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*Last updated 1/7/2024
The Best Things to Do in Laos
Laos is a bit more off the beating track than Thailand or Vietnam. The biggest city, Vientiane, is small in comparison to Bangkok, Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh City. However, taking a slow boat down the Mekong River was a magical experience. Slow down and enjoy the tranquil scenery of Laos. The table of contents below covers northern Laos to the capital Vientiane, which is the main tourist area, and is listed from north to south.
Table of Contents
1. The Mekong River
The Mekong River is the life-blood of Northern Laos. Also, it is one of the main sources of transportation, both for locals and tourists. Most visitors start in the north and go south, traveling along the natural flow of the river. Additionally, if you take river transportation, you can decide between a “slow” boat or “fast” boat. If you take the slow boat, you get to enjoy the Mekong scenery at a relaxing pace. However, we did see some people on the fast boats zoom by, but just be aware that they are very loud.
2. Luang Prabang
The city of Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is in the heart of northern Laos on the banks of the Mekong River. Additionally, it is an UNESCO World Heritage Site. As you set down the river from Chang Rai, Thailand, this will be your first overnight stop. It is a fun town to explore and there is also a ferry that will take you across the river if you want to explore that area as well.
Phousi Hill
Phousi Hill is central in Luang Prabang and a short, but steep, hike to the summit offers views of both the Mekong River and the surrounding city. I assume it has a lot of spiritual meaning, since we saw numerous monks making the journey.
Wat Xieng Thong (wat Xienthong)
Wat Xieng Thong is hundreds of years old and once housed the Laos royals. However, today it serves as a monastery and important Buddhist religious site.
Royal Palace and Museum
3. Pak Ou Caves
A day trip option from Luang Prabang is a tour to Pak Ou Caves to the north. You can hire a boat that will drop you off to see the cave filled with literally thousands of buddhas. I’m not exactly sure why they were put there, but it is an unique place to visit.
4. Kuang Si Waterfalls
There are a lot of waterfalls around Luang Prabang. However, the most popular is certainly Kuang Si Waterfalls. The pictures don’t do it justice, it really is a beautiful location (albeit somewhat crowded at times).
5. Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is an interesting town, it has a very laid back vibe and from what I’ve read has taken on more of an eco-tourism approach in the last decade. The most popular activity is renting inner tubes and cruising down the river. There are numerous different operations offering the opportunity to tire swing or zipline into the river. However, despite the cabrewing atmosphere, it is really a picturesque view of the hills and river.
6. Kayaking the Nam Thong River
From Vang Vieng, we came across the option of kayaking the Nam Thong River en route to Vientiane. We opted for the 2 day trek. However, my brother and I both agreed that 1 day would have been sufficient. Either way, you spend the final leg of the trip traveling by bus. Most of the river is peaceful. However, there is one rapid (pictured) that you could skip by carrying your kayak or walking back up to run the rapids a second time if you like.
7. Vientiane
Vientiane
The main area of Vientiane is centered around the Patuxay Monument, a large Arc de Triumph type of monument that you cannot miss. If you head north from Pha That Luang (The Great Sacred Stupa) and head south towards Wat Sisaket, you will pass right by the Patuxay Monument.
Patuxay Monument (Victory Monument)
Patuxay Monument is nicknamed the “Vertical Runway”. According to our guidebook, the Arc de Triumph-esque tower was started and not completed. However, when the United States donated concrete to build an airport runway, the country instead used it to complete their monument!
Pha That Luang (Great Sacred Stupa)
Phat That Luang is very old. Additionally, it is a national symbol and one of the most recognized national monuments. It is located just northeast of the Patuxay Monument.
Wat si Saket
Wat Si Saket is located just to the north of Ho Phra Keo Museum and northeast of Chou Anovong Park along the Mekong and housing the Vientiane night market.
Ho Phra Keo Museum (Haw Phra Kaew)
Ho Phra Keo has many different spellings (like most Laos names converted to English). Additionally, it has been attached and rebuilt numerous times over the last few hundred years. Today it serves as a museum housing different Laos artworks. It is located not far from Wat Si Saket.
Buddha Park
We did not visit Buddha Park, but it is a popular sculpture museum southeast of Vientiane. Unfortunately, due to timing, we decided to visit Sala Keoku just south of the Mekong River in Nong Khai, Thailand. Sala Keoku features similar sculptures from the same artist, but is newer and reportedly grander, so we decided to just do that only.
8. Thai Border Crossings
We did not have issues with the border crossings. However, be aware that you will need a VISA to enter Laos as a US citizen. Also, we were able to obtain one within a few days while we were in Chang Rai, but be sure to check current requirements before visiting.
Once you cross the south side back into Thailand, you will cross into the town of Nong Khai. Also, see the Best Things to Do in Thailand for more ideas on your adventure!