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Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Laos

You'll get the most out of your vacation by visiting the country's major towns like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Here are the top 20 tourist attractions you can visit in Laos.

Top 20 Tourist Attractions in Laos

Laos is a cultural treasure, with over 49 distinct ethnic groups contributing to the country’s cuisine, art, traditions, and celebrations. Laos is a fantastic travel destination with its back-in-time vibe, welcoming inhabitants, mystical Buddhist temples, and intriguing cultural sites.

Small and landlocked, the nation lacks a shoreline but is well-known for its stunning limestone mountains, perfect for hiking and providing access to mysterious cave systems, making Laos tourism a growing phenomena.

Laos is the perfect destination for anyone seeking genuine Southeast Asian adventure. You’ll get the most out of your vacation by visiting the country’s major towns like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Here are the top 20 tourist attractions you can visit in Laos.

1. Xieng Khuan the Buddha Park

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The sculpture park shows over 200 Hindu and Buddhist monuments, including a 40-meter-tall reclining Buddha. In these peculiar paintings and stories, there are many different kinds of beings, such as demons, humans, gods, and animals. 

A tour around the park may be capped off with a rest at a neighboring café, which offers a beautiful view of the Mekong River.

2. Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall

laos waterfall

One of the favorite things to do in Laos, The Champasak Province of Laos is home to some of the world’s most biologically diverse jungles, including the Bolaven Plateau, which has the Tad Fane waterfall and the Dong Hua Sao waterfall. 

The leopards, gorillas, tigers, gulls, and elephants that call this rainforest home make it a must-see for every ecotourist.

3. Wat Ho Phra Keo

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Another landmark of Laos, The Wat Phu Temple is one of Laos’s most beautiful and important Buddhist temples and a popular tourist destination. Wat Ho Phra Keo was built in the sixteenth century as the royal family’s private chapel and later became the home of the Emerald Buddha.

Incredible carvings adorn the doors and buildings here, along with statues of Buddha and images of dragons.

4. COPE Visitor Center

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The COPE Visitor Center’s goal is to teach people about the dangers of explosive ordnance left behind by the U.S. bombing campaign in Laos during the secret war. 

Prosthetics and the UXO that made them essential are the subjects of several engaging and illuminating multimedia displays. 

Artificial limbs, walking canes, and wheelchairs can all be purchased from COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) in Laos.

5. Wat Xieng Thong

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At the point of Luang Prabang Bay towards the north, Wat Xieng Thong is a stunning Buddhist temple in a city known for its many beautiful small Buddhist temples. 

There’s a vast burial chariot, a mosaic of a Tree of Life that’s both imposing and attractive, and depictions of Buddhist gods and fences that are detailed within. Located at the peninsula’s tip, this 16th-century temple is often called the Gateway to Luang-Prabang. 

It’s open daily, but visitors should be mindful of the local customs and dress appropriately.

6. Luang Prabang

coming soon

Luang Prabang is one of the most popular places in Laos, and there are many things to see and do there. 

The native people of Northern Laos are shown in many museums, and several cafes are in restored French colonial buildings. 

Sticky rice is a specialty at several of the region’s night markets, popular spots to people-watch.

7. The Capital, the City of Vientiane

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Exploring the capital city of Vientiane is an excellent opportunity to learn about Laos’ history and culture since the city is home to people from dozens of different ethnic groups.

The Patuxay Monument, Wat Si Saket, Wat Phra Keo, and Buddha Park are just a few of the stops in a city sightseeing trip.

8. Elephant Village Sanctuary

coming soon

The Elephant Village Sanctuary in Luang Prabang, Laos, is a rescue and conservation center for Asian elephants. 

Villagers are employed in the project as well. The elephants at the shelter are former working animals who have been saved. This is one of Laos landmarks that is very important to those who care about the conditions of elephants.

9. Mekong River

coming soon

With an estimated length of 4,350 kilometers, the Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia (2,703 miles). 

The Mekong River is mostly Laotian territory. The river is Laos’s primary mode of transportation due to the country’s lack of decent roads and rugged landscape. One of the most beautiful stretches of the Mekong River is in northern Laos, known as the Upper Mekong. 

Taking a boat ride from Huay Xai, on the border with northern Thailand, to Luang Prabang, on the Mekong River, or vice versa is a fantastic opportunity to take in the beautiful surroundings.

10. Haw Phra Kaew

coming soon

The holy and majestic Wat Phra Keo Pagoda also serves as a museum housing pieces of art expressing the religious magnificence of Laotians; it is second only to Pha That Luang in terms of fame and importance.

Gold, silver, and many other precious stones are used to decorate the surfaces of paintings and sculptures that are worth a lot of money. 

It’s easy to become disoriented in the heart of Wat Phra Keo, but don’t worry since the temple is surrounded by shops selling diamonds and other ornaments.

11. Bolaven Plateau Waterfalls

The spectacular environment, ethnic villages, and unknown areas of the Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos have made this stop, a must see in Laos. The spectacular waterfalls of Southeast Asia, such as Tad Fane and Dong Hua Sao, are its claim to fame. 

The climate here is cooler than the rest of the country, especially in the evenings. Cattle ranchers can harvest some of the nation’s finest tea and mocha beans from the region’s lush fields.

12. The Caves of Kong Lor

coming soon

Phou Hin Boun National Designated Area in central Laos is home to the Kong Lor Caves. It’s one of the world’s most extended river cave systems, spanning over 7.4 kilometers. 

You can see stunning geophysical structures on a guided boat tour through the caverns. Stay in Vientiane and take a bus to the caverns; it’s the most convenient option. 

To get to the Kong Lor caves from Vientiane, about five hours away, you must travel for the night.

13. Viewpoint Nong Khiaw

One of the most beautiful views of the Laotian countryside can be seen from the Viewpoint of Nong Khiaw. A spectacular panorama of the Nam Ou River awaits those willing to make the 1.5-hour ascent to the peak. 

There is also Laos’s famous mountainous backdrop, dotted with little hamlets.

14. Wat Phu

As one of Cambodia’s most impressive Khmer temples, Wat Phu may be found in southern Laos. Wat Phu’s current temples were built in the 11th and 13th centuries, but the first temple was built in the 5th century. 

The lingam-shaped top of Phou Kao Mountain and a nearby spring may have inspired people to build the temple sanctuary there.

15. Royal Palace

The Royal Palace was constructed in 1904. It’s now a museum where visitors can tour and view King Sisavang Vong’s well-preserved mansion and the adjacent outbuilding that hosts the Royal Palace Range Of cars, which has five vehicles. 

The highlights of the Royal Palace which was built in a style that combines Lao and French architectural influences include:

  • Two cannons.
  • A lotus pond.
  • A statue of the late King Sisavang Vong.
  • And the traditionally substantial Pha Bang, a gold-alloy Buddha statue that stands 83 centimeters tall.

16. Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre

Learn about Lao culture at the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang. The museum highlights the country’s four most prominent minority groups. The gift store is the best location to find one-of-a-kind, genuine Laotian mementos. 

Over half of the store’s sales profits are invested in the communities that provide the goods. When you go to the center, you can see displays of actual ethnic clothing, handiwork from the area, and other culturally significant items. 

The store has tour guides, but you can also explore the complex independently.

17. Wat Si Saket

Wat Si Saket is a busy Buddhist temple in the middle of Vientiane. Fruit trees surround it. Devotees often present respect and food to the monks by visiting the temple first thing in the morning. 

Hundreds of little sitting Buddha statues made of wood, marble, ceramic, and metal are crammed into one temple.

18. Ock Pop

Ock Pop Tok is a unique center for textiles and handicrafts in Laos. It was started in 2000 with a mix of Eastern and Western ideas. 

The firm, whose name translates to “East Meets West,” promotes objectivity in business and eco-friendly practices. Daily, free public tours of the area go for half an hour and provide opportunities to participate in activities like visiting the Living Crafts Center and attending a class.

19. That Ing Hang Stupa

When the Buddha was sick, he stopped to rest at the location marked by the stupa. The Buddhist spine is said to be buried in Ing Hang, one of Laos’ holiest sites. 

No women are permitted inside, and visitors should dress modestly if they want to go inside.

20. Pak OU Caves Near Luang Prabang

More than four thousand icons and sculptures of Buddha, some of which are thousands of years old, may be found in the Pak Ou Caves. 

Lord Buddha and the figurines are probably gifts left by people who respect the river’s spirit and see the cave as a holy place. Tham Ting is the name given to the lower cave, while Tham Theung is given to the higher cave

What are the best times of the year to visit Laos?

Overall, the best time to visit Laos depends on your preferences and priorities. If you want to avoid the crowds and save money, consider visiting during the wet season. If you want to experience the country’s attractions in ideal weather conditions, plan your trip during the dry season. Regardless of when you visit, Laos is sure to offer a memorable and unique travel experience.

Final Thoughts

A vacation in the cultural diversity of Laos is the ultimate door to broaden the serene grandeur of any adventure enthusiast. Enrich yourself with the natural beauty of mother earth with these top tourist attractions in Laos. Happy vacation!

Common Questions about tourist attractions in laos

Laos is known for its many temples, nature and laid back life style

Within a town, renting a scooter is the more efficient way to get around. Between cities, either buses or trains.

The city of Van Vieng, has the most popular attractions in Laos, Kayaking, Paragliding, Party hostels and a North Korean restaurant, are just a few of the attractions popular with tourists,

Some must-visit tourist attractions in Laos include the stunning Kuang Si Falls, the historic Wat Xieng Thong temple in Luang Prabang, the mysterious Plain of Jars in Xiangkhouang Province, the charming town of Vang Vieng known for its scenic landscapes, the spiritual Pak Ou Caves near Luang Prabang, and the bustling Night Market in Vientiane.



Kuang Si Falls is located about 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. You can get there by hiring a tuk-tuk or taxi, renting a motorbike, or joining a guided tour. The journey takes around 45 minutes to an hour, and the road can be quite bumpy.

Yes, it is possible to visit the Plain of Jars independently. However, it is recommended to hire a local guide who can provide valuable insights and ensure your safety. The site consists of multiple jar sites spread over a large area, and having a guide will enhance your experience by explaining the cultural and historical significance of these mysterious stone jars.



Vang Vieng is known for its adventure activities, especially for outdoor enthusiasts. You can go kayaking or tubing along the Nam Song River, explore the limestone caves, go rock climbing, hike to the viewpoints overlooking the town, or take part in off-road biking adventures. The town offers a range of exciting activities for adrenaline junkies.

Thanks for reading. Any suggestions? comment below

Start Planning Your Laos Trip Now!

Book Your Flight:

Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flights. A travellers favorite way to book flights, as it searches websites and airlines around the world with one click.

Book Your Bus or Transportation Within Laos:

There are two ways to book your transporation, ask your hotel or hostel, go to the local bus terminal, or book online, for a less stressful trip using Easybook, BusBud or 12go.asia

Book Your Accomodation: 

Find the best hotels or hostels at HostelWorld, Booking.com, Agoda.com. Perks include with no upfront payment. Pay when you check out and Free cancellations.

Dont Forget Your Travel Insurance:

Two popular choices are SafetyWing and WorldsNomads. A traveler should buy traveler’s insurance to protect themselves against unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, and lost or stolen baggage. It provides peace of mind and financial protection in case of unforeseen circumstances.

Useful Apps?

LocaTaxi- Local Transportation

Food Panda – Food Delivery

Whatsapp – Communication

Want More Information On Laos?

Be sure to check out my nomad travel guide on the Laos for even more tips

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase.

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