Top 10 Destinations to Explore in Laos

A hidden treasure in Southeast Asia, Laos beckons travelers seeking natural wonders, captivating culture, and unique experiences away from the crowds.

With its sparse population, Laos boasts pristine landscapes, offering thrilling adventures for nature enthusiasts. In the cities and towns, visitors can uncover historical gems, stunning temples, and the warm hospitality of the Lao people.

Here are 10 locations where you can experience the hidden gems and delights of Laos.

1. Luang Namtha 

Ideal for trekking and jungle adventures

Luang Namtha, located in the North, is the ultimate adventure hub of Laos, offering easy access to trekking, kayaking, rafting, biking, and other jungle activities. The town’s main street is filled with trekking companies providing everything from daily group excursions to tailor-made adventures.

The highlight of this region is the nearby Nam Ha National Protected Area, a vast expanse of forests, rivers, and mountains covering 220,000 hectares (543,000 acres) — roughly 10% of the nation's land area. This area is home to various ethnic minorities, presenting a rich blend of nature and culture, making it well worth the journey. (Thanks to Laos’ new high-speed rail, reaching Luang Namtha is now easier: it’s about a 90-minute drive from the Boten station, located at the border with China.)

Adventures here vary from 7-day jungle survival courses, where you'll learn to craft everything from shelters to dining utensils using native bamboo and foraging for food, to culturally immersive homestays in traditional Akha or Khmu villages, accessible by bike or boat.

Travel tip: For the best trekking experience, plan your visit between November and February, when conditions are dry and nights are pleasantly cool. March through May can become extremely hot and hazy due to agricultural burning. Trekking during the rainy season (June to October) brings muddy trails, slippery paths, and leeches.

2. Vang Vieng

Ideal for immersing in breathtaking karst landscapes

Vang Vieng is a captivating natural paradise in Southeast Asia. Towering limestone karst peaks rise majestically over the beautiful Nam Song River — a perfect backdrop as you drift by on an inner tube. The picturesque countryside offers endless dirt roads for biking, viewpoints to scramble up, hidden caves to discover, and refreshing swimming holes to dive into.

Vang Vieng also offers thrilling rock-climbing opportunities on its karst towers, along with the chance to float above the enchanting scenery in hot air balloons or paramotor. Once a backpacker hotspot reachable only via a rugged road from Vientiane, the new high-speed train has transformed access to the area. Moreover, new boutique hotels position it as an appealing weekend retreat from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Planning tip: Consider renting a bicycle or motorbike to venture beyond the main area and discover sights further along the river.

3. Plain of Jars

Perfect for archaeology enthusiasts

Located on the 1100m (3610ft) plateau near Phonsavan, this fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-see. Scattered across the misty terrain are hundreds of ancient cylindrical stone jars dating from 600–1200 BCE, their origins and purposes still shrouded in mystery. Recent archaeological studies suggest they were used in funerary practices, either to store bodies during decomposition or as urns post-cremation. However, local lore maintains they were large storage vessels for rice wine. The jars vary in material, with some crafted from limestone and others from sandstone, each site presenting its own unique features.

Most tourists typically visit Sites 1, 2, and 3 because of their easy access from Phonsavan. For the adventurous, Site 52 is worth considering, featuring nearly 400 jars and requiring an overnight trek through a Hmong village.

The Plain of Jars region was extensively bombed during the 20th century, and only recently have certain sites been cleared of UXO (unexploded ordnance). Many tours also include stops at the Provincial Museum and the MAG (Mines Advisory Group) UXO center, where visitors can learn about the jars and the area's history, along with a visit to Ban Napia village, where locals have begun crafting spoons and other utensils from scrap aluminum recovered from munitions.

Planning tip: You can rent a motorbike and visit Jar Sites 1, 2, and 3 independently in a day, but for more distant sites, using a tour agency is necessary. Allow extra time for travel due to the poor road conditions, and we recommend flying at least one way since bus routes from Vientiane and Luang Prabang can take 10 hours or more.

4. Phongsali

Best for exploring hidden gems

Forget the high-speed train and the popular Banana Pancake Trail; reaching Phongsali requires some effort, but the journey is well worth it.

Perched at an elevation of 1500m (4920ft), temperatures here can actually dip during winter. Throughout the year, you can witness a breathtaking 'sea of clouds,' created by fog rolling in from the deep valleys below.

Phongsali is a fantastic destination for trekking, allowing you to meet various traditional ethnic hill tribes. Here, you can find around 10 different groups of Akha, along with Phu Noi, Lolo, and Tai Dam, many of whom still don traditional attire and uphold their ancient customs. The Akha women, in particular, are known for their distinctive caps embellished with shimmering coins.

Explore the lush tea plantations of Phongsali. Additionally, with the prevalence of the Chinese Yunnan dialect over Lao, you'll discover a delightful range of Yunnanese dishes at local restaurants, thanks to China's close proximity.

Planning tip: To reach Phongsali, take a bus from Udomxai to Boun Neua, the new provincial capital. Then, catch a minibus for a 2-hour ascent up the mountain, totaling about 9 hours for the journey.

5. Luang Prabang

Best for enthusiasts of temples, architecture, and boutique accommodations

Renowned as Laos' most cherished town, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, showcasing an intriguing fusion of traditional Buddhist and French-Lao architectural styles. Its enchanting historic center is situated on a small peninsula flanked by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, enveloped by lush, hilly jungles.

Don’t miss the captivating Wat Xieng Thong monastery, which boasts a lavish ordination hall (or sim) and a distinctive reclining Buddha. Be sure to visit Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham, the largest monastery in the area, noted for its stunning four-tiered roof.

Other must-see attractions include the vibrant night market, where you can indulge in local delicacies like jaew bong (a spicy chili paste with garlic, shallots, and water-buffalo skin) and kai phaen (sun-dried Mekong weed with tamarind and sesame seeds).

You'll find comfort in Luang Prabang, home to Laos' finest selection of boutique accommodations. Many of these charming establishments are former French villas, governors' residences, or royal mansions, featuring elegant poster beds, antique decor, and remnants of classic charm.

Take a day to explore the stunning surroundings, including a trip to the tiered Kuang Si waterfall, where you can swim in its beautiful turquoise pools. Alternatively, visit the Pak Ou Caves, perched above the Mekong and filled with hundreds of small Buddhist statues.

Planning tip: If possible, visit during the second week of April to join in the festivities of Pi Mai, the Lao New Year. This lively celebration transforms the streets into a massive water fight, with everyone armed with water guns and balloons, eagerly ready to soak passersby. It’s a fantastic way to beat the heat during the hottest time of year, so be sure to secure your accommodations early if you plan to come during this time. 

6. The Mekong River

Best for leisurely river voyages

The majestic Mekong River flows through much of Laos en route to the South China Sea, and the most immersive way to appreciate its gentle curves is aboard a slow boat, departing from either Luang Prabang or Huay Xai. This two-day journey includes an overnight stop in the quaint town of Pak Beng, where you might want to extend your stay to visit the Lao elephants in their natural habitat at Mekong Elephant Park.

These slow boats are distinctly local, making stops at numerous small villages along the way. They offer an incredible opportunity to experience a mode of travel in Laos that has remained unchanged for decades, as you glide past lush, mist-covered hills and watch fishermen in their wooden dugout canoes casting nets. Each leg of the journey lasts between 7 to 9 hours, depending on the season and whether you're heading upstream or downstream, so be sure to bring along baguette sandwiches and grilled chicken from vendors who set up each morning before departure.

Planning tip: Arrive at the pier an hour in advance to secure a seat near the front of the boat, as the back area near the engine can be noisy and less comfortable. If you're traveling during the peak tourist season (November to February) and prefer a more upscale experience, Shompoo Cruises offers a boat with a limited passenger capacity and lunch service, including a stop at the stunning Pak Ou Caves in the ticket price.

7. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Best for hammock lounging

Though Si Phan Don literally translates to '4000 islands,' it may not actually boast that many. However, during the dry season, submerged islets, lily pads, and floating vines create a whimsical illusion across the Mekong’s surface. This region in Southern Laos is perfect for soaking up rural life and unwinding, often leading travelers to extend their stay beyond their initial plans.

The main islands to explore here are Don Det and Don Khone, with Don Det being the favored spot for sinking into a hammock and settling into a bamboo bungalow for a week (or more). It’s about as close as you’ll get to a beach vacation in Southeast Asia’s only landlocked nation.

While most visitors prefer to relax with a book or enjoy a swim, there are plenty of ways to be more adventurous. Try kayaking on the Mekong or rent a bicycle to pedal across an old French railway bridge to Don Khone, where you can marvel at the stunning Li Phi waterfall. The lush rice fields of Don Khone are particularly picturesque during the planting season in June and the harvest season in late fall.

Planning tip: The ideal time to visit is during the cooler dry season, from November to February. Expect intense heat from March to May, while the rainy season (June to October) floods most islands, making the landscape particularly lush and green.

8. Elephant Conservation Center (Sainyabuli)

Best for supporting wildlife conservation

Once known as Lan Xang, or the 'Land of One Million Elephants,' Laos now has fewer than 800 elephants, with only half living in the wild. To witness these magnificent animals in a more natural environment, visit the stunning Nam Tien Lake, home to the Elephant Conservation Center, which is committed to rescuing and rehabilitating Lao elephants for their return to the wild.

This is not a quick stop; your experience begins with a boat ride across the lake to a rustic bungalow with picturesque views. You'll have the opportunity to walk with the elephants and their mahouts through the jungle, observe them bathing, tour the onsite elephant hospital, and learn about the challenges involved in caring for and preserving this iconic Southeast Asian species. The center cares for around 25 elephants, supported by a dedicated team of wildlife biologists, veterinarians, guides, and mahouts.

Visiting this center also offers a glimpse into a lesser-known part of Laos. Sainyabuli Province is where most of the remaining Lao elephants reside, and the expansive Nam Pouy Protected Area is pivotal in efforts to reintroduce elephants to the wild.

Planning tip: Be sure to arrange your visit to the EEC ahead of time, as day trips are not permitted. Overnight packages include round-trip transport from Luang Prabang. Thanks to a new bridge and road improvements in Sainyabuli, the journey now takes approximately 2.5 hours.

9. Nong Khiaw

Best for day hiking, river adventures, and experiencing rural Lao charm

Nestled along the tranquil Nam Ou River and surrounded by lush mountains, the quaint town of Nong Khiaw has something for everyone. It's one of the rare spots in Laos where you can find numerous DIY activities, from hiking to one of the seven viewpoints, exploring wartime caves, to kayaking on the serene Nam Ou.

There are many budget-friendly tours available here, with agencies uniting travelers for excursions to hidden waterfalls, visits to remote weaving villages, camping on Pha Daeng Peak, or even extended kayak trips all the way to Luang Prabang.

A variety of accommodations and restaurants overlook the river and stunning karst formations. If you want to avoid the high-season crowds, consider taking a boat an hour upriver to Muang Ngoi Neua, a smaller village that offers similar adventures and feels reminiscent of what Nong Khiaw was like 15 years ago.

Planning tip: As Nong Khiaw is a small town easily accessible from Luang Prabang, it can get crowded during the high season from November to February. It’s advisable to book at least your first night’s stay before you arrive.

10. Vieng Xai

Best for exploring Laos’ wartime history

The intriguing Vieng Xai Caves hold significant historical weight. Located in the remote northeast of Laos near the Vietnam border, Houaphanh Province experienced around 2 million tons of US explosives during the “Secret War” from 1964 to 1973. During this period, the Pathet Lao revolutionary movement uncovered 480 caves hidden in the jungle surrounding Vieng Xai, transforming them into a concealed city with hospitals, communication centers, and meeting spaces. One of the larger caves even served as a theater for rallies, weddings, and film screenings.

These caves have been well-preserved and are now open to visitors. Exploring the area by bicycle with an English-speaking guide and an audio device provides a rich historical insight and an appreciation for the immense efforts made to survive in this environment. The landscape resembles Vang Vieng or Krabi in Thailand, featuring stunning limestone mountains draped in lush jungle. This remote region of Laos sees few tourists, making it a hidden gem.

Planning tip: Sam Neua, located an hour west of Vieng Xai, serves as the regional transport hub, offering a good range of hotels and an airport. However, you may prefer to stay in Vieng Xai, which has a few guesthouses and restaurants, enabling you to catch the guided tour at 9am each morning (the second tour is at 1pm). Alternatively, you can hire a driver in Sam Neua.