Top 10 Instagrammable Places in Vientiane
Southeast Asia has always ignited our inner wanderlust, and today we’re embarking on an exciting journey to Laos. Located in the densely populated northeast-central part of Southeast Asia’s mainland, Laos stretches approximately 1,000 kilometers from northwest to southeast. Amidst the warm and welcoming people of Laos, you’ll discover truly authentic experiences. Laos is a pristine piece of nature, with 40% of its land covered in lush greenery and 20 National Protected Areas preserving its ecosystems and endangered wildlife. While we’ll explore this beautiful country, our focus in this article isn’t solely on top tourist destinations; we’ll unveil the 12 most Instagram-worthy spots in Laos for your feed!
1. Mekong River
Mekong River is considered as one of the world’s longest river at 4,350 km. The Mekong River has several names with different meanings. One of them is “Lancang Jiang” which means “Turbulent River” in Chinese. It is a very popular tourist spot so it can get overcrowded at time. But it’s a must to take a cruise along the Mekong, row sampan through small canals while experiencing the calm of the waters, and have a historic ride within the river!
2. Vang Vieng
The spot is definitely one of the most exciting places to visit in Laos. Sitting between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, Van Vieng is one of Laos’ major tourism locations. This part of Laos has a very wild reputation in the old days and a surprisingly lively nightlife scene, but now it has become a bit more prosperous due to the steps taken to clean up its appearance by the local government. Enjoying the tubing down the Nam Song River is one of the biggest motivations for coming to Van Vieng, and you can take in the lush jungle landscape here at the same time. So, make sure not to miss this charming place while you travel to Laos.
3. Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos with a population of around 600,000, is known for its laid-back pace and lighter traffic compared to other Southeast Asian cities. Key attractions include Patuxai, a Laotian variant of the Arc de Triomphe, showcasing French-inspired architecture and Lao cultural elements. The city offers a cluster of sights easily explored on foot, making it perfect for a relaxed visit.
4. Muang Ngoi Neua
By being one of the most attractive places to see in Laos, the spot also allows you to discover Laos from a different perspective. Muang Ngoi Neua is a Lao town in the Louangphrabang Province along the Nam Ou River. It is part of Luang Prabang’s Ngoi district 170 kilometers northeast. Muang Ngoi Neua used to be comparatively quiet and under-visited, but it has now become renowned for being a stop-off on the famous Banana Pancake Trail that winds up in Southeast Asia across many countries. You can also go to the small ethnic villages surrounding the city or hike to many popular caves and spectacular waterfalls.
5.Si Phan Don Islands
Another one of the best places to see in Laos is these islands. The islands are caused by the dispersion of the Mekong River near the border between Laos and Cambodia, which created these amazing little islets. The size of the islands varies, which is awesome because if you want a bit more nightlife and a wider variety of accommodation choices, you can pick any of the larger islands like Don Khon and Don Det. If you just want to slip off the net and get away from it all in Laos, you can explore smaller and sleepier islands like Don Khong as well.
6. Bokeo Nature Reserve
For animal lovers visiting Laos, the Bokeo Nature Reserve in Bokeo Province is a must-visit. Established to protect the once-thought-extinct black-cheeked gibbon, the 1,230 km² reserve features diverse wildlife, including bears, lions, Asian elephants, and wild water buffalo. Visitors can stay in treehouses with a bird’s-eye view of the forest canopy, participate in jungle activities like zip-lining, and explore Gibbon observation huts. The reserve offers a unique experience to observe wildlife and the majesty of the rainforest, making it an ideal family destination.
7. Tham Kong Lo
Phu Hin Bun National Park in Khammouane Province, Laos, is home to the famous Tham Kong Lo cave. Situated on the Nam Hin Bun River, 130 kilometers north of Thakhek, this karst limestone cave stretches about 7 kilometers long and features sections up to 300 feet high. Visitors can take a boat ride through the cave, marveling at its emerald-colored lake, rock crystals, stalagmites, and stalactites. Known for its stunning beauty, Tham Kong Lo is considered one of the most picturesque destinations in Laos.
8.Nong Khiaw
Travel to Laos can never be completed unless you have been to Nong Khiaw. This is a great place to explore if you enjoy hiking or if you just want to find out more areas of the country of Laos, as Nong Khiaw is situated in the middle of beautiful limestone mountains. Nong Khiaw even sits on the gorgeous Nam Ou Canal, so you can take a boat ride here from the perspective of the water to help you take in all the scenery. Gorgeous karst formations also surround this part of the world, and for anybody who loves spelunking, the limestone caves here are a perfect place.
9. Kuang Si Waterfalls
Kuang Si is ranked as one of the best places to visit in Luang Prabang. So putting it in your Laos itinerary would be the best decision. Along with Kuang Si falls natural mind-blowing beauty, you can swim in at the main areas where pools are turquoise blue in color. They also have ropes where you can swing and a tree you can jump off into the pools from. So, soak yourself in in some series of pool and vibrant blue waters!
10.Champasak
Champasak is one of the most visited provinces in Laos and has an estimated population of 50,000. There is an ancient Hindu temple complex in ruins called Wat Phu, which was even built before Angkor Wat and once was the most important economic and political centre of the region.
If you want to witness the beautiful views from the top, it is quite a steep stairs to climb up but totally worth it because the scenes are stunning! The entrance to the park costs 50.000 Kip ($6 USD) which already includes the shuttle tram to the actual site, and a visit to the museum!
Final Thoughts
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, boasts significant monuments, notably Pha That Luang, a 3rd-century stupa believed to hold a piece of Buddha’s breastbone, restored by the French. Enjoy the sunset over the Mekong River with a drink, then explore the vibrant night market filled with affordable goods like clothes, shoes, bags, and souvenirs. Bargain for deals, stroll along the riverside, and savor street food from numerous vendors. Visiting Vientiane promises an unforgettable experience!
