There are plenty more of the best places to visit in Laos before you die, but we have seven to start you off right here. You will likely start your adventures in the capital city of Vientiane, but this city isn’t as lively as one would hope for a capital. So get yourself prepared to get on the road right away if you want to make the most of your visit, and certainly know that no destination will come with absolute ease. The infrastructure isn’t as good as its neighboring countries. Just like there are many places to visit in Vietnam before you die, there are many here too, you’ll just need to travel a bit longer and often in a bit of an older vehicle on more rugged road. It’s certainly worth the adventure though!
What will you get as a reward? How about incredible mountain vistas nearly everywhere you turn? The northern regions hold some seriously amazing panoramic vista of karst mountain ranges holding hidden caves and sharing its breathtaking jungle covered peaks throughout the area, part of the reason why your journey will be so intrepid.
The jungle here is nice, but the temples are quite beautiful as well. Take a dip in the refreshing waterfalls after temple wandering in the hot sun all day, or head south to just chill out on some islands. There’re quite a few places to visit while you’re here, but there’s one place that might be the most bizarre, stay tuned to find out.
Using common sense and always checking up on currently situations prior to departing is advised, but let’s get to it shall we? Here are the best places to visit in Laos before you die.
7. Bokeo Nature Reserve
The black-cheek Gibbon that was once thought of as extinct, reappeared here. The reserve was quickly put in place to help conserve the animal, and now you can fly through the jungle just as they do. Well, almost, on the Gibbon Experience. The zip-line here is the other attraction, besides the surrounding beauty. Keep your eyes peeled for elephants, tigers, bears, and birdlife.
6. Pakse
Just outside the city center there’s an area called the Bolaven Plateau. Here you can wander around real tea and coffee plantations and take up the offer for a sample of it, just provide a small donation. Take a ride around further and stumble upon a few majestic waterfalls, and then find yourself wandering further south to the revered Wat Phou. Its ruinous state shouldn’t deter you, it’s still quite enigmatic and its museum, insightful.
5. Tham Kong Lo
Just one of the many earth wonders Southeast Asia holds. Tham Kong Lo is a cave with a green pool believed to be sacred by the locals. Over 6 kilometers long, and absolutely stunning, cruising down the cave river is an excellent way to get the best views.
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4. Si Pan Don
Literally meaning 4,000 islands, the island scattered about the south part of the country doesn’t add up to 4,000 islands and they aren’t in the sea. Being that this country is landlocked, these islands are actually located on the Mekong River as it forks out and spills into Cambodia. The endangered Irrawaddy dolphins can be found playing about, there are a few waterfalls, but otherwise, just lots of chilling on a hammock on one of the few inhabited islands in the area is the activity of choice
3. Phonsavan
The actual city is admittedly nothing special. A few cafes with old war relic adorning their establishment is about the most exciting it gets, but on the outside of the city is where the bizarre attractions are. Scattered over acres and acres of land on numerous sites are precarious stone jars. The reason for them is still uncertain, but wandering around is an eerie yet beautiful experience. Take a guide for the full story, and stay on the paths! Some areas are still not cleared of landmines, something you will learn about while you’re here.
2. Vang Vieng
This is a popular backpacker destination with some fun tubing down a river, hiking through mountains, and exploring tons of caves in the area. It’s situated along the Nam Song River with Hmong villages sprinkled on the outside of town. The scenery is simply breathtaking and worth the visit for that reason only.
And, the best place to visit in Laos before you die is: Luang Prabang
Regarded as the prettiest city in the country and the most popular, this beaut is set on the split of the Nam Khan and Mekong rivers. Dashed with temples, sweeping mountain views and blessed with gorgeous waterfalls such as Kuang Si, it’s not hard to see why this little French looking city tops many lists. Make sure to visit the lively night market for some food and souvenirs.
We love this list of the best places to visit in Laos before you die, what do you think? Are you ready to adventure through Laos?
