Situated in the centre of northern Laos, Luang Prabang, the former capital and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is perhaps the most picturesque & popular place to visit.
Tranquil and spiritual, Luang Prabang will delight you with its gilded wats, French villas, the most beautiful waterfalls, river cruises and exquisite street food.
Picture above: Luang Prabang
Vientiane, the cosmopolitan capital, is appreciated for its laid back atmosphere and a collection of temples, galleries, boutiques, theatres and coffee shops. Its most famous attraction is perhaps the Buddha Park, a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image
Picture above: Buddha Park, Vientiane.
Xieng Khoang Plateau, located 400km North East of Vientiane is famous for hundreds of enormous stone jars which have recently been name an Unesco World Heritage Site. The Plain of Jars is considered the most distinctive and enigmatic of all Laos attractions but still nobody has a clear idea as why they are there. Of all the many jar sites, the three most popular ones to visit are known as Site 1, 2 and 3. The main reason is because they are safe from UXO (unexploded ordinances). Still, visitors are advised to walk only on the known routes as Laos is considered the most heavily bombed/ mined country in the world.
In the south, Champasack with its capital city Pakse, is the main gateway to World Heritage Site Wat Phou and the 4000 Islands.
The Wat Phou Temple Complex is one of Southeast Asia’s best examples of both early and classic Khmer architecture and is often compared to Angkor Wat, though smaller in site.
Known also as ‘Si Phan Don’, the 4000 group of small islands are dotted across the Mekong. The southern islands of Don Dhet and Don Khong are the two most visited as the remaining majority stay wild and uninhabited, largely due to their minute size. The waters surrounding the islands are home to the rare and illusive Irrawaddy dolphin and provide plenty of fish to the local villagers.
Picture above: Mekong River, southern Laos
In the northeastern region of the province, rising over 1,500 meters above sea level, are the rich volcanic soils and cool climate of the Bolevan Plateau. This area produces some of the finest Arabica coffee in the world, which can be purchased directly from the local growers.
Bolevan Plateau is home to Tad Fane which is breathtaking feat of nature. Tad Fane waterfall is one of the most magnificent falls in South East Asia where two rivers form stunning twin 120m high waterfalls.
Picture above: Tad Fane Waterfall
Though Laos is a stand alone destination in its own right, it is often combined with Vietnam and Cambodia. For sample itineraries, check our our most popular Laos tours
