Exotic and distinct, Laos offers travelers a unique holiday with its ancient Wats, French colonial heritage, diverse ethnic minorities and spectacular scenery. There are plenty of things to do in Laos such as exploring the country’s many ancient monuments, palaces and temples which are scattered all over the place.
In & Around Vientiane
Located on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is the capital city of Laos. It is an interesting city, of which the main attractions are the Buddhist monasteries, national monuments and old French colonial buildings that stand side by side with rice fields and vegetable gardens.
Wat Sisaket – Wat Sisaket is one of the oldest temples in Laos and is the only temple to have survived the 1828 destruction of the city by the Siamese. Inside the main hall of the temple and on the walls surrounding the courtyard are thousands of corners and shelves that contain 6,840 Buddhist images and inscriptions from the 18th century.
Wat Ho Phakeo – This temple was built in 1565 by King Setthathirat after Vientiane became the capitol of the country. Wat Ho Phakeo was originally designed to house the famous Emerald Buddha, brought by the king from the Kingdom of Lanna.
That Luang – This is the most important national monument in Vientiane and was built in 1566 by King Setthathirat. It is also the national emblem.
Patouxai – Inspired by the Arc de Triomphe of Paris, the Patouxai sits in the center of the city on Lane Xang Avenue. Constructed in 1958, the Patouxai means ‘Gateway of Victory’. Decorated with historical Lao imagery, this monument offers a fantastic view of the city from a top.
National Ethnic Cultural Park - Suan Vatthana Tham (the National Ethnic Cultural Park) is 20 km (12 miles) down the Mekong from Vientiane. This park is beautifully landscaped with sculptures of Laos’ literary heroes. There is also a small zoo on the premises. Suan Vatthana Tham offers a great view of Thailand across the Mekong.
Buddha Park – Buddha Park is located 24 km (15 miles) from Vientiane. This park contains many sculptures of Buddha and other Hindu deities.
In & Around Luang Prabang
A UNESCO World Heritage site, Luang Prabang is one of Laos’ most fascinating cities with a wealth of beautiful temples and historical monuments. Luang Prabang was the capitol of the ancient kingdom of Lan Xang (now Laos), this city is a must see for those who want to understand the rich cultural heritage of this beautiful country.
The National Museum – Formerly the Royal Palace, the National Museum is situated on the banks of the Mekong River. Constructed between 1904 and 1909, the Royal Palace was built for King Sisavangvong. The museum now houses the royal throne of the Kingdom of Lan Xang, as well as art and religious memorabilia collected by former Laos royalty. Also in the museum is a replica of the golden Pra Bang, a small Buddha statue. The original statue, which is kept in a bank, is 80% gold and is 83 centimeters (2.7 feet) high and weighs 50 kilograms (30 lbs.). The Pra Bang is the most important holy object of Laotian Buddhism.
Wat Xieng Thong – This temple, with its golden facade and murals, was built in the 16th century along the lines of ancient Buddhist architecture. Used in earlier times for royal ceremonies, the temple used to house the bodies of deceased kings.
Kuangsi Waterfall – About 35 km (22 miles) from town are the beautiful Kuangsi falls. A popular picnic area for tourists and locals alike, the falls are a must see destination when visiting Luang Prabang.
Pak Ou Caves – The Pak Ou Caves contain old carved images of the Lord Buddha on its walls. The caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum in particular are highly venerated and are a pilgrimage site for many Buddhist devotees and monks. On the opposite bank of the Mekong from the caves is the village of Ban Xang Hai, which is famous for Lao-Lao wine. This wine is made from fermented sticky rice and is a must-try for those who have adventurous taste buds.
Sports
There are only a few sports available for visitors in Laos. Mountain biking is very popular because of the country’s naturally hilly terrain, especially in the north. Additionally, as there is very little vehicular traffic on the roads, mountain bike enthusiasts can ride without having to worry about oncoming traffic. Mountain bikes are available for rent in the larger cities, but serious bikers should bring their own bikes.
Tubing is another popular sport in Laos, especially in the small town of Vang Vieng on the way to Luang Prabang from Vientiane. Here tourists and locals sit in giant rubber tubes/tires and float down the Nam Song River. Along the way you can explore caves and jump off swings and cliffs.
Laos Food
Laos’ cuisine is very similar to that of Thailand. Most meals are made up of a spicy soup and sticky rice with chicken or lamb. Due to its French colonial past, there are a number of good French restaurants, especially in Vientiane. Thai, Vietnamese and Chinese food are very popular and sold in most restaurants and food stalls.
Some recommended restaurants include:
Dokkhoune Restaurant, Bane Vat Phabaat, Pakse District
Golden Fish Garden Restaurant, No. 13 Road, Bane Donenoun, Vientiane
The markets and stores in Vientiane and Luang Prabang offer a wide variety of souvenirs and goods for sale. The best places to get good bargains are the local street vendors. Bargaining is a must here. Laos is most famous for its silk and cotton weavings. The best places to purchase antique woven pieces are from the local merchants rather than boutiques (which are very expensive). Jewelry is another popular export of Laos. Several hill tribes make some of the best silver and copper jewelry in the country. great bargains can be found in the morning markets in Vientiane.
Eco-Tourism
A large part of the country is covered with tropical rain forests that are home to many rare species of flora and fauna. Rare and endangered mammals and birds also inhabit the thick dense forests in the north and the north east of the country, while the Mekong River is home to freshwater dolphins and giant catfish. Eco-tourism is a great way to explore Laos’ natural wildlife. A model eco-tourism resort is operated near the Tat Lo waterfalls with elephant treks and wildlife excursions.
