Top Things to Do in Laos

10 Best Things to see and do in Laos Curated by The Story Mojo

Laos, the only landlocked country in Southeast Asia, is a hidden gem of untouched nature, Buddhist heritage, and slow-paced charm. Unlike its bustling neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, Laos offers a serene, culturally rich experience with stunning landscapes, French-colonial architecture, and warm hospitality. lets dive into things to do in Laos.

Best things to do in Laos, including:
✔ Must-visit temples & UNESCO sites
✔ Adventure activities (trekking, kayaking, ziplining)
✔ Cultural experiences & local food
✔ Best places to stay & travel tips

1. Explore Luang Prabang – The Spiritual & Cultural Heart of Laos

 

📍 Location: Northern Laos
🕒 Best Time to Visit: November – February (Cool & dry)

Why Visit?

A UNESCO World Heritage city, Luang Prabang blends golden temples, French-colonial buildings, and Mekong River views.

Top Things to Do:

✔ Alms-Giving Ceremony (Tak Bat) – Witness monks collecting alms at sunrise.
✔ Kuang Si Waterfalls – Swim in turquoise pools surrounded by jungle.
✔ Mount Phousi Sunset – Climb 328 steps for panoramic city views.
✔ Royal Palace Museum – Discover Laos’ royal history.
✔ Night Market (Hmong Market) – Shop for handicrafts & try street food.

Where to Stay:

• Luxury: Belmond La Résidence Phou Vao (5-star retreat)
• Mid-Range: The Grand Luang Prabang (Colonial-style hotel)
• Budget: Villa Chitdara (Affordable guesthouse)

2. Visit Vientiane – Laos’ Charming Capital

📍 Location: Central Laos (Mekong Riverside)
🕌 Best For: History lovers & foodies

Must-Do Activities:

✔ Pha That Luang – Laos’ most sacred golden stupa.
✔ Patuxai (Victory Gate) – Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe.
✔ COPE Visitor Centre – Learn about Laos’ history with UXO (bomb remnants).
✔ Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) – Bizarre sculpture garden with giant statues.

Best Restaurants:

• Kualao Restaurant (Fine Lao cuisine)
• Noy’s Fruit Heaven (Fresh smoothies & snacks)

3. Discover the Plain of Jars – A Mysterious Archaeological Wonder

📍 Location: Phonsavan (Xieng Khouang Province)
🧭 Best For: History buffs & off-the-beaten-path explorers

Why Visit?

Thousands of ancient stone jars (dating back 2,000 years) scatter the landscape—a UNESCO-listed mystery.

How to Explore:

✔ Jar Site 1 (Most accessible)
✔ Jar Site 2 (More remote, scenic)
✔ Jar Site 3 (Forest setting)

Travel Tip: Hire a guide to learn about the Vietnam War bomb craters nearby.

4. Adventure in Vang Vieng – The Backpacker Paradise

📍 Location: Between Vientiane & Luang Prabang
🚣 Best For: Outdoor adventures

Top Activities:

✔ Tubing on the Nam Song River (Iconic but now more regulated)
✔ Blue Lagoon & Cave Swimming (Tham Poukham Cave)
✔ Hot Air Balloon Ride (Stunning karst mountain views)
✔ Kayaking & Rock Climbing

Where to Stay:

• Riverside Boutique Resort (Luxury)
• Vang Vieng Rock Backpackers Hostel (Budget-friendly)

5. Cruise the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves

📍 Location: Near Luang Prabang
⛵ Best For: Scenic boat trips & spirituality

Why Visit?

These sacred caves house thousands of Buddha statues left by pilgrims.

How to Get There:

✔ Slow boat from Luang Prabang (2-3 hours)
✔ Speedboat (1 hour, more expensive)

Pro Tip: Stop at Whiskey Village to try Lao-Lao rice whiskey.

6. Trek & Stay with Locals in Luang Namtha

📍 Location: Northern Laos (Near China border)
🌿 Best For: Eco-tourism & ethnic culture

Best Experiences:

✔ Nam Ha National Park Trekking (Jungle & hill tribe villages)
✔ Kayaking on the Nam Tha River
✔ Night Market in Luang Namtha Town

Where to Stay:

• Zuela Guesthouse (Budget eco-lodge)
• The Boat Landing Guesthouse (Riverside retreat)

7. Relax in Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

📍 Location: Southern Laos (Mekong River)
🏝 Best For: Slow travel & waterfalls

Top Things to Do:

✔ Don Det & Don Khon Islands – Bike rides & riverside bungalows.
✔ Irrawaddy Dolphins Spotting – Rare freshwater dolphins.
✔ Khone Phapheng Falls – Southeast Asia’s largest waterfall.

Best Stay:

• Little Eden Guesthouse (Don Det, budget-friendly)

8. Explore Thakhek’s “Loop” – A Motorbike Adventure

📍 Location: Central Laos
🏍 Best For: Road trip enthusiasts

The Thakhek Loop Highlights:

✔ Kong Lor Cave (7.5km-long river cave)
✔ Cool Springs & Waterfalls
✔ French Colonial Ruins

Rental Tip: Rent a semi-automatic bike (better for rough roads).

9. Experience Lao Cuisine – Must-Try Dishes

 

🍜 Best Lao Foods:
✔ Laap (Minced meat salad with herbs)
✔ Tam Mak Hoong (Spicy green papaya salad)
✔ Khao Piak Sen (Lao noodle soup)
✔ Sticky Rice (Eaten with hands!)

Best Food Markets:

• Luang Prabang Night Market
• Talat Sao (Vientiane Morning Market)

10. Attend a Lao Festival (If Timing Allows)

🎉 Best Festivals:
✔ Boun Pi Mai (Lao New Year, April) – Water fights & temple visits.
✔ Boun Ok Phansa (End of Buddhist Lent, Oct) – Boat races & candlelit processions.

Travel Tips for Laos

✔ Visa: Most nationalities get a 30-day visa on arrival.
✔ Currency: Lao Kip (USD/THB also accepted).
✔ Transport: Buses & slow boats are common; flights connect major cities.
✔ Etiquette: Dress modestly at temples; avoid touching heads.

Is Laos Worth Visiting?

Absolutely! Laos offers a mix of spirituality, adventure, and untouched beauty—perfect for travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path experiences.

Have you been to Laos? Share your favorite spots below!

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