What to See in Laos

Laos is a Southeast Asian country traversed by the Mekong River and known for mountainous terrain, French colonial architecture, ethnic group settlements and Buddhist monasteries. Vientiane, the capital, is the site of the That Luang monument, where a reliquary reportedly houses the Buddha’s breastbone, plus the Patuxai War Memorial and Talat Sao (Morning Market), a complex jammed with food, clothes and craft stalls.

Laos is full of culture and nature to discover. Therefore you will find below a small description of the main cities of Laos that you can visit during our excursions.

Luang Namtha

The Lao capital of ecotourism. Jungle trekking, mountain biking, rafting, and kayaking are some of the many outdoor activities that can put you in touch with the wildest nature. This is also home to more than 20 ethnic groups, and there are many village home stay opportunities to experience their way of life. Come and visit us in our office, in the main street of the town, to find out more!

Huayxai

Directly at the border with Thailand, this city is often the entry point for travelers coming from Chiang Mai and Chiang Rai, and a perfect place to enjoy sunsets on the Mekong and adapt yourself to the Lao lifestyle.  Around the capital of Bokeo there's a national park where you can spot gibbons. From Ban Huayxai you can take a slow boat to Luang Prabang, or a direct bus to Luang Namtha.

Nong Khiaw

A little village along the Nam Ou river, framed in spectacular scenery and still untouched by mass tourism. Life is quiet here. Breathe in nature while trekking, caving and rock climbing, or simply enjoy the landscape with a bicycle or a boat trip.

Luang Prabang

The number one tourist attraction in Laos: this UNESCO-protected city has a lot to offer. First of all, it’s streets are full of temples and wats (don't miss the Royal Palace, the Wat Xieng Thong, and the Wat Mai). Then, there is the daily early morning alms giving ceremony. Also popular are the night markets and amazing colonial buildings. Outside of the town, the majestic Kuang Si waterfalls are a must-see: beautiful rivers and lakes where it's possible to take a dip.

Vang Vieng

Backpackers mecca and party-oriented: welcome to Vang Vieng, where tourists have fun all day and night long. Indeed, this is a very scenic place, with its limestone peaks, caves and cool springs is one of the travelers' favorites. Head to the river and enjoy tubing!

Vientiane

The capital of Laos is a dividing hub between the mountainous north and the flat south. Although it's a quite small and calm place, not like other Asian capitals, it's a pretty interesting city. You could have a look at galleries and museums. For example, the COPE will help you to understand better the history of Laos. At night, you can enjoy the Lao wine and dining scene. It's also easy to walk around by foot or bicycle, spotting temples and street markets on the way.

Thakhek

This town in Central Laos is the starting point of a several hundred kilometers long circular tours, commonly known as "The Loop". Moreover, if you have three or four days available, rent a motorbike and drive the challenging road through caves, rivers, and basins, in a wonderful limestone setting. It can be very rewarding.

Savannakhet

Enjoy the second biggest Lao city. It's a mix between the colonial past and present Laos. But get also ready for trekking: this is the gateway to the Dong Phou Vieng National Protected Area. Perfect place to spot wild animals and meet some ethnic groups.

Pakse

If the heat of Laos is killing you, this is the place to go! Next, to the city, there's the Bolaven Plateau where temperatures are cooler due to the altitude of 1000m. Like in Thakhek, there are a couple of loops around that can be truly enjoyed with a motorbike. Waterfalls, farms, jungle, ethnic diversity and coffee will keep you company along the road.

Don Det

It's certainly one of the most famous islands of the Mekong delta located in the extreme south of Laos. It belongs to the area of the "4000 islands", next to the border with Cambodia. Life is rural and relaxed here - perfect to chill on a hammock and try to spot the sweet water dolphin.