Places to discover

Best places to visit in Laos

Setting off on atrip to Laos means discovering a country which redefines serenity: here, the inhabitants exude calmness, you'll rub shoulders with monks among gleaming temples, and you'll enjoy the soothing sights of waterfalls, rivers and verdant mountains. Do be aware, however, that these beauties hide a one-party Socialist political system which imposes a curfew at midnight and a minimum wage of around 100$. The country also plays host to tourists who can be disrespectful, looking to party rather than make the most of the splendour around them. To avoid falling into these traps and to discover every facet of this fascinating country, just follow the advice of the members of the Evaneos community!

With its unusual shape, people generally travel through Laos from North to South or vice versa, before heading into Thailand or Cambodia. On the road, it's possible to stop off at multiple places.

The attraction ofVientiane, the capital of Laos, lies in its many monuments, such as the Pha That Luang or the Patuxai, and in its temples, such as Vat Simuong, Vat Sisakhet or Vat Phra Kèo. However, the city itself isn't very charming or dynamic, so don't spend too much time there. Luang Prabang is much more pleasant. The city is very much in harmony with nature: its temples, found on pretty much every street corner, sparkle with a thousand hues, and the jungle close by contains other marvels (particularly Kuang Si). Finally, another must-see in Laos are its 4,000 islands, located right in the South of the country, strewn across the Mekong. They offer fantastic sights and promise a stay which will guarantee you calm and inner peace.

By now, it should be clear: if you love nature, Laos is the place for you. The Bolovens plateau, not far from the town of Paksé, is absolutely magnificent. You'll definitely enjoy hiking up to it! A few kilometres away you'll find the Champassak province, where you can visit the temples of Vat Phou, a UNESCO world heritage site.

Laos is large country full of beauty, riches and calm. By respecting the country's environment and the history and culture of its inhabitants, you'll guarantee yourself a truly enriching experience.

Khone-Phapheng waterfalls are in the 4,000 Islands in the south of Laos. They are thought to be the biggest in Asia and their flow is the biggest in the world.
Listed as a UNESCO world heritage site, the privileged location of Luang Prabang has enabled it to preserve both its traditional and colonial architecture.
'Little brother' to Cambodia's Angkor Temple, le Vat Phou is a Laotian gem, a classified UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2001.
Vang Vieng has the reputation of being a destination for backpackers who come to party day and night. Nevertheless, this city and its surroundings are unbelievably beautiful, ideal for hiking.
Muang Sing is a pretty village miles from anywhere, about 2 hours from Luang Nam Tha and lost in the countryside of northern Laos.
Tad Fane is a waterfall on the Bolaven Plateau, in the south of Laos. It is made up of two falls, side by side, and is the highest waterfall in Laos.
At 85km from Pakse, on the Bolovens Plateau, Tad Lo is a tiny village known for its superb waterfalls.
A former colonial town, Savannakhet is a quiet retreat by the River Mekong. Let yourself be seduced by its history and people!
Muang Noi Neua is a tiny village in northern Laos, nestled in the mountains by the River Nam Ou. This remote paradise is attracting more and more tourists. The scenery is enchanting...
The 4,000 Islands are an absolute must see during a trip to Laos ! Surreally beautiful scenery and guaranteed relaxation.
Kuang Si Waterfall is the most visited and the most impressive waterfall of Laos. Situated near Luang Prabang, it is an essential part of any trip to Laos. 
The Mekong is a legendary river that crosses Southeast Asia. Its source is in the Himalayas and it crosses several countries, including Laos and Cambodia. It's an important cultural and economic resource for Asian communities.
Being on the other side of the Mekong than Pakse, it's a great departure point if you're heading to Wat Phou Champassak. The village itself is not void of interest, and you'll be enchanted by a short stay here.
At 35km from Luang Prabang, Pak Ou is home to stunning Buddhist caves that are carved into a cliff face. Inside, you'll find thousands of Buddha statues overlooking a breathtaking view of the Mekong.
Situated 200 km from Luang Prabang in the north of Laos in mountains covered with lush vegetation, Nong Khiaw is a sumptuous village on the banks of the Nam Ou river. 
The Bolaven plateau designates this beautiful rural area that is famous for its coffee production. It is situated about fifty kilometres to the east of Pakse, the main town in the south of Laos.
The Nam Ou is a river that stretches across the north of Laos and hooks up with the Mekong. A boat trip will give you the chance to travel through some stunning scenery!
One of the most calm little towns, lodged between the mountains in the North of Laos and the Nam Ou river, Muang Khua makes for a pleasant stop before starting a trek, the journey over the water or towards neighbouring Vietnam.
The Plain of Jars is spread over different sites. Some are over 2,000 years old and their early usage is unknown. The jars are divided into 3 main sites.
Don Khong is the biggest of the Si Phan Don, the 4,000 Islands, in the south of Laos. It is about 18 kilometres long and 8 kilometres wide and shouldn't be confused with Don Khone, a little further to the south.
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