tourism of laos

AUTHENTIC ASIA

Alive with the traditions now lost elsewhere in the region

UNTOUCHED BEAUTY

Awe-inspiring landscapes filled with wonder, waiting to be explored

UNIQUELY LAIDBACK

An ancient land of timelessness, serenity and tranquility

Discover Laos

From the rolling mountains of the north to the river islands of the south, ours is a land of untouched wonder and rare beauty. Rich in history, traditions, diverse landscapes and cultures, Laos is sure to captivate your inner explorer. 

When will you begin your journey of discovery? 

Storied History

Spanning thousands of years, with archaeological finds, recent war ruins, and living heritage to show for it.

Sense of Time

We focus on living in the moment, rather than the rush-rush-rush of hectic schedules.

Cultural Diversity

49 ethnicities and 160 ethnic groups

Fascinating Nature

From limestone karsts and misty mountains to the great Mekong, underground caves and jade-green waters…

What would you like to

ANCIENT MYSTERIES

WONDERS OF NATURE

BUDDHISM & BELIEF

AUTHENTIC CULTURE

THE SECRET WAR

LEGENDARY LANDMARKS

What kind of person are you?

What Kind of Travel do you Love?

Action & adventure.

Rest & Relaxation

Novelty & Discovery

Exploration & Variety

Japan Boosts Laos Grassroots Football with Training Gear Donation

Lao-Thai Railway Boosts Regional Connectivity, Economic Growth

Vang Vieng to Undergo Major Urban Renewal with ADB Grant

You may also be interested in:

• Trade & Media Resources
• Southern Laos – charming by nature
• Ecotourism Laos
• Visit SE Asia

Tourism Marketing Department Ministry of Information, Culture and Tourism Lane Xang Avenue Hatsadi Village Chanthabouly District Vientiane Capital

Tel/Fax: +856-21-212248 Website: www.tourismlaos.org

15 Top-Rated Tourist Attractions & Things to Do in Laos

Written by Anietra Hamper Updated Jan 18, 2023

Anietra Hamper has traveled through many regions in Laos in search of unique attractions and outdoor experiences.

The Southeast Asian country of Laos is a hidden gem among its more popular neighbors of Thailand , Cambodia , and Vietnam . Its rich cultural diversity comes from the 49 ethnic groups that influence the food, arts, customs, and festivals in the country.

The country is divided into north, central, and southern regions, each with lush landscapes, an inviting atmosphere, and plenty of things to do for travelers. The unspoiled jungle habitat of Laos means you might see an elephant strolling on your way to breakfast or monks walking the roadways.

The main tourist highlights in Laos are the natural, cultural, and historical attractions, as well as several UNESCO World Heritage sites, like the Wat Phou Complex and the ancient town of Luang Prabang. Some of the best experiences may be spontaneous ones that you have by witnessing daily life in the country. This might be tasting a ripe bean from the vine on a coffee plantation; breathing in the natural scent of green tea in the air; or standing at the crescendo of the Pha Pheng waterfall, the largest in Southeast Asia.

Plan your sightseeing in this enchanting country with our list of the top attractions and things to do in Laos.

Explore the Kuang Si Caves & Waterfalls

Take a vientiane city tour, tour the sinouk coffee plantation, visit the elephant village sanctuary, boat through the 4000 islands, learn about local geology in the kong lor caves, walk through ancient wat phu, see the pha pheng waterfall, work like a local at the living land farm, hike the trails through the luang prabang temples, enjoy the panoramic views from nong khiaw, visit the traditional arts and ethnology centre, buy local goods at the vientiane morning market, tham phu kham cave and blue lagoon, pha tad ke botanical garden.

The caves and waterfalls in Laos are unlike any others in the world. The flowing water at the natural Kuang Si waterfall in Luang Prabang is one of the most stunning waterfalls in the country. It cascades down three tiers to a 50-meter drop.

Beneath the falls are a series of pools where you can go for a swim and get the best view by looking up at the grand falls. You can change clothes in wooden huts that are located on-site.

Your next stop in the area is the Pak Ou natural caves that overlook the Mekong River . There are two caves: Tham Ting and the Tham Theung housing thousands of Buddha statues that locals have gifted over the centuries.

Due to the vast number of ethnicities that make up the population in Laos, taking a tour in the capital city of Vientiane is an ideal way to grasp an understanding of the history and culture of the country. A full-day private sightseeing tour of Vientiane City will get you to the key tourist attractions of the city, including the Patuxay Monument , Wat Si Saket , Wat Phra Keo , and Buddha Park .

If time permits, the COPE Visitor Center on Boulevard Khou Vieng in Vientiane is worth a stop. The center educates visitors about the important work of providing disability services and prosthetic limbs for people impacted by unexploded military devices.

For a fun excursion in the area, be sure to experience the Vientiane night market.

It will not take long for you to notice Sinouk Coffee as you travel throughout Laos. It is the prominent coffee supplier and some of the freshest coffee you will ever taste. A trip to the Sinouk Coffee plantation in southern Laos, along the Bolaven Plateau, is an experience you will always remember.

Take a tour to learn about the planting and roasting as you stroll the grounds through the plush gardens. On the Sinouk plantation, they still dry beans the old fashioned way, on large tarps in the sun. The plantation has an organic certification.

True coffee fanatics can stay at the Sinouk Coffee Resort on-site and wake up to the aroma of freshly brewed Lao Arabica coffee wafting through the gardens. Leave some time on your visit to stop and enjoy a cup of joe and a snack on the patio behind the small shop on the plantation.

Address: Thateng-Paksong Road, Bolaven Plateau, Champasak Town

The Elephant Village Sanctuary in Luang Prabang is an educational facility dedicated to the rehabilitation and protection of Asian elephants in Laos. The facility also provides employment to villagers. Elephants at the sanctuary are rescued work elephants that are protected.

A day tour through the Elephant Village lets you interact with the large animals. Spend a day with a mahout to learn about handling, feeding, and bathing the elephants while gaining a first-hand experience with the conservation efforts at the sanctuary. This is one of the most comprehensive, hands-on experiences in the country and a rare chance to get up close to these magnificent animals.

Address: Ban Xieng Lom, Luang Prabang

One of the most stunning ways to explore the natural beauty in Laos is among the 4000 Islands in the southern tip of the country.

The three main islands that tourists visit are Don Khong , Don Khon , and Don Det . These are remote islands that have sparse, if any, internet service and no ATMs, so it is important to plan ahead when visiting.

You will need to take a ferry to any of the islands and stay in local guesthouses. The rewards for the journey is the closest experience you will get to ancient Laos customs as you enjoy views of the Mekong River and taste local cuisine from ingredients grown on centuries-old farms.

The best way to spend time in the 4000 Islands region is to base yourself in Pakse , the southernmost main city, and plan your transportation from here to visit the islands.

Tucked within the Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area in central Laos are the Kong Lor Caves. This is a river cave system that stretches for more than 7.4 kilometers, one of the longest in the world . You can take a boat trip through the caves with a guide, who can point out the stunning geological formations.

The caves are quite dark, and you might get wet in certain conditions if water is dripping from the ceilings. Once you make your way through the winding cave waters, other popular things to do include walking through the tiny rural village of Kong Lor and enjoying some of the other outdoor activities in the national park.

The best way to get to the caves is to stay in Vientiane and hire a bus. Kong Lor caves is about five hours from Vientiane, so you will want to plan an overnight trip.

The UNESCO World Heritage site of Wat Phu is an archaeological phenomenon preserved in a mountain in southern Laos. This temple is one of the oldest worship sites in the country, located at the base of the Phu Kao mountain, which is considered a holy mountain. Wat Phu is a Buddhist temple, but you will see relics of its Hindu history.

If you continue your walk beyond Wat Phu to the paths on the mountain, you will find other smaller temples, many that have crumbled over time. This location is significant to Laos' history. The flowing Mekong River in the background adds to the ambience.

Standing at the culmination of the Pha Pheng Waterfall (also called Khone falls ), the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia , is a breathtaking experience.

The crescendo of water coming together from dozens of points along the Mekong River is a sensory experience that will forever tie you to southern Laos. The falls are located in a small park in Champasak Province.

Walking paths allow you to observe the cascading waters from different viewpoints. While there is little else to do in the park but look at the water, it is so impressive that you will find yourself spending a great deal of time walking around the area. You might even find a local fisherman navigating the slower water areas catching food for the day.

The Living Land Farm , an organic farm, not only grows food in Luang Prabang but provides an opportunity for tourists to work on the land like the natives. Located in the countryside, you can don a conical hat and learn how to harvest a rice patty, plough a field using livestock, and learn the skill of threshing in a real farm environment.

Be forewarned that the experience is authentic, and it is difficult manual labor. If you prefer to not get your hands dirty, you can simply observe the locals performing their daily chores in the fields.

The farm grows organic produce, offers a homestay, and has a restaurant located inside an old rice house serving traditional Laos cuisine.

Address: Kuangsi Waterfall Road, Ban Pongvang, Luang Prabang 0600

The northern Laos town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage site, most noted for its Buddhist temples and among the top tourist destinations in southeast Asia . Exploring the 33 temples situated in the ancient town provides a deeper understanding of the Laotian people.

You can find trails specifically designed for tourists that lead you to various temples, so it is an easy activity to do at your own pace. You can also take a guided tour of the most notable temples and Buddhist monasteries in this historic town.

One of the best visual perspectives of the natural landscape in Laos is from the Viewpoint at Nong Khiaw in the northern part of the country. If you are up for the 1.5-hour trek to the top of the mountain from the tiny village of Nong Khiaw, you will see a panoramic view of the flowing Nam Ou River .

Also visible is an iconic view of tiny Laos villages surrounded by the mountains. Since this is a natural setting, plan your round-trips to the top wisely, as you will be hiking through forest, and you will need a flashlight once the sun sets.

There is also nowhere to buy water along the hike, so plan ahead with proper hydration and sturdy shoes. If you would rather enjoy the view from below, boat trips are available along the river.

Address: Wat Ban Sop Houn 50, Nong Khiaw

For anyone interested in the ethnic minority groups that make up the populations in Laos, the Traditional Arts and Ethnology Centre in Luang Prabang is an educational experience.

While there are more than 160 ethnic groups in Laos, the museum focuses on the four that make up the main ethnic minorities. The center is a great place to visit to see collections of traditional ethnic regalia, handmade crafts, and artifacts important to these groups.

The shop has guides available to take you on a tour of the center, or you can walk through on your own. It is a great place to get a unique, authentic souvenir from Laos, and 50 percent of purchases from the gift shop go back to the local producers of the products.

If you are looking for Laos silk scarves and souvenirs, or just enjoy the thrill of the hunt and bargaining for a good deal, then the Vientiane Morning Market should be on your itinerary. This is a traditional open-air village market where you can find just about anything, from produce and religious statue replicas to silk dresses.

Even if you do not buy anything, it is worth a visit to the market just to surround yourself with the local scene and culture. If you find a reasonable price on something that catches your eye, do not be afraid to negotiate for half off the price.

Take in one of the best combinations of natural beauty and cultural experiences at the Tham Phu Kham cave and Blue Lagoon near Vang Vieng. The blue water and swimming spot is a draw for tourists, with water that often changes color from turquoise to emerald depending on the season.

Take a hike along the trail to the Tham Phu Kham cave to see the hidden Buddha images inside the natural cave. It is a steep climb to the cave entrance, but for those looking for an added cultural adventure, this is well worth the effort.

The first chamber reveals a bronze reclining Buddha lit by the sunlight streaming through the cave openings where locals come to worship.

If you plan to explore the cave beyond the entrance, you will want to wear sturdy shoes to navigate the rocky and uneven ground, and take a flashlight, as the internal cave is devoid of light.

The Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is currently closed, with plans to reopen in late 2024 .

The garden offers a stunning display of plants and flowers that are native to Laos. This facility has a greater mission to educate visitors on the relationship between Laos people and their natural surroundings, so you will see that theme throughout the gardens and information.

Examples of this include exhibits that showcase plants that were traditionally used in medicine or for ceremonial purposes. The plant collections include hundreds of varieties of orchids, ferns, bamboos, and more. There are several types of gardens and collections to visit on the grounds.

If you are interested in additional eco-treks in Laos , the experts at the botanical garden can direct you to reputable guides.

In order to get to the botanical garden, you must take a boat from Luang Prabang. The boat returns to the city every hour until 5:30pm, and the cost is included in your admission ticket.

Address: Ban Wat That, Luang Prabang 06000, Laos

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Exploring Southeast Asia: Laos is often part of a larger itinerary through SE Asia. The beaches, jungles, and cultural attractions in Thailand are some of the most visited places in this part of the world and well worth a stop. Many people also head to Cambodia to explore the fabulous ruins of Angkor Wat. Stretching from the Gulf of Thailand up to the Gulf on Tonkin on the Pacific Ocean, Vietnam is another popular tourist destination in the region and home to some fantastic luxury beach resorts. This can be a great destination to simply park yourself for a while. If you want to explore the country and are wondering where to go, see our guide to the best places to visit in Vietnam .

More on Laos

10 of the best places to visit in Laos

Aug 20, 2024 • 13 min read

Places all of Laos – such as the Pak Ou Caves – offer just the right mix of culture, nature and adventure. Tuomas A Lehtinen/Getty Images

A gem of Southeast Asia , Laos attracts visitors who love natural beauty, intriguing culture and off-the-beaten-track experiences – without the throngs.

The country’s low population density means that many of the landscapes here are untouched by humans, which means exciting adventures for outdoor lovers. Yet in Laos’ cities and towns, visitors find historical treasures, alluring temples and a warm welcome from Lao locals.

Here are 10 places where anyone can discover the treasures – and pleasures – of Laos.

Laos is one of the  best countries to visit  next year. See our full list of  Best in Travel 2025  winners.

1. Luang Namtha

Best for trekking and jungle exploration

Luang Namtha in the North is Laos’ unabashed adventure capital, with trekking, kayaking, rafting, bicycling or other jungle activities within easy reach. The town’s main drag is lined with trekking agencies that offer everything from daily group tours to custom-made options.

The showpiece here is the nearby Nam Ha National Protected Area , a zone of forest, rivers and mountains spread over 220,000 hectares (543,000 acres) – some 10% of the country's total land. Home to a diverse array of ethnic minorities, it’s a fascinating melange of nature and traditions, and well worth making the effort to get to. (Laos’ new high-speed rail has made this easier: Luang Namtha is about a 90-minute drive from the station at Boten, at the border with China .)

Trips here range from 7-day jungle survival courses – where you’ll learn how to use native bamboo to make everything from your shelter to your dinner plates and utensils, as well as foraging for food from the forest – to more culturally immersing homestays in the traditional ethnic villages of Akha or Khmu, which you’ll reach by bicycle of boat.

Planning tip: It’s best to trek between November and February, when it’s dry and temperatures actually get cool at night. March, April and May get very hot and hazy from agricultural burning. Trekking in the rainy season (June to October) means slippery trails, mud and leeches.

2. Vang Vieng

Best for enjoying a magnificent world of karst

Vang Vieng is one of Southeast Asia’s most stunning natural wonderlands. Hundreds of soaring limestone karst peaks rise above the gorgeous Nam Song River – all yours to admire as you float by on an inner tube. The scenic backcountry here has endless dirt roads to bicycle, viewpoints to clamber up to, hidden caves to explore and freshwater swimming holes to plunge into.

Other enticements in Vang Vieng include challenging rock-climbing routes on the karst towers, as well as chance to float above the magical landscape in hot air balloons – and even paramotor above it. While Vang Vieng used to be a backpacker haunt accessible only by a bumpy road from Vientiane , the new high-speed train has made it newly accessible. Indeed, new boutique hotels make the area a potential weekend getaway spot from Vientiane or Luang Prabang.

Planning tip: Rent a bicycle or motorbike to be able to get away from the core and explore the sights further across the river.

3. Plain of Jars

Best for archaeology buffs

Set on the 1100m (3610ft) plateau next to Phonsavan town, this intriguing UNESCO World Heritage Site is a must-visit. Across the perpetually misty landscape are strewn hundreds of megalithic cylindrical stone jars dating back to 600–1200 BCE, whose origins and purpose remain a mystery. Recent archaeological research indicates they were used for some sort of funerary rites, either as storage for dead bodies during the decomposition process or else as urns after cremations. Local tradition still has it, though, that they served as giant storage vessels for rice wine. Some of the jars are made of limestone, some of sandstone – and each site is vastly different.

Most visitors stick with visiting Sites 1 , 2 and 3 , due to their easy access from Phonsavan. The intrepid might consider Site 52, which has almost 400 jars and is reached by an adventurous trek on foot, usually overnighting in a Hmong village.

The Plain of Jars area was heavily bombed in the 20th century, and only recently have some of the sites been declared completely free of UXO (unexploded ordnance). Many tours here also include visits to the Provincial Museum and MAG (Mines Advisory Group) UXO center, where you can learn about both the jars and the consequences of the destruction experienced here – and make visits to Ban Napia village, where locals have started turning scrap aluminum from munitions into spoons on other practical utensils.

Planning tip: While you can rent a motorbike and cover Jar Sites 1, 2 and 3 on your own in a day, you’ll need to use a tour agency to go further afield. Plan for extra time here as well as getting in and out due to the bad condition of the roads. We’d recommend taking a flight at least one way, as the routes from Vientiane and Luang Prabang can take 10 hours or more by bus.

4. Phongsali

Best for getting off the beaten path

Forget about the high speed-train and the well-traveled Banana Pancake Trail: you’re going to have to work to get to Phongsali, one of Laos’ more difficult-to-reach spots. But the rewards are ample.

At the top of a ridge at 1500m (4920ft), temperatures here actually get cold in the winter. Any time of year, you can expect to be treated to a mesmerizing “sea of clouds,” formed by fog banks that come up from the valleys far below.

Phongsali is an epic spot for trekking, offering the chance to encounter some of Laos’ traditional ethnic hill tribes. Some 10 different types of Akha live here, along with Phu Noi, Lolo and Tai Dam, many of whom still wear traditional dress and keep their long-standing customs. Many of the Akha women here still wear their signature caps, adorned with glittering coins.

You can also check out Phongsali’s abundant tea plantations. What’s more, since the Chinese Yunnan dialect is spoken here more than Lao, you’ll find delicious Yunnanese cuisine in the restaurants. After all, China is just up the road.

Planning tip: To get here, you’ll need to take a bus from Udomxai to Boun Neua, the new provincial capital. From there, you’ll board another minibus for the 2-hour drive up the mountain. Count on a 9-hour trip in total.

5. Luang Prabang

Best for anyone who loves temples, architecture and boutique stays

Laos’ most revered town, Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a fascinating blend of traditional Buddhist and French-Lao architecture. Its charming historical core lies on a tiny peninsula hemmed in by the Mekong and Nam Khan Rivers, surrounded by picturesque jungle-clad hills.

Make sure to check out the riveting Wat Xieng Thong monastery, which features a gilded ordination hall (or sim), as well as a unique reclining Buddha. Also make a stop at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham , the largest monastery in town, which has an exquisite four-tiered roof.

Other highlights include the bustling night market, where you can feast on local specialties like jaew bong (a chili paste made with garlic, shallots and water-buffalo skin) and kai phaen (roasted Mekong weed made with tamarind and sesame seeds dried in the sun).

You’ll never be uncomfortable in Luang Prabang, thanks to Laos’ best selection of boutique stays. Many properties here are repurposed French villas, governors’ residences or princes’ mansions, and feature poster beds, antique furnishings and other vestiges of antique charm.

Spend at least a day exploring the nearby surroundings, too, making a visit to the multi-tiered Kuang Si waterfall, where you can swim in natural turquoise pools. Or go explore the Pak Ou Caves , set above the Mekong and home to hundreds of small Buddhist statues.

Planning tip: If you can come here during the second week of April, you’ll get to experience Pi Mai, the Lao New Year – which is essentially one big water fight. Everyone gets in the action, buying water guns and balloons, and setting up outside their homes and shops with buckets ready to drench anyone passing by. It’s all in good fun and helps everyone cool off at the hottest time of year. Make sure to book your accommodations well in advance if coming at this time.

6. The Mekong River

Best for slow river journeys

The mighty Mekong winds its way through much of Laos on its way to the South China Sea, and the best way to appreciate its languid bends is by slow boat, traveling from either Luang Prabang or Huay Xai. The journey takes two days, breaking for the night in sleepy Pak Beng, where you might want to linger an extra day to check out Lao elephants in a natural habitat at Mekong Elephant Park .

The slow boats are very…local, stopping in dozens of small hamlets along the way. And they offer a simply fantastic way of experiencing a way of travel in Laos that hasn’t changed for decades, as you snake past verdant hills shrouded in mist and drift past fishermen in their wooden dugout boats casting nets. Each leg of the trip takes 7 to 9 hours (depending on the time of year and whether you’re going up or down river), and as there is minimal food available aboard, you’ll want to stock up on baguette sandwiches and grilled chicken from vendors who set up before departure each morning.

Planning tip: Make sure to arrive at the pier an hour early to ensure you’ll snag a seat toward the front of the boat (the rear area near the engine can be noisy and far less comfortable). If you’re traveling during high tourist season (November to February) and want a ride that’s a bit fancier, Shompoo Cruises operates a boat with a capped number of passengers and lunch service, with a stop at the beautiful Pak Ou Caves included in the price of a ticket.

7. Si Phan Don (4000 Islands)

Best for lazing in a hammock

While there aren’t actually thousands of islands in Si Phan Don (which means “4000 islands”), it sure seems like it in the dry season, when submerged islets, lily pads and floating vines take over the surface of the Mekong. This area of Southern Laos is a great place to experience rural life and unwind – and many travelers end up staying far longer than planned.

The main islands to visit here are Don Det and Don Khone, with Don Det being the top choice for plopping down in a hammock and settling into a bamboo bungalow for a week (or three). It’s the closest thing you’ll find to a beach vacation in Southeast Asia’s only landlocked country.

While idling with a book or going for a swim are the pursuits of choice for most travelers here, you can get a bit more active if you wish. Go kayaking on the Mekong. Or rent a bicycle and ride across an atmospheric old French railway bridge to Don Khone, home to the beautiful Li Phi waterfall. Don Khone’s abundant rice fields are spectacular to cycle through during the planting season in June or harvest season in late fall.

Planning tip: The best time to visit is in the cooler dry season, from November to February. March to May brings suffocating heat. The rainy season (June to October) submerges most of the islands, though the landscape is at its most verdant then.

8. Elephant Conservation Center (Sainyabuli)

Best for supporting wildlife conservation

One of Laos’ most powerful ancient kingdoms was called Lan Xang, which means “Land of One Million Elephants.” These days, unfortunately, that number has dwindled to under 800, with only half of them still in the wild. To see these amazing creatures in a more natural setting, pay a visit to the beautiful Nam Tien lake , home to the Elephant Conservation Center . This organization is dedicated to saving the Lao elephant and returning them to the wild.

This isn’t a place for simply dropping in. After taking a boat across the lake and checking in at a rustic bungalow overlooking the water, you’ll get to walk with the elephants and their mahouts in the jungle; watch them coming down to bathe; visit the onsite elephant hospital; and learn about the challenges of keeping, feeding and preserving Southeast Asia’s most iconic symbol. The center has about 25 elephants in its care, with a staff of wildlife biologists, veterinarians, guides and personal mahouts you’ll get to meet.

A visit here also allows you to discover a part of Laos few visitors get to. Sainyabuli Province is home to the majority of the Lao elephants, and the immense, beautiful Nam Pouy Protected Area is a center of efforts to return elephants to the wild.

Planning tip: You’ll need to arrange your visit to the EEC in advance, as day visits are not allowed. Overnight packages include round-trip transportation from Luang Prabang. A recent new bridge and road upgrade in Sainyabuli means you can now get here in around 2.5 hours.

9. Nong Khiaw

Best for day hiking, river experiences and rural Lao charm

Surrounded by jungle-clad mountains on the banks of the languid Nam Ou River, sleepy Nong Khiaw offers something for everyone. It’s one of the few places in Laos where you can find ample do-it-yourself options, ranging from day hikes up one of the town’s seven viewpoints to exploring wartime caves to kayaking on the peaceful Nam Ou.

Plenty of affordable tours are on offer here, too, with agencies banding together travelers for trips out to hidden waterfalls, visits to remote weaving villages, camping excursions atop Pha Daeng Peak or even extended kayak rides all the way to Luang Prabang.

Numerous lodging choices and restaurants overlook the river and karst peaks. If the high-season crowds aren’t your thing, consider taking the boat upriver an hour to Muang Ngoi Neua, an even tinier hamlet full of similar adventure options that recalls what Nong Khiaw was like 15 years ago.

Planning tip: Since Nong Khiaw is a small town easily reached from Luang Prabang, it can be swamped during the November-to-February high season. It’s best to book at least your first night’s accommodation prior to arriving.

10. Vieng Xai

Best for learning about Laos’ wartime history

The fascinating Vieng Xai Caves pack a punch in more ways than one. In Laos’ remote northeast on the border with Vietnam , Houaphanh Province had some 2 million tons of explosives dropped on it by the US during the so-called “Secret War” in Laos from 1964–73. During this time, the Pathet Lao revolutionary movement discovered 480 caves hidden in the jungle around Vieng Xai, which their leaders, as well as 20,000 followers, turned into a hidden city, complete with hospitals, communications and meeting rooms. A large theater cave hosted rallies, weddings and even movie screenings.

The caves have been preserved and are open to the public. Traveling around by bicycle, accompanied by both an English-speaking guide and an audio device, you’ll get a living history lesson as well as a sense of the extraordinary effort it took to be able to survive here. The surrounding area looks a bit like Vang Vieng or Krabi in Thailand, with beautiful limestone mountains covered in jungle foliage. It’s one of the most out-of-the-way places in Laos, with few visitors making it to this far-flung spot.

Planning tip: Sam Neua, an hour west of Vieng Xai, is the regional transport hub (it has a good selection of hotels as well as an airport) – but you might want to consider staying in Vieng Xai itself. The town has a handful of guesthouses and restaurants, allowing you to catch the 9am guided tour each morning (the other daily tour is at 1pm). Otherwise, hire a driver in Sam Neua.

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