Are you planning to visit Laos? You won’t regret your trip there! Laos is not the most popular country of Southeast Asia. Indeed, Laos is landlocked so it has no coastline. However there are many things to see in Laos: you can explore the mountain, spend some time on the Mekong river, visit Laotian villages, go trekking, admire waterfalls, secret caves… What to do in Laos? Here’s a list of the best places to visit in Laos, then I’ll share Laos travel tips!
Table of Contents
Things to do in Laos
Si Phan Don (4000 islands)
Located in southern Laos, Si Phan Don means 4000 islands and is one of the most famous Laos tourist attractions. No there’s no coastline in Laos but the Mekong river disperses close to the border with Cambodia which has created little islets. Many of them are not inhabited, others are underwater after the annual Mekong flooding. In some of them, there’s no internet nor ATMs. The three main islands are Don Khong, Don Khon and Don Det. There are temples and museums there but also restaurants, bars and numerous guesthouses.
It’s better to rent a bicycle to get around, explore the islands and admire waterfalls such as Khone Phapheng Falls, watch paddy fields, spot Irrawaddy dolphins, etc. You can also go on a boat ride on the Mekong rice. Si Phan Don is a place to relax. Click here to find your accommodation.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most famous places in Laos among travelers. There are numerous temples to visit in Luang Prabang: Wat Mai, Wat Xieng Thong Wat Sene… There’s also the royal palace, the Kuang Si Falls (wonderful waterfalls), the night market and Mount Phousi. You have a stunning view of the city and the Mekong river there. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Luang Prabang. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos however it’s a relatively quiet city. You can clearly feel the French influence from the colonial period. Don’t miss Pha That Luang, the largest Buddhist temple of the city. There’s also Patuxai, the local arc de triomphe and the Buddha park and its statues of Buddha. There are numerous delicious restaurants and cafés in Vientiane. This explains why one of the most visited Laos tourist places. I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Vientiane. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng used to be a paradise for clubbers (alcohol, drugs…) and one of the most popular Laos tourist spots. The death of several backpackers put an end to some of the wilder times in Vang Vieng. There are beautiful caves in Vang Vieng. Go to the blue lagoon and enjoy activities there. In the area you can go rock climbing, hiking, kayaking or dune buggying. And of course, you can party! I wrote a detailed article about my visit to Vang Vieng. Click here to find your accommodation. Click here to find the best activities.
Bokeo nature reserve
Located northwest of Laos, not far from Huay Xai, the Bokeo nature reserve was opened to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, which was previously thought to be extinct. You have to stay in the Gibbon Experience, one of the best places in Laos. You stay in a tree house and travel by zip line through the forests. You can spot gibbons but also elephants, bears, tigers, buffaloes and wonderful birds. You can trek there if you want to! The Bokeo nature reserve is one of the best Laos attractions!
Wat Phu
Wat Phu means ‘Mountain temple’ and is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in southern Laos, at the base of Mount Phu Khao, Phu Kao is an ancient Khmer Hindu temple. Built between the 11th and 13th centuries, this complex spread across six terraces and three levels. There are sculptures, a shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva and beautiful Buddha images. It’s one of the great Laos tourist spots! Click here to find your accommodation.
Nong Kiau/Nong Khiaw
Nong Kiau (or Nong Khiaw) is a small, tranquil town in northern Laos. It’s possible to enjoy numerous activities there: hiking, rock climbing, biking… You can go on a boat tour on the Nam Ou river, or explore Pha Tok cave, go kayaking, trekking in the jungle or in remote villages, etc. Click here to find your accommodation.
The Mekong river
The Mekong river is the largest river in Southeast Asia, stretching for 2,703 miles. It’s possible to go on a cruise on a small cruise, either for a few hours, one day or several days. You’ll see paddy fields, floating villages and villagers during your boat ride. In some areas it’s possible to swim. Most boat tours take place in the north, between Luang Prabang, Huay Xai, Nong Khiaw, Pakbeng, Muang Ngoy and Muang Khua. The Mekong River is definitely one of the places to see in Laos!
Muang Ngoi Neua
You can only reach Muang Ngoi Neua by boat from Nong Khiaw. It’s a remote village where you can go hiking in the mountain, visit caves, go trekking and admire the landscapes. It’s a place to relax, and there’s not always electricity and internet access. There are no cars in Muang Ngoi Neua. Click here to find your accommodation.
Pakse
Pakse is one of the largest cities in Southern Laos. Many travelers stay in Pakse as a base to visit the surroundings (Si Phan Don, Wat Phu, Bolaven Plateau…). Pakse is where the Mekong and Xe Son meet, you have to see it. You can also admire the surrounding mountains and the bright shade of green of Pakse that is sure to catch your attention. Click here to find your accommodation.
Thakhek
The Thakhek loop is very popular, it’s definitely one the places to go in Laos! It’s a 450-kilometre loop, you have to rent a scooter or a motorbike to discover it! There’s a variety of landscapes and sights along the way: rice fields, waterfalls, swamps, caves. When renting a scooter, you receive a map of all of the sights you won’t want to miss: Tham Kong Lo, Buddha cave, Tham Nang Aen, Tham Sa Pha In, Tham Xieng Liap, Falang… The quality of the roads has increased in recent years so even beginning riders will enjoy the loop! Click here to find your accommodation.
The Bolaven Plateau
You have to live this experience! Rent a bicycle or a scooter in Pakse and explore the Bolaven Plateau. There are several trails (from a few hours long to several days long). You’ll see wonderful waterfalls (such as twins Tad Fane and Tad Katamkok, or Tad Champee), village, lush forests, animals… If it’s too hot, you can swim in one of the numerous rivers. The water is very clear!
These were the best places to visit in Laos! You can also check out this backpacking Southeast Asia travel guide! Now here are a few Laos travel tips!
Laos travel budget
- Accommodation is not expensive in Laos. One night in a hostel dorm costs around 50,000 LAK ($4.50). There are many guesthouses and budget hotels in Laos, one night costs about 100,000 LAK ($9). One night in a mid-range hotel costs between 150 and 450,000 LAK ($13.50-40.50). Prices start at 550,000 LAK ($50) for a night in a luxury hotel. Click here to find your accommodation.
- Food is not expensive either, although it’s more expensive than in Thailand and Vietnam. Street food is around 20,000 LAK ($2) and is delicious (meat, fresh fruits, soup, noodles…). A western dish (burger, pizza…) costs around 40,000 LAK ($3.50) and is not really good. I don’t recommend them. A meal at the restaurant costs around 100,000 LAK ($9). A beer is about 15,000 LAK ($1.50).
- Regarding transportation, a songthaew (shared taxi) ride in town costs between 10 and 40,000 LAK ($1-3.50). Tuktuk and taxi rides are a bit more expensive (around 50,000 LAK/$4.50) but don’t forget to haggle! Renting a scooter costs between 80 and 110,000 LAK per day ($7-10). To get around in Laos, it’s better to take the bus. A ride costs between 100 and 200,000 LAK ($9-18) depending on the distance. You can usually buy your ticket at the hotel and it includes transit from your hotel to the station. Finally, a boat ride costs around 100,000 LAK ($9).
- Regarding activities, the entrance fee to go to museums, temples… is between 10 and 30,000 LAK ($1-2.50). For outdoor activities such as trekking, tubing, zip lining… prices start at 200,000 LAK ($18).
Basically, if you’re traveling on a budget, you can get by with $35 per day. Otherwise you’ll spend about $70+ per day. Laos is a cheap travel destination.
How to get around in Laos
In cities there are songthaew, taxis and tuktuk. To get around in the country, it’s better to get a bus or a van. You can also take the boat in some parts of the country. Finally there are domestic flights but I don’t recommend taking them. It’s expensive and there are often last minute cancellations.
Best time to visit Laos
The best time to visit Laos is from October and March. The weather is warm and dry, but it can be cold in the evening in the mountains. In April and May it’s scorching outside (about 40°C/104°F). From May to late September, it’s the rainy season. It’s pouring but the rain doesn’t last all day.
Visa policy of Laos
You’ll have to get a visa to go to Laos. Don’t worry, you can get it on arrival either at the airport of if you come overland. You’ll have to pay between 30 and 40 dollars US, depending on your citizenship. Add one extra dollar if you cross the border during the weekend. Bring an ID photo. All the details here.
Safety in Laos
Laos is a very safe country. There are no petty crimes targeting tourists. But keep an eye open, there are pickpockets, especially in crowded places such as the bus or the market. When hiking, always stay on the marked trail. In some remote areas, there are still unexploded landmines from the Indochina war. They can still be found near Plain of Jars and routes 7 and 13. Before traveling, don’t forget to get travel insurance. It will protect you against illness, injury, theft and cancellations. Click here to get one.
Packing list for Laos
I’m not gonna list all the things to pack for Laos. I don’t know how long you’re gonna stay there, where you’re going in Laos, what you’re going to do and when you’ll visit. Take all the necessary clothes, toiletries, and also:
- Band-Aids
- earplugs
- hand sanitizer
- combination locks
- a money belt
- a security cable lock
- a travel plug adapter
- a stainless steel water bottle
- a lifestraw (a water bottle with a purifier)
- a menstrual cup (for the ladies)
Here’s a full list of travel accessories which can be useful!
What to eat in Laos
The food is usually good in Southeast Asia, and Laos is no exception! You’ll probably have Khao Niaw (sticky rice). It’s often steamed in a bamboo basket and is the perfect accompaniment to any dish. Laab moo is a minced meat salad (beef, pork, duck) cooked with coriander, spices, mint leaves, garlic and lime. It’s sometimes served with raw meat but I don’t recommend. Tam mak hoong is a spicy papaya salad. It’s shredded papaya mixed with fish sauce, palm sugar, peanuts, lime and chilies. And don’t forget to have a beer Lao!
You can now visit Laos and enjoy your time there thanks to this Laos travel guide!
- Traveling soon? Check out my travel resources page!
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