Some Of The Best Places To Go In Laos

Laos is a hidden gem in South East Asia, which many travellers often overlook to the area. The country has buckets full of culture and beautiful scenery for you to explore, and it has a laid-back vibe compared to some of the surrounding countries. If you are considering a trip to Laos on holiday, here are some destinations you will not want to miss.

Vientiane

Vientiane is one of the most popular places to visit in Laos and is also the nation’s capital. The French colonial past is prevalent in Vientiane and the French Quarter is an excellent place to explore for delicious foods, and there is a lot of architecture on display. You can visit the Patuxai, a smaller version of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris or go for a stroll down the riverfront and explore the markets.

Si Phan Don Islands

The Si Phan Don Islands translates as ‘Four Thousand Islands’, and as Laos does not have a coastline, it is the closest thing available to a beach holiday you can get. The islands sit in the Mekong River between Laos and Cambodia, and it is the perfect place to relax and get away from everything, but there is nightlife available on the larger islands, such as Don Det and Don Khon.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is another popular destination with tourists n Laos, and it is where the Mekong and Khan rivers meet. The town boasts UNESCO World Heritage Site status and has various European style cafes and restaurants with lots of places to explore and enjoy. It is an ideal place to go trekking with lots of tours available, and waterfalls and swimming holes to enjoy.

Vang Vieng

Vang Vieng is a popular destination for backpackers, and the town is situated between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, making it easy to get to for tourists. There is a vibrant nightlife in this sleepy town, and a popular excursion is floating down the Nam Song River in an inner tube as you float by the scenic jungle.

Bokeo Nature Reserve

Bokeo Nature Reserve is well known for the fantastic conservation work they do to protect the Black-cheeked Gibbon, which up until 1997 was thought to be extinct in the area. What makes this park so appealing to tourists is staying in a treehouse while you are there and enjoying the view of the forest canopy from a perspective you do not usually get to enjoy.

Huay Xai

Huay Xai nestles on the border between Laos and Thailand, making it a popular spot for tourists who are travelling around both countries. If you are travelling to other destinations in Laos, such as Luang Prabang, you can catch a boat here to take you there. While you are there, it is worthwhile visiting the Bokeo Nature Reserve, which offers a fantastic Gibbon Experience.