Laos. Other interesting sites are to be discovered in the surroundings such as the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, the Hindu-Khmer temple of Vat Phou which we will tell you about in the rest of this article, the archaeological site of Phou Asa and the ancient royal city of Champasak.
3. Go down the Mekong by boat
The Mekong is at the heart of life in Laos. This river crossing the entire length of the country is the opportunity to make beautiful boat cruises, while enjoying the different landscapes of the country. Gateway to the Golden Triangle, many boats sail on the waves of the Mekong and the river traffic is intense. The Mekong thus benefits the local economy. Many shops are located on the banks of the river and fishing boats continue to make daily round trips. Going down the Mekong by boat will offer you a soothing experience to do absolutely in Laos, which will leave you with a lasting memory.
4. Go ziplining at Bokeo, “The Gibbon Experience”
The Bokeo reserve is a natural park of 123,000 hectares of forests extending over several valleys. Inhabited by several species such as bears, Asian tigers and even elephants, this stage is a must on your next trip to Laos. Discover the surrounding fauna and flora and move around this park with an amazing means of transport: the zip line! Indeed, “The Gibbon Experience”, an organization dealing with the protection of this place, has installed huge zip lines in the treetops. These cables, which can measure up to 500 meters in length, make it possible to connect cabins perched in the trees where you can sleep in the shelter of wild animals. Unusual experience guaranteed.
5. Explore the Bolaven Plateau on a motorbike or bicycle
Above the Mekong plains is the Bolaven Plateau, where primary forests are abundant. Set off to explore this still wild region by motorbike or bicycle and savor the surprising landscapes, combining breathtaking waterfalls, lush jungle and authentic countryside. Also go to meet minority ethnic groups and small villages to learn more about the local culture.
6. Explore Vieng Xai Caves
An amazing cultural site, the Vieng Xai Caves housed the refugee leaders of the Pathet Lao (Laos government) during the Laotian Civil War which pitted them against the royal government backed by the US military in the 1970s. Vieng Xai Caves also hosted shows (theater, cinema, weddings). These natural caves are as beautiful as they are historically interesting. The visit to Vieng Xai Caves will make you aware of the events that the country has experienced.
7. Go on an excursion to Vat Phou
Inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage List, Vat Phou (ou Wat Phu) is a set of Khmer temples dating back more than 1000 years. Located at the foot of a sacred mountain, the site can be visited by bicycle or motorbike, allowing you to explore the old ruins at your own pace. It is one of the major archaeological sites of Laos that could be described as a small Angkor, strongly resembling its Cambodian neighbor in its Khmer-style architecture. Absolutely Vat Phu is a must visit place in Laos.
8. Visit Vientiane, the capital
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is notably made up of lanes of tamarind trees overlooking villas from the French colonial era, but also traditional Chinese houses and temples. This city has other vestiges of French colonization, which you can admire during your visit. Do not miss the Patuxay, the triumphal arch, built in the early 60s, with the cement intended for a new airport, precisely to celebrate independence from France. You will also find in the Laotian capital other important buildings such as the Pha That Luang, a sacred Buddhist monument and the main national symbol of Laos, as well as the Vat Si Saket and its 6,400 Buddhas. If you want to walk around Vientiane, it is possible to visit another place of interest: Buddha Park, a surreal and spiritual place displaying Buddha statues like you have never seen anywhere else.
9. Admire the cliffs of Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a city located at the foot of huge cliffs on the banks of the Nam Song River. A breathtaking atmosphere weighs there. One can only be fascinated when one sees the humble rice fields of the valley overhung by these impressive karst cliffs. A calm and quiet atmosphere rests on this city but the activities are not lacking. The major attraction is tubing, a buoy ride along the river where the banks of the river are the meeting place of many tourists, and conducive to partying. But everyone will find what they are looking for with, among other things, hot air balloon rides, hiking, caving and climbing. Beautiful landscapes, dozens adventure activities, affordable guesthouses and restaurants… exploring Vang Vieng is exactly what to do in Laos for backpackers.
10. Taste local Laotian specialties
The culinary specialties of Laos are delicious. Among others, the Lap, a traditional dish of the country. It consists of minced meat of your choice (pork, chicken, beef, fish), very often spiced and usually accompanied by sticky rice. You can also find this type of food in other surrounding countries such as Thailand. You will also find in Laos insects that Laotians eat grilled, such as fried grasshoppers or ant soups for the more daring. Tasting local Laotien dishes is exactly one of the most interesting things to do in Laos journey.
Conclusion of Things to do in Laos
Although you might think that there are not many things to do in Laos compared to its close neighbors in Southeast Asia, there is not. Whether in terms of history, cultural heritage, nature or even Laotian gastronomy, you will inevitably find an activity to do or a place to see in Laos. Strolling on the Mekong, exploring temples and historical remains at Vat Phou, hiking in the jungle of the Bolaven plateau, all this should make you think of traveling to Laos. If we had to choose only one, what to do absolutely in Laos? Our favourite: Luang Prabang and its region, not to be missed.
This top 10 things to do Laos is just an overview of the many ideas for places or activities to do in the country. If you want to know more and organize a tailor-made trip to Laos, contact our travel experts who help you create your trip with you.
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