Attractions of Laos

To help inspire or plan your trip to Laos, some of its major attractions for travellers are shown below, including some of the best natural, historical, cultural and adventure sites in the country. These include all of UNESCO World Heritage Sites for Laos which represent the best of the world's cultural and natural heritage.
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Natural	History	Wildlife	Trekking	Cities	Religious Monument	Boat Journey	Rail Journey	Diving	Cultural	Adrenaline	UNESCO WHS

Cities of interest in Laos

Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang, which had been the monarchical capital for centuries, is one of the most charming and best preserved cities in southeast Asia. Set amongst forested hills, it combines traditional Lao architecture, in particular numerous temples, with European colonial buildings. In early morning the mists from the Mekong shroud the city before the town's saffron-clad monks begin their procession through the town collecting alms. Among the temples of note is the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Temple built in 1559 which is decorated in red, green and golden designs and filled with extravagant mosaics and decorations. The Royal Palace, whose design blends European and Lao influences, now houses the National Museum which has artefacts describing Lao culture over many centuries. In the evening the views over the town from Mount Phousi are excellent as the sunset illuminates the golden temple towers. Also worth checking out are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang . UNESCO World Heritage Site: Town of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, which had been the monarchical capital for centuries, is one of the most charming and best preserved cities in southeast Asia. Set amongst forested hills, it combines traditional Lao architecture, in particular numerous temples, with European colonial buildings. In early morning the mists from the Mekong shroud the city before the town's saffron-clad monks begin their procession through the town collecting alms. Among the temples of note is the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Temple built in 1559 which is decorated in red, green and golden designs and filled with extravagant mosaics and decorations. The Royal Palace, whose design blends European and Lao influences, now houses the National Museum which has artefacts describing Lao culture over many centuries. In the evening the views over the town from Mount Phousi are excellent as the sunset illuminates the golden temple towers. Also worth checking out are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang .

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Town of Luang Prabang

Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a relaxed and laid-back city. Its attractions include the Patuxai (or Victory) Monument - Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket - the oldest temple in the city packed with silver and ceramic Buddhas, Wat Prakeo - the temple which used to house the Emerald Buddha, and the That Luang stupa - Laos's most famous religious and national monument, said to contain a bone of the Buddha.

Vientiane

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a relaxed and laid-back city. Its attractions include the Patuxai (or Victory) Monument - Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket - the oldest temple in the city packed with silver and ceramic Buddhas, Wat Prakeo - the temple which used to house the Emerald Buddha, and the That Luang stupa - Laos's most famous religious and national monument, said to contain a bone of the Buddha.

Sam Nua
Sam Nua is the capital of the Hua Phan province in northeast Laos. Rebuilt in the 1970s after being devastated by American bombing, the town serves as a focal point and market place for tribes of surrounding villages. Southwest of Sam Nua lie the standing stones of Hintang, thought to mark the graves of an ancient civilisation. Further east lie the Vieng Xai Caves, a network of limestone tunnels and chambers used by Communist revolutionaries as a base and shelter from the bombings. Today you can view the living quarters and command centres and learn more about the Secret War.

Sam Nua

Sam Nua is the capital of the Hua Phan province in northeast Laos. Rebuilt in the 1970s after being devastated by American bombing, the town serves as a focal point and market place for tribes of surrounding villages. Southwest of Sam Nua lie the standing stones of Hintang, thought to mark the graves of an ancient civilisation. Further east lie the Vieng Xai Caves, a network of limestone tunnels and chambers used by Communist revolutionaries as a base and shelter from the bombings. Today you can view the living quarters and command centres and learn more about the Secret War.