As globalization has spread to Southeast Asia, Laos has in many ways managed to preserve its old traditions and way of life. Check COUNTRYAAH to find a list of all countries starting with letter L.
Charmed by mysticism and admire beautiful waterfalls, take a tour of the mysterious Pak Ou Caves and enjoy the relaxed atmosphere of the UNESCO-protected city of Luang Prabang.
Laos has a lot to offer!
We have put together less than 7 interesting sights waiting for you in magnificent Laos.
1. Beautiful nature and relaxed atmosphere in Luang Prabang
The city of Luang Prabang is located in a mountainous location along the Mekong River in northern Laos.
The city is a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its magnificent architecture, which combines traditional Laotian design with European colonial influences.
The streetscape of Luang Prabang is characterized by charming brick houses from the French colonial period and traditional Laotian wooden houses. In addition, the city has several beautifully decorated and very well preserved temples.
If you manage to wake up early, you can get to witness an exciting sight at dawn as hundreds of monks walk along the city streets, collecting alms from locals. The sight is enchanting, and especially the deep and respectful silence surrounding the monk procession makes an impression.
During the day, you can go on a field trip to the atmospheric streets of Luang Prabang and the city’s many temples. Or what would a river trip to the Mekong River sound like?
When the evening comes, you should head to the local evening market, which is a fascinating and colorful attraction in itself. The market is open at. 17-22, and here you can buy just about anything between earth and sky, including coffee, art, pottery, traditional crafts, and much, much more.
2. Kuang Sin Falls
Kuang Sin Falls is about 30 km from Luang Prabang.
The water of the waterfall drops 50 meters from the stream above the three terraces down to the turquoise blue natural pools. The waterfalls in the middle of the jungle are a popular excursion destination for both locals and tourists. If you need cooling, you can take a dip in the inviting pond for a refreshing swim. During the hike, you can get to know the scenic surroundings of the waterfall better.
Near the waterfall is the Endangered Malay Bear Conservation Center. Poachers prey on bears because their bile is used as a herb in Chinese medicine.
3. 4000 Buddha statues in Pak Ou Caves
The fascinating Pak Ou Caves are also nearby near Luang Prabang.
There are two Pak Ou caves formed in the limestone cliffs at the confluence of the Mekong River and the Nam Ou River. Inside the caves there are more than 4,000 small Buddha statues. Most of the statues are made of wood, but there are also figures carved from other materials.
The limestone caves are called Tham Ting and Tham Theung, and they are quite different from each other. The lower Tham Ting is brighter as the sun’s rays enter the cave from a hole in its roof. Upper Tham Theung, on the other hand, is completely dark. So in Tham Theung you need a flashlight if you want to see the cave at all!
Locals are believed to have collected Buddha statues in Pak Ou Caves for hundreds of years.
4. Peek into the pots at the mystical plateau of Pots
Located in Xiangkhouang County, Northern Laos, the Potty Plain is a unique and mysterious attraction.
The plateau of pots is a vast plateau in a mountainous area with more than 2,500 pot-like containers resting here and there. The pots are up to 3 meters high and can weigh more than 14 tons.
The area has been the scene of many battles between the early 19th century and 1975. For this reason, only a small part of the plain has been opened to tourists, as the entire area has not yet been cleared of wartime mines.
Experts estimate that the pots resting on the plateau of the pots were made in 500 BC. but very little is still known about their origin and use. Some experts believe that the pots are related to the old burial tradition where bodies were kept in pots at the beginning of the decay process. In addition to funeral rituals, local stories tell of warriors living on the plateau who kept rice wine in pots.
We may never know what the pots are for, but the mystery of the area is an integral part of the charm of the Pot Plateau.
5. Tubeing and the Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a beautiful riverside city located south of Luang Prabang.
Surrounded by high mountains and lush rice terraces, the town is very picturesque.
The Nam Song River, which flows through the city, is the center of many activities, and popular hobbies include rafting and tubing, where the river is lowered over a fully inflated inner ring.
Other attractions in Vang Vieng include Tham Poukham Cave and its Blue Lagoon. A marked route through Tham Poukham Cave will take you to the main cave, where a beautiful bronze statue of the Buddha is preserved. After passing through the main cave, you will reach the Blue Lagoon, where it is possible to swim in the turquoise water.
6 Sightseeing in the capital Vientiane
As a capital, Vientiane is in a class of its own.
Compared to other capitals, the atmosphere of Vientiane is relaxed and relaxed. The city is located on the Mekong River, which forms the natural border between Thailand and Laos.
One of Vientiane’s main attractions is the stupa of Pha That Luang, which is completely covered with leaf gold. Built in the 16th century, the stupa is as high as 44 meters high. The stupa is the most sacred building in Laos and is said to contain the Buddha’s sternum. The stupa is especially beautiful at sunset, when the sun’s rays make the golden building glow.
Vientiane is a relatively small capital, but thanks to its small size, exploring the city and sightseeing is also a great way to walk or bike. While touring the city center, you can also see the green rice terraces surrounding the city from many different locations.
7. Try the Kamu tribe lifestyle in northern Laos
Northern Laos is home to many ethnic peoples, including the Kamu tribe living in the village of Ban Nioy Hai.
During your visit to the village, you will get to know the daily life of the camels, which includes fishing, rice farming and many other everyday chores. During the trip, the guide tells about the cultural background and everyday life of the guys.
During the visit, you can also take part in the daily work of the members of the tribe, such as net fishing and rice planting.
Want to travel to Laos?
Located in Southeast Asia, Laos offers a huge variety of stunning cultural and natural experiences as well as sights and activities to suit all tastes.
Check out our trips to Laos or contact our tourist advisors if you need help planning the best trip for you and your family.
