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Best Things to Do
Top 20 Best Things to Do in Laos [2025]
Kuang Si Waterfall
4.7
/5
455 reviews
5.8
Based on 11,246 reviews
53.9 km from downtown
Address: Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
No.1 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Laos
Highlights:
Natural & free fish therapy
Unique diving & natural pool
Saved by 502 users209 positive reviews
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Kuang Si Waterfall – A Must-See Natural WonderKuang Si Waterfall is a stunning destination, perfect for photography and cooling off in its refreshing, turquoise pools. There are several natural basins where you can take a dip, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.The location is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but electric shuttles are available to take you close to the base of the waterfall. From there, it’s just a short hike. The trail is a dirt path, which can get slippery when it rains, so be cautious.The waterfall itself is quite unique—I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world. Its vibrant turquoise water and tiered cascades make it a truly memorable sight and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.The hike is easy for most, but it’s not accessible for wheelchairs. As for the viewpoint at the top, it’s hit or miss—some may find it scenic, but the real magic is definitely at the base of the falls.Entrance and parking fees are affordable, making it even more worth the visit.
Guangxi Waterfall is a famous tourist attraction in Laos, located in Wanrong, Laos. It integrates mountains, waterfalls, water pools, wetlands and other natural landscapes. The scenery is beautiful and the vegetation is lush. Many tourists can't help but put on a swimsuit and dive into the pool to swim.
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Victory Monument
4.6
/5
368 reviews
5.6
Based on 2,867 reviews
Vientiane City Center | >100 km from downtown
Address: XJC9+6F9 P.D.R, Vientiane 00100, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
No.1 of Night Attractions in Laos
Highlights:
360° view of Paris skyline
Panoramic view from 150 steps
Saved by 310 users168 positive reviews
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The most symbolic attraction in Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is the Arc de Triomphe, which was built to commemorate the country's independence and is located in the center of the entire city. It is said that between the airport and the Arc de Triomphe, the majority of the people chose to build the Arc de Triomphe first.
At both ends of Lancang Avenue, one is the Presidential Palace and the other is the Arc de Triomphe. There is also the Prime Minister's Office next to the Arc de Triomphe.
The square and the big fountain around the Arc de Triomphe are very beautiful. They were built with assistance from the Chinese government a few years ago. When the setting sun sets, it is also the most beautiful time for the Arc de Triomphe Square. Vientiane citizens bring their children to come and stroll around, and there is a peaceful scene.
With the majestic gushing of the musical fountain ⛲️, the entire square also reached a climax.
The happiest city, the happiest country, and the happiest people!
There is a temple on the left and right of the That Luang Temple. The one on the left is the Reclining Buddha Temple (introduced in another article), and the one on the right is the That Luang Angry Temple. The red roof and yellow walls are particularly eye-catching.
There is also a magnificent temple next to it, with a high spire and a standing Buddha on each side of the door. They are all very spectacular and beautiful.
The whole square is wide and clean, with some tall trees guarding this sacred land like soldiers.
Royal Palace & National Museum
4.5
/5
182 reviews
5.4
Based on 2,421 reviews
Luang Prabang City Center | 37.9 km from downtown
Phone +8562057895313
Address: 27 Ounheun Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Sunset view from Phousi Hill
Sunrise & sunset by Mekong
35% positive reviews
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The Luang Prabang Royal Palace Museum is located in the center of the old town of Labang, at the foot of Mount Phousi. The ticket price is 30,000 kip. The palace was built in 1904 and has been the bedroom of successive kings. It is now a museum for people to visit. The palace enshrines the Labang Buddha and there are many exhibits to visit. However, long sleeves and long pants are required to enter the palace. The landscape and greening in the courtyard are also quite good and worth a visit. It seems that there are also wonderful performances at fixed times.
The Grand Palace of Luang Prabang, the most luxurious palace in Southeast Asia built by French colonists for the Laotian royal family, was nationalized after the establishment of the socialist system in 1975, and the royal family moved to the north. It is now a national museum.
The picture of the golden and magnificent palace that you often see is actually just the royal family temple. The "工"-shaped building inside, which is a fusion of French architecture and traditional Laotian architectural style, is the main building of the palace.
Only after listening to the special explanation and looking at the layout and furnishings inside, can you appreciate the former luxury and dignity (no photos are allowed).
This place was looted by the Taiping Heavenly Kingdom, but fortunately, things like the "Great Golden Throne" were too heavy and were not moved away.
No.
4
Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)
4.5
/5
155 reviews
5.3
Based on 2,443 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +85621212248
Address: Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
View Thailand from Mekong River
Experience Buddhist reincarnation culture
Saved by 191 users46% positive reviews
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Xiangkun Temple is also called the Ten Thousand Buddhas Park. The park is not very large. If you walk straight into the park, you will see the Mekong River at the end of the road, and Chiang Rai in Thailand is on the other side. There are various Buddhist and Hindu Buddha sculptures in the park, of different sizes and expressions. It is more like a stone sculpture park than a temple. The various sculptures are set off by colorful bougainvilleas and other tropical plants, making them more sacred and beautiful.
Xiangkun Temple in Vientiane (Ten Thousand Buddhas Park), a must-visit attraction in Laos.
The "Internet celebrity" nine-story pagoda, the six reincarnations, the longest reclining Buddha, the monkey mouth heaven and hell tower, the standing statue of Shiva (holding a child who was killed by mistake), etc., many of which are introduced from some Buddhist stories and legends in Hinduism, and made into statues, which are extremely rare in most Buddhist places.
There is a mysterious legend behind each Buddha statue. Although they are all made of reinforced concrete, they are also delicate and beautiful, especially some facial expressions and body movements, which are closely related to the plot.
No.
5
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Phousi Hill
4.4
/5
213 reviews
5.1
Based on 4,178 reviews
Luang Prabang City Center | 37.7 km from downtown
Phone +8562098972772
Address: Ban Pakham, Sisavangvong Road, Luang Prabang, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-2 hours
Highlights:
Sunset view over Luang Prabang
16th-century temple & mysterious statue
Saved by 128 users37% positive reviews
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The whole town is in full view. It is recommended to go there when it is almost sunset so that you can see the beautiful sunset of the town. But you have to go early. If you go there at a certain time, there will be many people and no good seats.
Mount Phousi is an important attraction in the old town of Luang Prabang and an important Buddhist holy place. The mountain is not very high and can be reached in about 10 to 20 minutes. The entrances and exits on the upper and lower sides lead to the old town, so there is no need to worry about getting lost.
However, the steps are still quite steep, and the weather is hot, so it is best to choose the early morning and late evening.
Most people choose to go up in the evening to watch the sunset over the Mekong River, sitting quietly on the steps near the Shwedagon Pagoda on the top of the mountain, waiting for the sun to set. The area on the top of the mountain is not large, so it seems that there are quite a lot of people.
There are messy trees on the hillside, and there are few angles suitable for taking sunset photos. However, most people just want to enjoy the baptism of the sunset.
No.
6
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Nam Song River
4.7
/5
105 reviews
5.1
96.2 km from downtown
Address: Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.2 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Laos
Highlights:
600-year-old preserved architecture
Relaxing tubing & thrilling kayaking
55% positive reviews
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Whether it is rafting long-tail boats or kayaking, they are all good activities. It is a good choice to avoid the rainy season. The cost of the project is not high. You can find a local merchant to choose your favorite day tour project. Let's go on a tuk-tuk.
The Nam Song River is in Vangrong, Laos. The water is clear. If it is the rainy season, the waves are turbulent. Now it is the dry season, and it is slightly gentle. Take a long-tail boat in the river, and the strong wind blows on your face, blowing your white hair and rubbing your cheeks. What does it feel like?
No.
7
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Alms Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang
4.5
/5
125 reviews
5.1
Luang Prabang City Center | 37.4 km from downtown
Phone +85671212487
Address: V4VQ+FV6, Sakkaline Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 0.5-1 hour
Highlights:
Experience serene & sacred almsgiving
Experience Laotian boys' monkhood tradition
42% positive reviews
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More than a decade ago, I wanted to go to Luang Prabang because I was attracted by a photo of alms. Now I finally have the opportunity to go. In order to see the alms, you need to get up early. The weather is super hot in summer. The only advantage is that it is bright when you get up early. After watching the alms, you can go directly to the morning market. Alms are the monks accepting food from people, but the monks only accept the amount they need, and then give the extra food back to other poor people who need it more. Feel the baptism of the soul and the power of faith in the simple ceremony.
I have heard that giving alms is a high-level merit. I am very grateful for the arrangement of the travel agency. This time in Luang Prabang, I was fortunate to participate in it.
Since the China-Laos Railway has been open for more than two years, more and more tourists have flocked here, and the monks' early morning alms have gradually become a tourist attraction that tourists like.
It feels that the streets for giving alms may have divided the tourist area and the area for local believers. When we arrived, small stools, small carpets, food (glutinous rice), disposable gloves, and plaid cloth towels on the shoulders were all prepared for us. Someone will guide us to sit in a special position, take off our shoes and put them behind us, and then wait for the monks to arrive.
In addition to rice, you can also prepare some snacks or change, and RMB is also accepted.
The monks all walk barefoot on the sidewalk, so be sure not to walk on it with shoes.
An unforgettable experience, the power of faith!
No.
8
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Wat Xieng Thong
4.6
/5
256 reviews
5.0
Based on 2,320 reviews
37.1 km from downtown
Phone +8562052940458
Address: V4XV+27J, Khem Khong, Luang Prabang, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1 hour
Highlights:
Monk life & religious rituals
Peep test & Buddhist affinity
Saved by 109 users105 positive reviews
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Xiangtong Temple is a more famous tourist punching place in Laos. There is a large tree on the exterior wall with a sign on the important building of Xiangtong Temple, which draws many Buddhist stories, and is also auspicious place for the Lao people to make wishes and ask for Buddha.
Wat Xieng Thong, the only royal temple in Luang Prabang, has the "Tree of Life" that reveals the cycle of karma, the reclining Buddha, and the old abbot as the three treasures of the temple.
It is said that before the temple was built, there was a towering tree here. Later, this "Tree of Life" was painted on the back wall of the main hall. The patterns on it are all legends of karma and reincarnation in Buddhism.
The old abbot is on the right hand side of the Buddha in the main hall, and a photo of the old abbot is placed next to him, which is lifelike.
The reclining Buddha is not easy to find. It is said to be very effective, but people with destiny will always see it!
The gate of the temple is the cruise ship dock for visiting the Mae Khlong River.
No.
9
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Pha That Luang
4.6
/5
239 reviews
4.8
Based on 1,628 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8562095210600
Address: That Luang, Xaysettha 10009, Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 2-3 hours
Highlights:
Cultural & sports shows in November
Grand festival & fair in November
Saved by 219 users138 positive reviews
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That Luang Temple is the most sacred Buddhist building in Laos and one of the national symbols. Its golden pagoda is
2. Historical background
Origin: It was built in the 3rd century and was originally a small pagoda for worshipping Buddha bones. In the 16th century, it was expanded to its current size by King Saythathirat of the Lan Xang Kingdom.
Reconstruction: After wars and colonial destruction, it was restored many times in the 19th and 20th centuries. The current appearance is the result of the restoration during the French colonial period in the 1930s.
Symbolic significance: The That Luang pattern can be seen on the national emblem and currency of Laos, reflecting its national spirit and cultural core position.
3. Architectural features
Main tower structure: The four-story base symbolizes the Buddhist "three realms" and "nirvana", the top lotus spire points directly to the sky, and the stupa-style tower body is inlaid with reliefs and religious patterns.
Decorative details : The base of the tower is engraved with reliefs of Buddha statues, lotus flowers, mythical beasts, etc., and the murals in the corridors depict Buddhist stories and Laotian history.
Attached buildings: The surrounding small Buddhist temples, scripture pavilions and Buddha statues are well preserved. Some buildings were newly built in recent years with a unified style.
4. Cultural significance
That Luang Temple is not only a religious holy place, but also a symbol of Lao national identity. The That Luang Festival (Boun That Luang) in November every year is the grandest festival. Monks and believers from all over the country gather to hold ceremonies, parades and market activities, which are very lively.
5. Visiting experience
Visual shock: The golden pagoda forms a sharp contrast with the blue sky. It is particularly magnificent at sunrise and sunset, which is suitable for photography.
Cultural immersion: You can observe local believers praying and monks chanting scriptures, and feel the immersion of Buddhist culture.
Suggestions for visiting: Avoid the scorching sun at noon, it is best to visit in the early morning or evening; the interior of the pagoda is not open, but you can visit around the outside.
6. Practical information
Opening hours: 8:00-17:00 (daily)
Tickets: 10,000 kip (about RMB 4)
Transportation: Tuk-tuk takes about 15 minutes to reach the center of Vientiane, and the cost is less than 30,000 kip.
Dress requirements: Wear long pants/long skirts, cover shoulders, and respect the etiquette of religious places.
Duration of the tour: 1-2 hours (it is recommended to plan a half-day itinerary in combination with other temples in the surrounding area).
7. Precautions
Respect customs: Avoid making noise, pointing at Buddha statues, and women should not touch monks.
Sun protection and heatstroke prevention: The venue is open, and you need to prepare a hat, sunglasses, and drinking water.
Guide service: You can hire an English guide at the entrance (about 50,000 kip) to explain the historical details in depth.
Small vendors: There are stalls selling flowers, incense, candles and souvenirs outside the temple, and you can bargain appropriately.
8. Summary
Recommendation Index: ★★★★★
That Luang Temple is a "must-visit place" in Vientiane and even Laos, with a heavy sense of history and visual impact. Although it is not as large as other famous temples in Southeast Asia, its sacred atmosphere and national symbolism are unique. Suitable for cultural enthusiasts, photography players and short-distance tourists. It is recommended to combine it with attractions such as the Vientiane Arc de Triomphe and Sisaket Temple to experience the charm of Laos.
Tips: If you have enough time, you can participate in the That Luang Festival (during the full moon in November) to experience the most authentic religious culture and folk customs!
Wat Pho is one of the many temples in Vientiane. It is not very large, but it is very popular because it is just across the road from the famous Wat That Luang and is protected by a huge reclining Buddha.
There is a very exquisite and tall sculpture inside, on which there is a prince-like figure drawing a bow and shooting an arrow. There are also several angles where you can take pictures of the Shwedagon Pagoda of Wat That Luang.
The surrounding walls are also quite distinctive, with golden pagodas of respected and prestigious families, which are spectacular.
No.
10
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Tham Phu Kham Cave and Blue Lagoon
4.7
/5
18 reviews
4.8
Based on 1,568 reviews
>100 km from downtown
Phone +8562055528090
Address: 7km West of Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng 1003 Laos
Recommended sightseeing time: 1-3 hours
No.3 of Water fun & Cool Retreats in Laos
Highlights:
Blue Lagoon view from mid-mountain
Explore stunning limestone & stalactites
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The Blue Lagoon is really beautiful and worth a visit. It was the last stop of our day trip. Even if you don't dive, it's fun to watch people diving below. The people below were very supportive and kept encouraging the divers. The lagoon is clear and fun to swim in. There are many tables and chairs around, as well as food stalls. You can spend a leisurely afternoon here.
Since the water is groundwater flowing out of the cave, it is rich in copper and other minerals, so it is particularly blue, especially when the sun shines through the leaves onto the water, the colorful colors are even more psychedelic.
The main thing to thank is the crooked tree on the shore. A thick branch extends horizontally to the water surface, naturally forming a one-meter diving platform. Later, an iron platform was erected about 5 meters above the trunk of the tree, and a bamboo ladder was erected, making this place a paradise for water sports backpackers from all over the world. Looking at the words on the price tag at the back, you can see that most people are from Europe, America and South Korea.
The name is called Lake, but it is actually a river, very similar to the one at the door of my grandmother's house when I was a child (you can imagine it by looking at the bridge in the last picture).
Facing such a clear and blue lake, looking at the young and agile figures, holding a sweet coconut, I instantly understood why this is the place with the highest sense of happiness!
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