Visitor Information
Most tourists gather in the following three regions: northern, central and southern.
1. Northern
- Luang Prabang architecture and restaurants
- Ban Phanom weaving village
- River trip to the sacred Pak Ou caves
- Luxury two-day Mekong cruise
- Trekking in Luang Namtha
- Historic towns Muang Sing and Boun Tai
- Ancient Souvannakhomkham city ruins
- Viengxay Caves “Hidden City” in Houaphanh
- Hintang ancient standing stones
- Intricate Houaphanh woven silks
- Mulberry and bamboo paper
- Khmu basketry and Hmong embroidery
- Tigers in Nam Et-Phou Loei and Phou Den Din NPAs
- Gibbons in Nam Ha NPA and Bokeo Nature Reserve
2. Central
- Wide elephant viewing in Phou Khao Khouay NPA
- Caving and tubing in Vang Vieng
- Rafting and kayaking the Nam Lik and Nam Ngum rivers
- Breathtaking mountain scenery on the way to Luang Prabang
- Exploring Xayabouly teak forests on elephant back.
- Mysterious 2000 year old stone urns on the Plain of Jars
3. Southern
- Dinosaur fossils in Savannakhet
- Vat Phou Temple Complex and ancient city
- Ho Chi Minh Trail
- Majestic Khone Phapheng waterfall
- Riverside beaches on the unique Siphandon 4000 Islands
- Biologically diverse wetlands
- Bird watching in Nakai-Nam Teun and Xe Pian NPAs
- Aromatic Bolaven Plateau Coffee
- Stunning karst limestone and huge caves in Khammouane
- Rafting the Mekong rapids
- Irrawaddy freshwater dolphins
- Luxury Mekong cruise
- View Douc Langurs in Dong Phou Vieng, Savannakhet
SIGHTSEEING OPPORTUNITIES (SHORT TRIP/HALF DAY)
For short visits to Laos, tourists may want to join a sightseeing tour of Vientiane Capital, Luang Prabang, Pakse, Vangvieng or Savannakhet.
The trip begins by visiting the religious museums of Wat Sisaket – (the oldest temple that has survived the Siamese war of 1828) its cloister contains more than 8000 Buddha statues; Wat Ho Prakeo - the former home-temple of the Emerald Buddha statue or Pra Keo which contains a collection of Buddha statues, antiques and artifacts found around Vientiane; That Luang Stupa - the single most important monument in Laos which was built to cover the original small stupa containing a piece of the chest bone of Buddha; Patouxay (Arch de Triumph) - built recently in commemoration of those who died during past wars and it is today the land-mark of Vientiane.
SIGHTSEEING OPPORTUNITIES (FULL DAY)
1 Day Naga Cruise – Houeixay – Luang Prabang
Naga of Mekong Boat is a traditional converted wooden boat with a maximum capacity of 25 persons. The boat is 32 meters long and 2.8 meters at its widest. The leg room between the seats offers plenty of leg room and allows for people to move around. All seats are comfortable reclining seats and the boat is equipped with a clean modern toilet.
Luang Prabang Heritage Experience - 1 day City tour - Surroundings of Luang Prabang (www.greendiscoverylaos.com)
Vang Vieng Experience -1 day kayaking and caving
Dining
Laos is a country with an assortment of culinary options from local dishes to international cuisine such as French, Italian, Chinese and Indian. Laotian food is known to be one of the most diverse and delicious in Asia. Laap, a traditional dish made from a choice of beef, pork, turkey, chicken or fish mixed with lemon juice, spring onion, brown rice powder, chili powder, mint leaves, served with steam sticky rice, lettuce, cucumber and local herbs is a must-try. Other local dishes include Tam Mak Hung or Papaya Salad served with Khao Larm (sticky rice cooked in bamboo shoot), Ping Kai Lard (chicken BBQ), Laotian sausages Sai Ouah, and Laotian rice noodle Khao Poun. For more on dining in Laos, please visit www.tourismlaos.gov.la/restaurant
NIGHT ENTERTAINMENT
The locals love to spend the evenings at home with their family. However, there are still many interesting evening entertainment in Laos such as the classic restaurants where Laotians perform their traditional dances. Other evening entertainment include night clubs with live band, bar, cinemas and discotheque can be found in most big cities.
RECOMMENDED ACCOMMODATIONS
Accommodation in Laos range from simple guesthouses to first-class hotels. For more information, please visit www.laohotelgroup.org
- La Residence Phou Vao in Laung Prabang Province
Website: www.pansea.com or www.laohotelgroup.org/accommodation.php
- La Maison Souvannaphoum
Website: www.coloursofangsana.com
- Lao Plaza Hotel in Vientiane Capital
Website: www.laoplazahotel.com
- Novotel Hotel in Vientiane Capital
Website: www.novotel.com
- Settha Palace Hotel
Website: www.setthapalace.com
- Donchan Palace Hotel in Vientiane Capital
Website: www.donchanpalacehotel.com
- Champasack Palace in Champasack Hotel
Website: www.laos-hotels.com
- Villa Santi Resort and Spa
Website: www.villasantihotel.com
FAVOURITE BEACHES
Laos is a land locked country with access to the sea. However, Laos still amazes with its beautiful lakes such as Nam Ngum Dam in Vientiane Province and Mekong River beach – Don Deng or Red Beach in Champasack Province.
SPORTS
The locals love to participate in sports during their leisure time. Major sporting activities enjoyed in the country include boxing, football, sepraktakor, Lao Hockey and swimming. More Laotians have taken up other sporting activities such as badminton, bowling, golf, tennis, petang, and volleyball. In addition, there are also more adventurous outdoor activities such as kayaking, rafting, and even parachute jumping.
SHOPPING
Laos is a great shopping destination for visitors who love handicrafts and souvenirs such as silk, silver production and wood carving.
Best Shopping Area
- Morning Market (Talat Sao) in Vientiane Capital.
- Night Market in Luang Prabang Province.
- China Market in Vientiane Capital.
- Dao Heuang Market in Champasak Province.
- Phousi Market in Laungprabng Province.
