Here are ten places to consider for your Laos itinerary, covering towns, temples, waterfalls and river scenery.
1. Luang Prabang
A UNESCO World Heritage town, Luang Prabang is the cultural heart of Laos, known for its gilded temples, French colonial architecture and the daily alms-giving ceremony. It sits at the meeting of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Temples, colonial old town, alms-giving ceremony, night market |
| Location | Northern Laos |
| Best time to visit | November to February |
| Entry | Town is free to explore; individual temples charge |
| Tip | Watch the dawn alms-giving respectfully from a distance |
2. Kuang Si Falls
Just outside Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Falls is a series of tiered waterfalls tumbling into turquoise pools amid lush forest. Several pools are open for swimming, and a bear sanctuary sits at the entrance.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Tiered waterfalls, turquoise pools, forest trails, bear sanctuary |
| Location | Near Luang Prabang |
| Best time to visit | November to April, when pools are clearest |
| Entry | Entry charge applies |
| Tip | Go early to swim before the day-tour crowds arrive |
3. Mount Phousi
Rising in the centre of Luang Prabang, Mount Phousi is a short climb up stepped paths lined with shrines. The summit offers panoramic views over the town and rivers, and is a favourite spot for sunset.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Hilltop shrine, panoramic town and river views |
| Location | Central Luang Prabang |
| Best time to visit | Late afternoon for sunset |
| Entry | Small entry charge applies |
| Tip | Start the climb an hour before sunset for the best light |
4. Vientiane
The capital of Laos, Vientiane is a relaxed riverside city on the Mekong, home to the golden Pha That Luang stupa and the Patuxai victory monument. It blends temples, colonial buildings and cafés at an easy pace.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Pha That Luang, Patuxai monument, riverside, temples |
| Location | Central Laos, on the Mekong |
| Best time to visit | November to February |
| Entry | City is free to explore; monuments and temples charge |
| Tip | Visit the riverside night market in the evening |
5. Wat Si Saket
One of the oldest surviving temples in Vientiane, Wat Si Saket is famous for its cloister walls lined with thousands of small Buddha statues and its distinctive Siamese-influenced design.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Thousands of Buddha statues, historic cloister, old architecture |
| Location | Central Vientiane |
| Best time to visit | November to February |
| Entry | Entry charge applies |
| Tip | Dress modestly, with shoulders and knees covered, for temple visits |
6. Vang Vieng
Set among dramatic karst mountains on the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is Laos's adventure hub. It offers caves, lagoons, kayaking and hot-air balloon rides, with a calmer, more scenic feel than in past years.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Karst scenery, blue lagoons, caves, kayaking, ballooning |
| Location | Between Vientiane and Luang Prabang |
| Best time to visit | November to March |
| Entry | Free to explore; activities and lagoons charge |
| Tip | Sunrise hot-air balloon rides give the best views of the karst |
7. Mekong River
The Mekong is the lifeline of Laos, and a boat journey along it is a classic experience. Slow boats connect river towns, passing temples, villages and forested banks along the way.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Slow-boat journeys, riverside villages, scenery |
| Location | Along much of the country |
| Best time to visit | November to February |
| Entry | Free to view; boat trips and cruises charge |
| Tip | The two-day slow boat to Luang Prabang is a memorable way to arrive |
8. Pha That Luang
The great golden stupa of Pha That Luang is the national symbol of Laos and its most sacred monument. Its gilded tiers dominate the skyline in Vientiane and glow at sunset.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Golden national stupa, sacred site, festival venue |
| Location | Vientiane |
| Best time to visit | November to February; the That Luang festival in November |
| Entry | Entry charge applies |
| Tip | Time a visit for the November festival if your dates allow |
9. Plain of Jars
In Xieng Khouang province, the Plain of Jars is a UNESCO World Heritage site scattered with thousands of ancient stone jars of uncertain origin. It is one of Southeast Asia's most intriguing archaeological sites.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Ancient stone jars, archaeological mystery, UNESCO site |
| Location | Xieng Khouang, northeast Laos |
| Best time to visit | November to March |
| Entry | Entry charge applies; stick to cleared paths |
| Tip | Visit with a guide and stay on marked paths, as some areas are being cleared |
10. 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
In the far south, the Mekong widens into a maze of islands known as Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands. It is a tranquil area of river life, waterfalls and the rare Irrawaddy dolphins.
| Aspect | Details |
|---|
| Highlights | Mekong islands, waterfalls, cycling, river life |
| Location | Southern Laos |
| Best time to visit | November to February |
| Entry | Free to explore; boat trips and activities charge |
| Tip | Hire a bicycle to explore the laid-back islands of Don Det and Don Khon |
