Known as the “land of a million elephants”, Laos is located in the middle of the Indochina Peninsula bordering Vietnam on the east, Cambodia to the south, China in the north, Thailand to the west and Myanmar to the northwest. Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country, Laos was a former French colony that is mainly mountainous and covered with thick dense forests. An undiscovered tourist getaway, this country offers something for everyone. With its scattered, ethnically diverse population, there are plenty of unique places to visit in this fascinating country.
Vientiane & Luang Prabang
Vientiane the capitol city of Laos is perhaps one of Southeast Asia’s most unique capitols. A quiet and laidback city, there are plenty of interesting French colonial buildings, temples and lively markets located alongside rice fields. The most important monument in Laos, the Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa) is also found here. Some other interesting places in this city include Wat Pha Kaew, a former royal temple converted into a museum and Wat Si Saket, the city’s oldest temple. Xieng Khuan is 24 kilometers (15 miles) south of Vientiane where an amazing collection of Buddhist and Hindu sculptures can be found in a meadow.
Luang Prabang is the oldest town still in existence in Laos. It was the capitol of Laos when it was known as the Kingdom of Lan Xang. Listed as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1996, this town has many beautiful temples and palaces. Some attractions include the Wat Xiengthong, Wat Saen, Wat Visoun, the King’s Palace (a National Museum), Wat Aham and Pak Ou (a series of temple caves adorned with many images of Buddha).
Pakse
Pakse is a small town located where the Mekong and Xedone Rivers meet. A former gateway to the ancient royal capital of Champasak, this small town is also near the ruins of the Wat Phou Temple, which predates the famous Angkor Wat Temple.
Built by the first Khmer emperor, Jayavarman II, this temple is divided into two parts; the upper portion of the temple featuring various Hindu deities such as Vishnu, Shiva and Kali. Also near Wat Phou is another temple, Oupmoung, built in the 6th century. It was used as a stopping point for ships traveling along the Mekong during the French colonial era.
Bokeo
Bokeo is the smallest province in Laos and home to many interesting minority groups. Lying at the heart of the Golden Triangle where Laos meets Thailand and Myanmar, this province is known as the ‘Land of Sapphires’ because the area is well known for its precious gemstone, especially sapphires.
Plain of Jars
One of the most intriguing mysteries in Asia is the Plain of Jars. Hundreds of stone jars are scattered around the Phonsavan Plains. The Plain of Jars is known as the ‘Jewel of the Mekong’. According to local legend, these were celebratory jars used for carrying lao-lao rice wine which was consumed after a battle won by the 6th century warrior king, Khun Jeuam. However, experts have yet to agree on the origin of these mysterious jars that weigh as much as 6 tons. Though many smaller jars have been stolen, there are still several hundred jars remaining. Thong Hai Hin is the biggest and most accessible jar site, which contains the largest jar on the plain.
In nearby Meuang Kham district is the hot springs of Baw Nam Hai Nyai. These hot springs have been converted into a low-key spa resort, and the nearby Tham Piu cave has become a pilgrimage site because hundreds of local villagers lost their lives in this place during the Second Indochina War when a US fighter fired a rocket into the cave.
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is a town in the south of Laos. This town was very popular in the past as many merchants and businessmen used it as a main trade route between Vietnam and Thailand. The French colonialists also found this area appealing because of its temperate climate and fertile lands. All over town French colonial influences can be seen. Two of the town’s major attractions are the St. Theresa Catholic Cathedral and the stupa of the That Ing Hang Temple, (16 km - 10 miles - from the town) one of the country's most revered Buddhist monuments.
Champasak
The province of Champasak has rich and grand history dating back over two millennia. The ruins of the Khmer temple Wat Phu are located here. Another worth seeing feature of this province is its beautiful waterfalls of Selabam, Khonphapheng, and Liphi. Liphi Falls is the largest waterfall in the country. This province is also famous for its silk and cotton fabrics that are crafted from hand-woven dyed thread.
Bolaven Plateau
The Bolaven Plateau of Laos is famous throughout the world for its coffee. Fruit, cardamom and rattan are grown in this area. The plateau is also a center for the Mon-Khmer culture with many tribal villages such as the Alak, Katu, Ta-oy and Suay clans located here. The plateau also has lovely waterfalls like the Tat Lo. An elephant trek is a great way to see this area. The region is known for its colorful tropical forests and is home to many rare species of plants and animals.
Ho Chi Minh Trail
The Ho Chi Minh Trail is a network of paths and roads that run along the Laos-Vietnam border. This trail was used by the Viet Minh against the French colonial troops in the 1950s and by the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War. Though this trail is fairly remote, along its path visitors can see parts of helicopters, fighter planes and other war debris.
Daensavanh Nam Ngum Resort
Around 60 kilometers (37 miles) from the capital Vientiane is the Nam Ngum lake. This majestic area is a nature lover's paradise in the center of which lies the Dansavanh Nam Ngum Resort. An eco-tourism venture, this resort features a hotel, restaurants, spas and a gaming center.
Khong Island
The southern-most point of Laos, near the Cambodian Border, is the Khong Island. It is an amazing area with spectacular scenery. Also located here is the Khonephapheng waterfall which is one of the largest in Southeast Asia. A tranquil area reachable by boat or by road, Khong Island is a must visit if you want some peace and quiet.
