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Vientiane -

The Laos travel experience invariably begins in the capital, Vientiane. First stop should be the fabulous Pha That Luang, or the "Great Stupa." This landmark visitor attraction is a gold-colored Buddhist stupa—a place of meditation—located in the city center.

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Pha That Luang -

Believed to date back to the 3rd century, Pha That Luang is regarded as the most important national monument in Laos, and is a cherished national symbol.

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Wat Si Saket -

Vientiane is also the location of another venerable monument, Wat Si Saket. A Buddhist wat, or temple, dating back to the early 19th century, Wat Si Saket represents the Siamese style of architecture, with a surrounding terrace and an ornate five-tiered roof, rather than in the more simple Lao style.

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Buddhist treasures -

The temple features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images. Pause here and ponder these treasures before exploring the onsite museum.

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Patuxai Monument -

Vientiane's Patuxai Monument stands as a war memorial dedicated to all those who fought in the struggle for independence from France. It was built between 1957 and 1968, and is decorated over the exterior with mythological creatures. The arch houses a museum, and there are fine city views to be enjoyed from the top-floor viewing platform.

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Buddha Park -

Here's a green space with a difference, the Buddha Park. Located 25 km (16 mi) southeast from Vientiane, this sculpture park is also called Xieng Khuan, which means Spirit City. The attraction contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. 

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Kuang Si waterfall -

Exploring the Laos countryside is to discoverer a world of magical caves and tumbling waterfalls. The Kuang Si waterfall in northern Laos mesmerizes with its natural beauty. Beneath the falls are a series of shallow pools where you can take a refreshing dip.

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Pak Ou natural cave -

Located at the confluence of the Nam Ou River and Mekong River is the famous cave complex of Pak Ou. Here, two enormous caverns are crammed with myriad of Buddha depictions. Bring a torch to admire them properly. The most rewarding way of reaching the caves is by taking a riverboat cruise.  

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Luang Prabang -

Both the waterfall and cave complex are located near the historical capital city of Luang Prang. More a cluster of villages than an urban center, much of Luang Prang has been granted UNESCO World Heritage status for its well-preserved architectural, religious, and cultural heritage.

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UNESCO status -

A much-photographed Luang Prang landmark is the gilded stupa of Wat Chom Si, set on the wooded summit of Mount Phou Si.

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Illuminated temples -

Luang Prabang's ancient town is home to numerous temples and monasteries, all of which can be visited. The buildings are especially evocative after dark, when they are illuminated by hundreds of lanterns.

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Monks on the move -

Every morning, hundreds of monks from the various monasteries walk through the streets collecting alms. Rise early to witness this sacred spectacle and then join them as they settle for chants and prayer.

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The Elephant Village Sanctuary -

While in Luang Prabang, be sure to find time to visit the Elephant Village Sanctuary. This educational facility is dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Asian elephants in Laos. Wild elephants were once widespread throughout the country, but their numbers have depleted alarmingly. Today, the animals are mostly used for work, and it's those rescued from the shackles of forced labor that end up at the sanctuary. Spending a day here allows you to interact with these magnificent beasts, and you'll learn how to care for and bathe them. 

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Bolaven Plateau -

The Bolaven Plateua, an elevated region in southern Laos, is where you can savor  some of the freshest coffee you're ever likely to taste. This is where the Sinouk Coffee plantation is located. Guided tours of the estate afford visitors an insight into the traditional methods behind producing a cup of delicious Lao Arabica coffee.

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Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area -

Set partly along the eastern Bolaven Plateau is the Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area, an evergreen forest of outstanding natural beauty. A visual standout is the stunning Tad Fane waterfall. The park is a top ecotourism destination, and embarking on a tour guided by expert rangers is the most rewarding way of exploring this pristine wilderness.

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Wildlife -

Wildlife likely to be encountered in Dong Hua Sao includes the endangered yellow-cheeked gibbon (pictured). The wetlands, meanwhile, are home to the critically endangered Siamese crocodile.

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4000 Islands -

Paske, a city of the southern Laotian province of Champasak, is the ideal base from which to explore the country's 4000 Islands region, through which the mighty Mekong flows. The three biggest islands, Don Khong, Don Khon, and Don Det, are the most popular with tourists.

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Don Khon Island -

The islands are remote, and modern facilities are sparse. But therein lies the appeal. This is a region bereft of Internet and ATMs, and other modern conveniences. Spend a few days here, perhaps on Don Khon (pictured), the largest island (which does in fact boast decent infrastructure, such as asphalted roads and electricity) and leave the rest of the world behind.

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Dining on the Mekong -

A typical Don Khon Island restaurant set on the banks of the Mekong River.

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"Niagara of Asia" -

Champasak Province is where you can also marvel at the thundering Khone Phapheng Falls, described as the "Niagara of Asia."

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Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area -

A region of exceptional biodiversity, the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area is located in the country's Khammouane Province, about five hours by vehicle from Vientiane. Hidden within this lush, tropical region are the fabulous Kong Lor Caves. This spectacular river cave system is one of the longest in the world and makes for memorable exploration by sightseeing boat.

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Vat Phou -

Vat Phou in southern Laos is a ruined Khmer Hindu temple complex set at the base of Phou Khao Mountain, which is considered a sacred peak. The entire archaeological site falls under UNESCO World Heritage protection, and is simply astonishing.

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Centuries-old temple -

A temple stood at Vat Phou as early as the 5th century, but the surviving structures date from the 11th to 13th centuries.

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Carved from stone -

You can easily spend half a day or so exploring the sanctuary, which is composed of several shrines, many of them embellished with ancient stonework depicting the god Vishnu. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 3.0)

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Nong Khiaw -

Nong Khiaw is popular with tourists due to the network of walking and cycling routes set in and around the village. Set on the Nam Ou River, in Luang Prabang Province, the destination is a favorite with climbers and hikers drawn here by the soaring mountains that enclose the village. (Photo: Wikimedia/CC BY-SA 4.0)

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Plain of Jars -

Surely one of the country's more unusual visitor attractions, the Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape consisting of thousands of stone jars scattered around the upland valleys and the lower foothills of the central plain of the Xiangkhoang Plateau. The site is dated to the Iron Age (500 BCE to 500 CE) and is one of the most important prehistoric sites in Southeast Asia.

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Delicious street food -

Exploring Laos will no doubt work up an appetite. Fortunately, hungry mouths are appeased by the many street food stalls scattered around the country. A recommended on-the-go belly filler is yaw dip—spring roll made with rice paper, vermicelli, lettuce, and various fillings including shrimp. It's usually eaten with peanut sauce or Laotian sweet sauce. Enjoy!

Sources: (Britannica) (National Geographic) (Info Please)

See also: Must-try street food for travelers

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