Top 10 Things to See and Do in Laos
1. Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is an ancient royal capital and this city was recognized as World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1995. Francis Engelmann, a professional architecture at UNESCO, stated that there was no another ancient city in the world like Luang Prabang. Coming to this city, visitors will deeply understand Francis’s saying.
Xieng Thong temple
Luang Prabang has owned its charming with tiny houses stretching along small roads, sparkling lanterns at night and friendly smiles from local people here. Besides, the city is very well known for Buddhist spirit,the slow pace of life, light steps of monks in every road and most importantly, the perfect place for spiritual contemplation.
Giving alms to monks
Luang Prabang night market
2. Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is situated about 150 kilometres far away from Vientiane. Surrounded by breathtaking landscapes with mountains, rivers, cliffs, Vang Vieng becomes a perfect destination for those who want to escape from busy life and experience the peace. With no modern buildings, no luxury resorts, this tiny city gives tourist wonderful opportunities to live slower, enjoy every second in the peaceful village and experience beauty of nature, particularly Tham Poukham Cave or Tham Norn.
The peaceful village
Coming here, visitor can have opportunity to stay among nature with simple tents by the Nam Song river, sail Kayak or go on air balloon to have different view of Vang Vieng.
3. Wat Sisaket
Wat Sisaket is one of the most important temples in Vientiane with hundreds of seated Buddhas and thousands of Buddhist images in all size and materials. One more thing that makes Wat Sisaket famous is its beautiful architecture and history dated back to 1818. Visitors coming here will be astonished by five-tiered roof, surrounding verandas or a drum tower.
4. That Luang
Another famous and must-visit temple in Vientiane is That Luang. It was built in 1566 with the shape like a fortress surrounded by high walls, two temples with main stupa and the top of temple is covered by gold leaf.
The main event occurring in the That Luang is Boun That Luang festival in November. It is considered as one of the most important festival in Laos with a large number of followers and visitors coming to take part in and enjoy activities like parades, live music, ceremonies.
5. Buddha Park
The Buddha Park does not figure only Buddha images but Hindu gods as well. To come into the park, the tourist must go pass an entrance that is like a devil mouth with a stone ladder inside. The most outstanding feature of Buddha Park is Indra, the King of Hindu gods with four arms and surrounded by twelve faces with different items on their hands. Tourist coming there will not only be surprised by the size and arrangement of each statue but also be attracted by the meaning inside it.
6. Bolaven Plateau
Bolaven Plateau is the most famous plateau in Laos, attracting a large number of tourists coming here to experience adventure tourism and enjoy the breathtaking scenery. The Platea ranges from 1000 to 1350 metres in height above sea level, which makes the weather here is cooler and perfect for anyone desiring for low temperature in Laos.
Coming to Bolaven, visitors can not miss the Tad Fane twin waterfall, which is about 100 metres down with gorgeous view combined from falls and forest. The forest here is also in national park with a lot of valuable species like leopards, hornbills, tigers, etc.
7. Bokeo
Bokeo has the meaning of “gem mine” because of its richness in precious stones. It is also situated in the heart of golden triangle. Besides, people know about Bokeo due to its beautiful nature and great experience tourists have in here. Tourists coming here are always excited about staying in small stable houses on the top of trees and observe the rare species’ habitants from above.
8. Wat Phu
Wat Phu is regarded as one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos with a temple build form the 5th century. Tourists coming to this site can see a lot of beautiful and meaningful carving, particularly Indra, Vishnu, Hindu gods of war, storms and rainfall.
If tourists visit the site on the full month of the 3rd lunar month, they will have the opportunity to be participated in the biggest festival with monk-blessing ceremonies, elephant racing or trade fair so that they deeper understand the culture and wisdom in Laos.
9. The Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is one of the most famous sites in Laos. A lot of visitors coming to Laos to admire a unique and distinctive site with sandstone and granite jars in different size and ages. The meaning of those jars is still mysterious. While some people believe that they were made for rice wine storing, it is stated by other people that they were for storing the dead. Besides the scale of jars plain, it is mysterious meaning that attracts more and more tourists coming here to discover.
10. That Ing Hang Stupa
That Ing Hang Stupa is an important place for worship with beautiful carving and decoration. Tourists coming here need to conform to “Dress with respect” rule. It is required for women to wear traditional pahsin, a traditional sarong of Lao people.
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Source: Laos tours
