Laos · Local picks
100+ Places to Visit in Laos
These are the places worth your time in Laos, from the temples and night markets of Luang Prabang and Vientiane to the karsts of Vang Vieng and Nong Khiaw, the coffee hills of the Bolaven Plateau and the river islands of Si Phan Don. Classics sit beside quiet corners many travellers miss, so every kind of visitor finds something to love.
Places to Visit in Vientiane
Arts and Culture
- Pha That Luang (Saysettha)
The gilded stupa on the national emblem, the most sacred monument in the country. - Wat Si Saket (Chanthabouly)
The oldest surviving temple in the city, its cloister lined with thousands of small Buddha images. - Haw Phra Kaew (Chanthabouly)
A former royal temple turned museum, with fine bronze Buddhas on its terraces. - COPE Visitor Centre (Khouvieng Road)
A moving, free exhibition on unexploded bombs and the people rebuilding their lives after them. - Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) (Thanaleng)
A strange and joyful garden of concrete Hindu and Buddhist statues beside the Mekong. - Kaysone Phomvihane Museum (Kaysone Phomvihane Avenue)
A grand, little visited museum that tells the official story of the revolution. - Wat Si Muang (Setthathirath Road)
Locals come here to make offerings at the city pillar and ask for blessings.
Things to Do
- Patuxai (Lane Xang Avenue)
Climb the city's victory monument for views straight down the grand boulevard. - Wat Sok Pa Luang Herbal Sauna (Sisattanak)
A forest temple where you can take a traditional herbal steam bath and massage.
Shopping and Markets
- Vientiane Night Market (Mekong riverside)
Red tented stalls along the river promenade, best with a sunset stroll first. - Talat Sao Morning Market (Lane Xang Avenue)
The old market hall for textiles, silver and gold, next to a modern mall. - Khua Din Market (Chanthabouly)
A gritty local market for fresh produce, herbs and everyday Lao life. - Carol Cassidy Lao Textiles (Nokeo Koummane Road)
Watch weavers at their looms and see some of the finest silk in the region. - T'Shop Lai Gallery (Vat Inpeng Street)
Handmade soaps, oils and crafts from social enterprises in a pretty shop.
Nature and Outdoors
- Chao Anouvong Park (Mekong riverside)
Evening aerobics, families and the sunset over Thailand across the river. - Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area (Bolikhamxay)
Forest, waterfalls and quiet trails within an easy drive of the capital.
Restaurants
- Kualao Restaurant (Samsenthai Road)
A classic Lao dinner in an old colonial house, often with traditional music and dance. - Lao Kitchen (Hengboun Road)
Clear menus of laap, jeow and grilled fish, a friendly first taste of Lao food. - Pimenton (Nokeo Koummane Road)
Smart Spanish style grill with a buzzy open kitchen for a special night out.
Cafés
- Common Grounds (Chao Anou Road)
A relaxed café and play area loved by families, with good Lao coffee. - Joma Bakery Café (Setthathirath Road)
A long running bakery café for breakfast, cakes and air conditioned breaks. - Le Banneton (Nokeo Koummane Road)
French bakery for croissants and coffee, a reminder of the city's colonial past.
Bars and Nightlife
- Khop Chai Deu (Setthathirath Road)
A lively bar and restaurant near Nam Phou fountain, good for a first Beerlao. - Bor Pen Nyang (Fa Ngum Road)
Rooftop bar with views over the Mekong at sunset.
Events
- That Luang Festival (Pha That Luang)
Candlelit processions and a huge fair at the great stupa each November. - Boun Suang Heua Boat Racing (Mekong riverside)
Long boat races and riverside parties mark the end of Buddhist Lent.
Stays
- Settha Palace Hotel (Pang Kham Road)
A restored colonial mansion with a garden pool and old world calm. - Crowne Plaza Vientiane (Samsenthai Road)
A reliable international hotel with a big pool, easy for families. - Ansara Hotel (Fa Ngum Road)
Elegant small hotel in quiet lanes a short walk from the river.
Places to Visit in Luang Prabang
Arts and Culture
- Wat Xieng Thong (Peninsula)
The jewel of Luang Prabang, with sweeping roofs and a glittering tree of life mosaic. - Royal Palace Museum (Haw Kham) (Sisavangvong Road)
The former royal palace, home to the revered Pha Bang Buddha image. - Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre (Ban Khamyong)
The best introduction to the many peoples of northern Laos and their crafts. - UXO Laos Visitor Centre (Ban Visoun)
A small, sobering exhibit on bomb clearance in the countryside. - Tak Bat Alms Giving (Sakkaline Road)
Monks walk the streets at dawn collecting sticky rice: watch quietly and from a distance. - Ock Pop Tok Living Crafts Centre (Ban Saylom)
Weaving and dyeing classes by the Mekong, with lunch in the riverside café. - Garavek Storytelling (Old town)
Intimate evenings of Lao folk tales told to the sound of the khaen. - Phralak Phralam Theatre (Royal Palace grounds)
Classical dance telling the Lao version of the Ramayana.
Things to Do
- Mount Phousi (Old town)
Climb the steps at dusk for sunset views over the river and the temple roofs. - Pak Ou Caves (Mekong River)
A slow boat ride to two caves filled with thousands of Buddha images. - Big Brother Mouse (Old town)
Join an informal morning session helping young Lao people practise English. - Dyen Sabai (Across the bamboo bridge)
Cross the river at night for barbecue and drinks in thatched pavilions.
Nature and Outdoors
- Kuang Si Falls (Kuang Si)
Turquoise pools tumbling through the forest, perfect for a swim. - Free the Bears Kuang Si Rescue Centre (Kuang Si)
Rescued Asian black bears and sun bears living in forest enclosures near the falls. - Tad Sae Waterfall (Ban En)
Gentle tiered cascades that are at their best in the wet season. - Mandalao Elephant Conservation (Nam Khan valley)
Walk with rescued elephants in forest, with no riding.
Shopping and Markets
- Luang Prabang Night Market (Sisavangvong Road)
A long, calm market of textiles, paper lanterns and handicrafts every evening. - Phosi Market (Phosi)
The big local market for food, fabrics and everything else. - Morning Market (Peninsula)
Early morning stalls of river weed, herbs, fish and forest produce.
Restaurants
- Manda de Laos (Old town)
Lao dishes served around lily ponds, magical when lit at night. - Khaiphaen (Old town)
A training restaurant for young people with creative Lao cooking. - Coconut Garden (Sisavangvong Road)
Garden dining on the main street with Lao set menus for sharing.
Cafés
- Saffron Coffee (Riverside)
Coffee grown by hill tribe farmers, served on the Mekong bank. - Joma Bakery Café Luang Prabang (Chao Fa Ngum Road)
Breakfast, smoothies and cakes in a cool, easy spot.
Bars and Nightlife
- Utopia (Nam Khan riverside)
Lounge on cushions over the Nam Khan with a drink at sunset.
Events
- Boun Lai Heua Fai (Old town)
The festival of light boats at the end of Buddhist Lent, with lanterns everywhere. - Pi Mai Lao in Luang Prabang (Old town)
Lao New Year with water blessing, sand stupas and street parades.
Stays
- Amantaka (Kingkitsarath Road)
A serene luxury hideaway in a former French hospital. - Rosewood Luang Prabang (Nauea)
Tented villas beside a waterfall a short ride from town. - Satri House (Old town)
A former royal residence turned boutique hotel with gardens and a pool. - Sofitel Luang Prabang (Ban Mano)
A calm garden hotel with villas and a large pool.
Places to Visit in Vang Vieng
Nature and Outdoors
- Tham Chang Cave (Nam Song)
A cave with views over the river, reached by a short climb. - Blue Lagoon 1 (Tham Phu Kham) (Ban Na Thong)
Jump into the blue pool, then climb up to the cave above. - Kaeng Nyui Waterfall (Ban Phoxay)
A quiet forest waterfall with a pool for swimming.
Things to Do
- Nam Xay Viewpoint (Ban Pak Pok)
A steep hike to a flag topped viewpoint over limestone peaks. - Pha Ngern Viewpoint (Ban Pha Ngern)
Big views over the valley, especially at sunrise. - Tham Nam Water Cave (Ban Na Thong)
Pull yourself through a flooded cave on a rubber ring. - Kayaking on the Nam Song (Nam Song)
Paddle past karst cliffs on the river, the classic day out. - Hot air balloon flight (Vang Vieng)
Drift over the karst peaks at sunrise or sunset.
Restaurants
- Vang Vieng Organic Farm (Phoudindaeng)
Famous mulberry pancakes and smoothies on a riverside farm. - Riverside Boutique Resort restaurant (Nam Song)
A pretty spot for a quiet dinner with karst views.
Bars and Nightlife
- Sakura Bar (Old town)
A lively backpacker bar with music late into the night.
Stays
- Riverside Boutique Resort (Nam Song)
Garden rooms and a pool facing the cliffs across the river. - Silver Naga Hotel (Nam Song)
Central hotel with a pool and river views.
Places to Visit in Nong Khiaw
Things to Do
- Pha Daeng Peak Viewpoint (Nong Khiaw)
A tough morning hike to watch the mist roll off the Nam Ou valley. - Nong Khiaw Viewpoint (Nong Khiaw)
The main hike above town, with views of the bridge and karsts. - Nam Ou boat to Muang Ngoi (Nam Ou)
A beautiful upriver boat ride to a car free village. - Nong Khiaw Bridge (Nam Ou)
The best free view in town, at sunrise and sunset. - Green Discovery Laos treks (Nong Khiaw)
Guided kayaking and village treks with a long established operator.
Arts and Culture
- Tham Pha Tok Caves (Ban Nong Khiaw)
Caves where villagers sheltered during the war.
Nature and Outdoors
- Muang Ngoi Neua (Muang Ngoi)
Hammocks, rice fields and walks to villages and caves.
Stays
- Mandala Ou Resort (Nong Khiaw)
River view bungalows and a pool under the cliffs. - Nong Kiau Riverside (Ban Sop Houn)
Wooden bungalows with balconies over the river.
Places to Visit in Pakse
Arts and Culture
- Wat Phou (Champasak)
A pre Angkorian Khmer temple climbing a mountainside, listed by UNESCO. - Wat Luang Pakse (Pakse)
A colourful riverside temple and monk school.
Events
- Wat Phou Festival (Champasak)
A full moon festival with pilgrims, music and boxing each February.
Things to Do
- Bolaven Plateau Loop (Bolaven Plateau)
Ride or drive past coffee farms and waterfalls on a cool upland loop.
Nature and Outdoors
Cafés
- Jhai Coffee House (Pakse)
Bolaven coffee with profits going to farm communities.
Shopping and Markets
- Dao Heuang Market (Pakse)
One of the biggest markets in the south.
Restaurants
- Daolin Restaurant (Pakse)
A busy, easy place for Lao and Thai food.
Bars and Nightlife
- Le Panorama Rooftop (Pakse Hotel)
Sunset drinks over the Mekong and Xe Don.
Stays
- Pakse Hotel (Pakse)
A comfortable central hotel with a rooftop restaurant.
Places to Visit in Don Det
Nature and Outdoors
- Khone Phapheng Falls (Khone)
The largest waterfall in Southeast Asia by volume. - Li Phi Falls (Tad Somphamit) (Don Khone)
Powerful rapids on Don Khone, a short bike ride away. - Irrawaddy dolphin viewing (Ban Hang Khone)
Take a boat out to look for rare river dolphins near the border. - Sunset side hammocks (Don Det)
Watch the sun drop over the Mekong from a riverside bungalow.
Things to Do
- French railway bridge (Don Det to Don Khone)
Cycle over the old colonial railway bridge between the islands. - Kayaking the 4000 Islands (Si Phan Don)
Paddle through channels and rapids with a guide. - Cycling Don Det and Don Khone (Si Phan Don)
Hire a bike and loop rice fields and riverside villages.
Arts and Culture
- Old French locomotive (Don Khone)
A rusting relic of the short colonial railway.
Stays
- Sala Done Khone (Don Khone)
A riverside hotel in old French buildings. - Little Eden Guesthouse (Don Det)
A guesthouse with a pool at the tip of the island.
Shopping and Markets
- Nakasang Market (Ban Nakasang)
The mainland market where boats leave for the islands.
Places to Visit in Phonsavan
Arts and Culture
- Plain of Jars (Xieng Khouang)
Mysterious stone jars across the hills, listed by UNESCO. - MAG UXO Visitor Centre (Phonsavan)
Learn how the war still shapes life on the plateau.
Places to Visit in Thakhek
Nature and Outdoors
- Kong Lor Cave (Khammouane)
A boat ride through a river cave over seven kilometres long.
Things to Do
- Thakhek Loop (Khammouane)
A multi day motorbike loop through karst country.
Places to Visit in Huay Xai
Things to Do
- Gibbon Experience (Bokeo Nature Reserve)
Sleep in treehouses and zipline through the forest canopy. - Slow boat to Luang Prabang (Mekong River)
Two days on the Mekong through rural northern Laos.
More to Explore
We are still checking these with fresh sources, so confirm opening times before you go.
- Khambang Lao Food (Khounboulom Road, Vientiane)
A no frills favourite for grilled fish, laap and sticky rice with locals. - Feu Zap (Chanthabouly, Vientiane)
Busy noodle shop for a steaming bowl of feu with a pile of fresh herbs. - Chokdee Café (Fa Ngum Road, Vientiane)
Belgian beers and Lao bar snacks facing the river promenade. - Lao Textile Museum (Ban Nongtha, Vientiane)
A family run museum and garden showing silk dyeing and weaving traditions. - Luang Prabang Khao Soi Stalls (Old town, Luang Prabang)
Morning bowls of the town's own noodle soup with tomato and pork sauce. - Luang Prabang Bowling Alley (Outskirts, Luang Prabang)
The legendary late night spot when everything else shuts. - Nam Khan Bamboo Bridge (Nam Khan, Luang Prabang)
A seasonal bamboo bridge rebuilt every dry season across the river. - Blue Lagoon 3 (Ban Nathong, Vang Vieng)
A quieter lagoon further out, with swings and rope jumps. - Gary's Irish Bar (Old town, Vang Vieng)
A friendly long running pub with food and live sport. - Inthira Vang Vieng (Old town, Vang Vieng)
Simple, stylish rooms in the middle of town. - 100 Waterfalls trek (Ban Don Khoun, Nong Khiaw)
A day trek wading up a stream of cascades. - Delilah's Café (Nong Khiaw, Nong Khiaw)
Coffee, breakfast and trekking info on the main street. - Coco Home Bar and Restaurant (Nong Khiaw, Nong Khiaw)
Lao and Western food in a garden by the river. - Mr Vieng Coffee Homestay (Bolaven Plateau, Pakse)
Tour a family coffee and tea farm. - Kingfisher Ecolodge (Xe Pian, Pakse)
Wetland walks and birdlife at a quiet ecolodge. - Inthira Champasak (Champasak, Pakse)
A boutique hotel in a quiet riverside town. - Tad Khone Pasoi Falls (Don Khone, Don Det)
A quieter cascade on the far side of Don Khone. - 4000 Island Bar (Don Det, Don Det)
A sociable bar on the sunset side of the island.