In a nutshell
- Laos often gets overlooked among the many amazing travel destinations in Southeast Asia — we visited the country ourselves, and it totally blew us away in the best possible way!
- In this article, we share what we consider the 10 best things to do and see in Laos, with honest personal tips for each one.
- Planning your first trip? Also check out our Laos travel tips for all the practical advice you need before you go.
The Most Beautiful Sights in Laos on a Map
To give you a better overview of where the attractions in Laos are located, we’ve marked them all on a map.
Getting around the country is easy by bus and train — both are great for hopping from one highlight to the next.
Also read our tips for travel routes through Laos
Luang Prabang
What you need to know: The old colonial city of Luang Prabang sits in northern Laos and is one of the most beautiful cities in all of Southeast Asia. You can stroll leisurely through the historic center and along the Mekong River, visit temples, and explore natural highlights in the surrounding area.
Highlights: Mount Phousi, sunset over the Mekong, National Museum, Night Market
Is it worth it? Absolutely! For us, Luang Prabang is the top highlight in all of Laos. Two days are enough to see the city’s main sights — but it’s seriously worth staying a little longer to soak up the charm.
Our hotel pick: Parasol Blanc
To all our tips for Luang Prabang:
Kuang Si Waterfall
What you need to know: The Kuang Si Waterfall is about 30 kilometers outside of Luang Prabang and is an absolute must-see when it comes to things to do in Laos. It’s not just a great photo op — you can also swim here, go hiking, and visit a bear rescue center.
Is it worth it? Definitely! There are plenty of tourists at the falls, but they mostly crowd around the same spot. You’ll always find a quieter corner if you look around a little.
Our tip: Near the waterfalls there are some lovely cafés with views over rice fields. We stopped at the Nakhoun Cafe & Farm Stay — both the food and the views were fantastic.
Vang Vieng
What you need to know: Vang Vieng itself is a fairly unremarkable town that happens to be surrounded by some seriously impressive natural highlights. From blue lagoons to hilltop viewpoints to a river perfect for tubing, there’s a lot going on around Vang Vieng.
Highlights: Tubing on the Nam Song River, hot air balloon rides, Blue Lagoons 1–7, hikes to viewpoints
Is it worth it? Yes! The attractions around Vang Vieng are absolutely worth your time. Just keep in mind that the town transforms into a serious party hotspot once the sun goes down.
Our hotel pick: Confetti Garden Hotel
To all our tips for Vang Vieng:
Vientiane
What you need to know: Vientiane is the capital of Laos and home to some of the country’s most important points of interest — especially temples and stupas. The city also has a great café scene, and the promenade along the Mekong is perfect for an evening stroll.
Highlights: That Luang Temple, That Dam Stupa, Mekong Night Market, Patuxai Victory Monument
Is it worth it? We think so. Vientiane may have a reputation as the most boring capital in Southeast Asia, but we genuinely loved the city’s vibe.
Our hotel pick: Riverside Hotel
To all our tips for Vientiane:
Bolaven Plateau
What you need to know: The Bolaven Plateau is located in Champasak province in southern Laos. Various hill tribes live on this highland, and you can do multi-day motorcycle or scooter loops through the area. The plateau is also well known for its coffee cultivation — and the coffee is really, really good.
Highlights: Motorcycle loop, Tad Fane Waterfall, visiting a coffee plantation
Is it worth it? Yes — if you have more than a week in Laos, don’t skip the Bolaven Plateau.
Our hotel pick: Le Jardin Hotel in Pakse — the town is the best base for exploring the plateau. You can rent a scooter just about anywhere there.
Vat Phou
What you need to know: Not far from the Bolaven Plateau, in the town of Champasak, stands one of the most important structures in all of Laos: Vat Phou. Originally a Hindu temple complex, it later became significant for Buddhism as well, and today contains elements of both religions. Vat Phou is even said to have inspired the famous Angkor Wat in Cambodia.
Is it worth it? Yes — Vat Phou is a deeply significant site, and even though the complex isn’t as well restored as Angkor Wat, the trip is absolutely worth it.
Tickets: Admission costs 55,000 kip (approximately €2.50). You can buy tickets at the entrance with cash.
Our hotel pick: The Riviera Champasak
4,000 Islands
What you need to know: Way down in southern Laos — right at the border with Cambodia — the Mekong River splits into countless channels. The area is called the 4,000 Islands, though only a handful are actually inhabited. Every rock poking out of the water counts as an island.
Is it worth it? If you just want to slow down and recharge, definitely. You can spend days lying in a hammock by the Mekong, cycling around, and letting your mind wander.
Our hotel pick: Moon by Night on Don Det island — one of the few islands where you can actually spend the night.
Kong Lor Cave
What you need to know: Kong Lor Cave is a truly impressive cave in central Laos. A river runs right through it, so the only way to pass through is by boat. During the ride you make several stops, wade through water at certain points, and emerge at the other end — it’s quite an experience.
Is it worth it? Yes — but we’d really only recommend it if you’re doing the Thakhek Loop by scooter. You can even take the scooter on the boat so you can keep riding on the other side — super cool!
Our tip: For the boat ride, wear clothes that can get wet and shoes you don’t mind wading through water in.
Our hotel pick: SpringRiver Resort
Nam Ha National Park
What you need to know: Nam Ha National Park is in northern Laos and is a really authentic, fascinating corner of the country. You can spot rare plants and animals, go hiking, and visit traditional villages. The town of Luang Namtha is the ideal base — that’s where you’ll find the best trekking tours and day trip operators.
Is it worth it? Yes — Nam Ha is more of an under-the-radar pick for Laos and is especially worthwhile if you have extra time and want to explore a genuinely unspoiled part of the country.
Our tip: If you’re traveling from northern Thailand (Chiang Mai, Chiang Rai) to Laos, you can reach Luang Namtha from the border in four hours by bus. You can book buses on 12goasia.
Our hotel pick: Tulip Hotel
Nong Khiaw
What you need to know: Nong Khiaw is a small town between Nam Ha National Park and Luang Prabang, sitting right along a bend in the Nam Ou River. Around town you can hike up to various viewpoints with stunning panoramas over the river and the surrounding karst mountains.
Is it worth it? Definitely! Nong Khiaw is one of the most beautiful spots in Laos — and it’s still refreshingly low on tourists.
Our tip: Nong Khiaw is super easy to visit as a stop on the way from Nam Ha National Park to Luang Prabang.
Our hotel pick: Amanda Riverside
Frequently Asked Questions About the Highlights in Laos
When is the best time to visit Laos for sightseeing?
The best months to visit Laos are October through February. Find out more in our article on the best time to visit Laos.
How do you get from one beautiful place in Laos to the next?
You have several transportation options to get from A to B in Laos. The most comfortable are trains, but you also have a wide selection of buses and group transfers by van.
You can book all connections in Laos on 12goasia.
Where's the best place to start sightseeing in Laos?
If you’re arriving by plane, we recommend starting in Luang Prabang, Vientiane, or Pakse — those are the cities with the most flight connections.
If you’re entering overland, you can take the Slow Boat to Luang Prabang from Chiang Rai in Thailand. Coming from Cambodia? Your best bet is to start with the 4,000 Islands.
From Vietnam and Bangkok, there are also plenty of overnight bus and train connections to Vientiane.
Where is Laos most beautiful?
Honestly, Laos is beautiful everywhere!
We personally think northern Laos is the standout — Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng were our favorites.
But the south, with the Bolaven Plateau and the 4,000 Islands, definitely has its own charm too.
Is sightseeing in Laos safe?
Yes, Laos is overall a safe travel destination.
That said, always keep a close eye on your valuables and be careful in traffic.
