Laos Travel Guide

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

The Royal Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule and is Laos' most important religious building. The dazzling golden temple and its spire are visible from afar and locals claim that if you have not visited That Luang, you have not visited Laos. The base of the stupa has walkways and stairs connecting the different levels, designed for the faithful to climb. Each level has different architectural features pertaining to Buddhist doctrine. Worshippers stick balls of sticky rice to the walls as a mark of respect to the spirit of King Setthathirat, who built the shrine in 1566 and whose statue stands in front of the temple. The effects of the setting sun on its golden surface are stunning.

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

The site known as Buddha Park is a bizarre collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow, dominated by a gigantic reclining Buddha. Hundreds of huge concrete structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu philosophies are spread around representing a variety of deity forms. Fashioned by a purported holy man, the sculpture park was created to spread his beliefs and to reveal to mankind his ideas about the universe.

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

The former Royal Palace, a mixture of French and Lao architecture, is now a museum preserving the possessions of the monarchy. Above the entrance is a three-headed elephant sheltered by the sacred white parasol, the symbol of the Lao monarchy. The most impressive room is the Throne Hall, a dazzling interior of mosaics and mirrors, with displays of royal regalia including glittering swords and the king's own elephant saddle. The museum's most prized possession, the Pha Bang, a golden Buddha image, is housed in a small barred room that was the king's personal shrine. It is the most sacred image in the country, believed to have been crafted in the heavens, and containing miraculous powers of protection over the country.

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

The most enchanting monastery in the country is the magnificent Golden City Temple at the tip of the peninsula. The graceful, sweeping tiled roof of the main temple is its most impressive feature and the walls are decorated with stencilled gold designs depicting many different traditional tales and, at the rear, a splendid colored glass mosaic illustrating the 'tree of life'. In the peaceful atmosphere of the compound garden are several shelters, housing rare Buddha images and the gilded royal funerary carriage.

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an unusual sight. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered about the landscape, some weighing up to six tons and about 6 feet (2m) in length. They are believed to be over 2,000 years of age, although their origin or function is unknown. Numerous theories and legends have been fashioned - one such legend states that they were made to ferment rice wine to celebrate a victorious battle against a wicked chieftain in the 6th century, some theories claim they were used as sarcophagi, or funerary urns. They are divided into five major groups, with Thong Hai, or Site 1, the largest and most easily accessible site. The jars lie amid thousands of unexploded mines left behind by the war, and as a result only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors; the rest are considered too dangerous and visitors should heed warning signs and keep to well worn paths. Many guesthouses in the town of Phonsavan have tours to the sites. While you're in Phonsavan be sure to visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) shop to learn about the clearing of unexploded bombs in the area and throughout Laos.

Pak Ou caves

About two hours by boat lie the Pak Ou caves, worth a visit even for the scenic boat trip. A lower and upper cave contain an impressive collection of mostly wooden Buddha statues assembled over the centuries by locals and pilgrims. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims come to these caves to add a statue to the growing collection. The upper cave (Tham Theung) is reached by means of a flight of stairs and requires the use of a flashlight, while the lower cave (Tham Thing) is visible from the river.

Kuang Si Falls

The beautiful multi-tiered Kuang Si falls are worth a trip from Luang Prabang for their refreshing beauty and serenity. Turquoise-green water tumbles over a series of limestone steps and collects in beautiful pools that are surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways lead around the base and to the summit, about 200 feet (61m) up, and there are numerous places to picnic. The falls are about 18 miles (29km) south of Luang Prabang.

Si Phan Don

The famous 4,000 islands region of Laos unfolds at the tail of the Mekong River in the far south of the country, lapping over into Cambodia. The area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls (including South-East Asia's largest) tranquil village life and unspoiled natural beauty. It is also home to the rare but occasionally sighted pink Irrawaddy dolphin. The two most popular islands are Don Khong, the largest and most developed, and backpacker-magnet Don Det. Prices for accommodation and food are the cheapest in Asia. The area is also used as an entrance point to Cambodia, and buses frequently make the one hour journey to the border.

Phou Si

Phou Si is a hill near the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, filled with temples. It is visible all over town and as such acts as a navigation landmark for visitors. The views of Luang Prabhang from the top of the hill are worth the steep walk of 355 individual steps. The lower slopes of the hill are dotted with the city's oldest temples, but the best is the golden stupaof That Chomsi at the top, built in 1804. Visit in the early morning, when it is cool and the temples are at their most active, or in the evening for the epic sunsets.

Free the Bears Rescue Center

A good day excursion 12 miles (30km) south of Luang Prabang is the Bear Rescue Center, which can be combined with a trip to Kuang Si Waterfall, located directly opposite. The center houses endangered Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poachers.

Alms Ceremony

The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning alms ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in their life. As such the city is teeming with men and boys dressed in their saffron-colored robes. Every morning before sunrise the monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting alms for their consumption in the day ahead. This ancient and ritualized ceremony is a sight to behold and a great photo opportunity for those willing to wake up before dawn to go out and see it. Tourists are able to buy rice and foods to give to the monks. Be sure to buy fresh food as there have been scams in the past where market vendors sell old or stale leftovers to naïve tourists. Remember the ceremony is a serious and holy event so be respectful at all times, particularly if you are taking pictures. Women should dress conservatively and know that it is considered extremely rude for a woman to come into physical contact with a monk.

test attraction

Victory Gate (Patuxai)

Modeled to mirror the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Laos' Victory Gate is definitely a sight to behold. Although it is said to be a replica of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, the Laotians decided to go one-up on their colonial masters by building theirs slightly higher and with four gates instead of the two that the European version has. Patuxai also has a number of decorative Buddhist ornamentation added to the original design. The monument is open to those wishing to brave the heat and climb the seven flights of stairs, which, once surmounted, offer great views of downtown Vientiane. In the same area visitors can see the World Peace Gong presented to Laos by Indonesia, as well as a musical fountain.

COPE Visitors Center

The COPE Visitors center can be a sobering reality check for many visitors to Laos, but nonetheless it is definitely worth a visit. Statistically Laos is the most bombed country in the world from the many American planes offloading their unused ordinance onto Laos during the Vietnam War. As such, the country has a significant amount of UXOs or unexploded ordinance, particularly in rural areas along the border with Vietnam. The COPE Visitors Center educates tourists and locals about the dangers of UXOs as well the prosthetic services in Laos. The Visitors Center includes a gift shop and a selection of short films on the Laos and UXOs.

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

The Royal Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule and is Laos' most important religious building. The dazzling golden temple and its spire are visible from afar and locals claim that if you have not visited That Luang, you have not visited Laos. The base of the stupa has walkways and stairs connecting the different levels, designed for the faithful to climb. Each level has different architectural features pertaining to Buddhist doctrine. Worshippers stick balls of sticky rice to the walls as a mark of respect to the spirit of King Setthathirat, who built the shrine in 1566 and whose statue stands in front of the temple. The effects of the setting sun on its golden surface are stunning.

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

The site known as Buddha Park is a bizarre collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow, dominated by a gigantic reclining Buddha. Hundreds of huge concrete structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu philosophies are spread around representing a variety of deity forms. Fashioned by a purported holy man, the sculpture park was created to spread his beliefs and to reveal to mankind his ideas about the universe.

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

The former Royal Palace, a mixture of French and Lao architecture, is now a museum preserving the possessions of the monarchy. Above the entrance is a three-headed elephant sheltered by the sacred white parasol, the symbol of the Lao monarchy. The most impressive room is the Throne Hall, a dazzling interior of mosaics and mirrors, with displays of royal regalia including glittering swords and the king's own elephant saddle. The museum's most prized possession, the Pha Bang, a golden Buddha image, is housed in a small barred room that was the king's personal shrine. It is the most sacred image in the country, believed to have been crafted in the heavens, and containing miraculous powers of protection over the country.

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

The most enchanting monastery in the country is the magnificent Golden City Temple at the tip of the peninsula. The graceful, sweeping tiled roof of the main temple is its most impressive feature and the walls are decorated with stencilled gold designs depicting many different traditional tales and, at the rear, a splendid colored glass mosaic illustrating the 'tree of life'. In the peaceful atmosphere of the compound garden are several shelters, housing rare Buddha images and the gilded royal funerary carriage.

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an unusual sight. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered about the landscape, some weighing up to six tons and about 6 feet (2m) in length. They are believed to be over 2,000 years of age, although their origin or function is unknown. Numerous theories and legends have been fashioned - one such legend states that they were made to ferment rice wine to celebrate a victorious battle against a wicked chieftain in the 6th century, some theories claim they were used as sarcophagi, or funerary urns. They are divided into five major groups, with Thong Hai, or Site 1, the largest and most easily accessible site. The jars lie amid thousands of unexploded mines left behind by the war, and as a result only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors; the rest are considered too dangerous and visitors should heed warning signs and keep to well worn paths. Many guesthouses in the town of Phonsavan have tours to the sites. While you're in Phonsavan be sure to visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) shop to learn about the clearing of unexploded bombs in the area and throughout Laos.

Pak Ou caves

About two hours by boat lie the Pak Ou caves, worth a visit even for the scenic boat trip. A lower and upper cave contain an impressive collection of mostly wooden Buddha statues assembled over the centuries by locals and pilgrims. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims come to these caves to add a statue to the growing collection. The upper cave (Tham Theung) is reached by means of a flight of stairs and requires the use of a flashlight, while the lower cave (Tham Thing) is visible from the river.

Kuang Si Falls

The beautiful multi-tiered Kuang Si falls are worth a trip from Luang Prabang for their refreshing beauty and serenity. Turquoise-green water tumbles over a series of limestone steps and collects in beautiful pools that are surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways lead around the base and to the summit, about 200 feet (61m) up, and there are numerous places to picnic. The falls are about 18 miles (29km) south of Luang Prabang.

Si Phan Don

The famous 4,000 islands region of Laos unfolds at the tail of the Mekong River in the far south of the country, lapping over into Cambodia. The area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls (including South-East Asia's largest) tranquil village life and unspoiled natural beauty. It is also home to the rare but occasionally sighted pink Irrawaddy dolphin. The two most popular islands are Don Khong, the largest and most developed, and backpacker-magnet Don Det. Prices for accommodation and food are the cheapest in Asia. The area is also used as an entrance point to Cambodia, and buses frequently make the one hour journey to the border.

Phou Si

Phou Si is a hill near the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, filled with temples. It is visible all over town and as such acts as a navigation landmark for visitors. The views of Luang Prabhang from the top of the hill are worth the steep walk of 355 individual steps. The lower slopes of the hill are dotted with the city's oldest temples, but the best is the golden stupaof That Chomsi at the top, built in 1804. Visit in the early morning, when it is cool and the temples are at their most active, or in the evening for the epic sunsets.

Free the Bears Rescue Center

A good day excursion 12 miles (30km) south of Luang Prabang is the Bear Rescue Center, which can be combined with a trip to Kuang Si Waterfall, located directly opposite. The center houses endangered Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poachers.

Alms Ceremony

The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning alms ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in their life. As such the city is teeming with men and boys dressed in their saffron-colored robes. Every morning before sunrise the monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting alms for their consumption in the day ahead. This ancient and ritualized ceremony is a sight to behold and a great photo opportunity for those willing to wake up before dawn to go out and see it. Tourists are able to buy rice and foods to give to the monks. Be sure to buy fresh food as there have been scams in the past where market vendors sell old or stale leftovers to naïve tourists. Remember the ceremony is a serious and holy event so be respectful at all times, particularly if you are taking pictures. Women should dress conservatively and know that it is considered extremely rude for a woman to come into physical contact with a monk.

test attraction

Victory Gate (Patuxai)

Modeled to mirror the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Laos' Victory Gate is definitely a sight to behold. Although it is said to be a replica of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, the Laotians decided to go one-up on their colonial masters by building theirs slightly higher and with four gates instead of the two that the European version has. Patuxai also has a number of decorative Buddhist ornamentation added to the original design. The monument is open to those wishing to brave the heat and climb the seven flights of stairs, which, once surmounted, offer great views of downtown Vientiane. In the same area visitors can see the World Peace Gong presented to Laos by Indonesia, as well as a musical fountain.

COPE Visitors Center

The COPE Visitors center can be a sobering reality check for many visitors to Laos, but nonetheless it is definitely worth a visit. Statistically Laos is the most bombed country in the world from the many American planes offloading their unused ordinance onto Laos during the Vietnam War. As such, the country has a significant amount of UXOs or unexploded ordinance, particularly in rural areas along the border with Vietnam. The COPE Visitors Center educates tourists and locals about the dangers of UXOs as well the prosthetic services in Laos. The Visitors Center includes a gift shop and a selection of short films on the Laos and UXOs.

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

The Royal Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule and is Laos' most important religious building. The dazzling golden temple and its spire are visible from afar and locals claim that if you have not visited That Luang, you have not visited Laos. The base of the stupa has walkways and stairs connecting the different levels, designed for the faithful to climb. Each level has different architectural features pertaining to Buddhist doctrine. Worshippers stick balls of sticky rice to the walls as a mark of respect to the spirit of King Setthathirat, who built the shrine in 1566 and whose statue stands in front of the temple. The effects of the setting sun on its golden surface are stunning.

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

The site known as Buddha Park is a bizarre collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow, dominated by a gigantic reclining Buddha. Hundreds of huge concrete structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu philosophies are spread around representing a variety of deity forms. Fashioned by a purported holy man, the sculpture park was created to spread his beliefs and to reveal to mankind his ideas about the universe.

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

The former Royal Palace, a mixture of French and Lao architecture, is now a museum preserving the possessions of the monarchy. Above the entrance is a three-headed elephant sheltered by the sacred white parasol, the symbol of the Lao monarchy. The most impressive room is the Throne Hall, a dazzling interior of mosaics and mirrors, with displays of royal regalia including glittering swords and the king's own elephant saddle. The museum's most prized possession, the Pha Bang, a golden Buddha image, is housed in a small barred room that was the king's personal shrine. It is the most sacred image in the country, believed to have been crafted in the heavens, and containing miraculous powers of protection over the country.

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

The most enchanting monastery in the country is the magnificent Golden City Temple at the tip of the peninsula. The graceful, sweeping tiled roof of the main temple is its most impressive feature and the walls are decorated with stencilled gold designs depicting many different traditional tales and, at the rear, a splendid colored glass mosaic illustrating the 'tree of life'. In the peaceful atmosphere of the compound garden are several shelters, housing rare Buddha images and the gilded royal funerary carriage.

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an unusual sight. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered about the landscape, some weighing up to six tons and about 6 feet (2m) in length. They are believed to be over 2,000 years of age, although their origin or function is unknown. Numerous theories and legends have been fashioned - one such legend states that they were made to ferment rice wine to celebrate a victorious battle against a wicked chieftain in the 6th century, some theories claim they were used as sarcophagi, or funerary urns. They are divided into five major groups, with Thong Hai, or Site 1, the largest and most easily accessible site. The jars lie amid thousands of unexploded mines left behind by the war, and as a result only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors; the rest are considered too dangerous and visitors should heed warning signs and keep to well worn paths. Many guesthouses in the town of Phonsavan have tours to the sites. While you're in Phonsavan be sure to visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) shop to learn about the clearing of unexploded bombs in the area and throughout Laos.

Pak Ou caves

About two hours by boat lie the Pak Ou caves, worth a visit even for the scenic boat trip. A lower and upper cave contain an impressive collection of mostly wooden Buddha statues assembled over the centuries by locals and pilgrims. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims come to these caves to add a statue to the growing collection. The upper cave (Tham Theung) is reached by means of a flight of stairs and requires the use of a flashlight, while the lower cave (Tham Thing) is visible from the river.

Kuang Si Falls

The beautiful multi-tiered Kuang Si falls are worth a trip from Luang Prabang for their refreshing beauty and serenity. Turquoise-green water tumbles over a series of limestone steps and collects in beautiful pools that are surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways lead around the base and to the summit, about 200 feet (61m) up, and there are numerous places to picnic. The falls are about 18 miles (29km) south of Luang Prabang.

Si Phan Don

The famous 4,000 islands region of Laos unfolds at the tail of the Mekong River in the far south of the country, lapping over into Cambodia. The area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls (including South-East Asia's largest) tranquil village life and unspoiled natural beauty. It is also home to the rare but occasionally sighted pink Irrawaddy dolphin. The two most popular islands are Don Khong, the largest and most developed, and backpacker-magnet Don Det. Prices for accommodation and food are the cheapest in Asia. The area is also used as an entrance point to Cambodia, and buses frequently make the one hour journey to the border.

Phou Si

Phou Si is a hill near the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, filled with temples. It is visible all over town and as such acts as a navigation landmark for visitors. The views of Luang Prabhang from the top of the hill are worth the steep walk of 355 individual steps. The lower slopes of the hill are dotted with the city's oldest temples, but the best is the golden stupaof That Chomsi at the top, built in 1804. Visit in the early morning, when it is cool and the temples are at their most active, or in the evening for the epic sunsets.

Free the Bears Rescue Center

A good day excursion 12 miles (30km) south of Luang Prabang is the Bear Rescue Center, which can be combined with a trip to Kuang Si Waterfall, located directly opposite. The center houses endangered Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poachers.

Alms Ceremony

The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning alms ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in their life. As such the city is teeming with men and boys dressed in their saffron-colored robes. Every morning before sunrise the monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting alms for their consumption in the day ahead. This ancient and ritualized ceremony is a sight to behold and a great photo opportunity for those willing to wake up before dawn to go out and see it. Tourists are able to buy rice and foods to give to the monks. Be sure to buy fresh food as there have been scams in the past where market vendors sell old or stale leftovers to naïve tourists. Remember the ceremony is a serious and holy event so be respectful at all times, particularly if you are taking pictures. Women should dress conservatively and know that it is considered extremely rude for a woman to come into physical contact with a monk.

test attraction

Victory Gate (Patuxai)

Modeled to mirror the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Laos' Victory Gate is definitely a sight to behold. Although it is said to be a replica of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, the Laotians decided to go one-up on their colonial masters by building theirs slightly higher and with four gates instead of the two that the European version has. Patuxai also has a number of decorative Buddhist ornamentation added to the original design. The monument is open to those wishing to brave the heat and climb the seven flights of stairs, which, once surmounted, offer great views of downtown Vientiane. In the same area visitors can see the World Peace Gong presented to Laos by Indonesia, as well as a musical fountain.

COPE Visitors Center

The COPE Visitors center can be a sobering reality check for many visitors to Laos, but nonetheless it is definitely worth a visit. Statistically Laos is the most bombed country in the world from the many American planes offloading their unused ordinance onto Laos during the Vietnam War. As such, the country has a significant amount of UXOs or unexploded ordinance, particularly in rural areas along the border with Vietnam. The COPE Visitors Center educates tourists and locals about the dangers of UXOs as well the prosthetic services in Laos. The Visitors Center includes a gift shop and a selection of short films on the Laos and UXOs.

That Luang (Royal Stupa)

The Royal Stupa is a symbol of Buddhism and Lao rule and is Laos' most important religious building. The dazzling golden temple and its spire are visible from afar and locals claim that if you have not visited That Luang, you have not visited Laos. The base of the stupa has walkways and stairs connecting the different levels, designed for the faithful to climb. Each level has different architectural features pertaining to Buddhist doctrine. Worshippers stick balls of sticky rice to the walls as a mark of respect to the spirit of King Setthathirat, who built the shrine in 1566 and whose statue stands in front of the temple. The effects of the setting sun on its golden surface are stunning.

Xieng Khouan (Buddha Park)

The site known as Buddha Park is a bizarre collection of Buddhist and Hindu statues scattered around a riverside meadow, dominated by a gigantic reclining Buddha. Hundreds of huge concrete structures that combine Buddhist and Hindu philosophies are spread around representing a variety of deity forms. Fashioned by a purported holy man, the sculpture park was created to spread his beliefs and to reveal to mankind his ideas about the universe.

Royal Palace (Haw Kham)

The former Royal Palace, a mixture of French and Lao architecture, is now a museum preserving the possessions of the monarchy. Above the entrance is a three-headed elephant sheltered by the sacred white parasol, the symbol of the Lao monarchy. The most impressive room is the Throne Hall, a dazzling interior of mosaics and mirrors, with displays of royal regalia including glittering swords and the king's own elephant saddle. The museum's most prized possession, the Pha Bang, a golden Buddha image, is housed in a small barred room that was the king's personal shrine. It is the most sacred image in the country, believed to have been crafted in the heavens, and containing miraculous powers of protection over the country.

Wat Xieng Thong (Golden City Temple)

The most enchanting monastery in the country is the magnificent Golden City Temple at the tip of the peninsula. The graceful, sweeping tiled roof of the main temple is its most impressive feature and the walls are decorated with stencilled gold designs depicting many different traditional tales and, at the rear, a splendid colored glass mosaic illustrating the 'tree of life'. In the peaceful atmosphere of the compound garden are several shelters, housing rare Buddha images and the gilded royal funerary carriage.

Plain of Jars (Phonsavan)

The mysterious Plain of Jars in the Xiang Khouang province is an unusual sight. Hundreds of huge solid stone jars lie scattered about the landscape, some weighing up to six tons and about 6 feet (2m) in length. They are believed to be over 2,000 years of age, although their origin or function is unknown. Numerous theories and legends have been fashioned - one such legend states that they were made to ferment rice wine to celebrate a victorious battle against a wicked chieftain in the 6th century, some theories claim they were used as sarcophagi, or funerary urns. They are divided into five major groups, with Thong Hai, or Site 1, the largest and most easily accessible site. The jars lie amid thousands of unexploded mines left behind by the war, and as a result only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors; the rest are considered too dangerous and visitors should heed warning signs and keep to well worn paths. Many guesthouses in the town of Phonsavan have tours to the sites. While you're in Phonsavan be sure to visit the Mines Advisory Group (MAG) shop to learn about the clearing of unexploded bombs in the area and throughout Laos.

Pak Ou caves

About two hours by boat lie the Pak Ou caves, worth a visit even for the scenic boat trip. A lower and upper cave contain an impressive collection of mostly wooden Buddha statues assembled over the centuries by locals and pilgrims. Each year, hundreds of pilgrims come to these caves to add a statue to the growing collection. The upper cave (Tham Theung) is reached by means of a flight of stairs and requires the use of a flashlight, while the lower cave (Tham Thing) is visible from the river.

Kuang Si Falls

The beautiful multi-tiered Kuang Si falls are worth a trip from Luang Prabang for their refreshing beauty and serenity. Turquoise-green water tumbles over a series of limestone steps and collects in beautiful pools that are surrounded by lush greenery. Walkways lead around the base and to the summit, about 200 feet (61m) up, and there are numerous places to picnic. The falls are about 18 miles (29km) south of Luang Prabang.

Si Phan Don

The famous 4,000 islands region of Laos unfolds at the tail of the Mekong River in the far south of the country, lapping over into Cambodia. The area is renowned for its spectacular waterfalls (including South-East Asia's largest) tranquil village life and unspoiled natural beauty. It is also home to the rare but occasionally sighted pink Irrawaddy dolphin. The two most popular islands are Don Khong, the largest and most developed, and backpacker-magnet Don Det. Prices for accommodation and food are the cheapest in Asia. The area is also used as an entrance point to Cambodia, and buses frequently make the one hour journey to the border.

Phou Si

Phou Si is a hill near the confluence of the Mekong and Khan rivers, filled with temples. It is visible all over town and as such acts as a navigation landmark for visitors. The views of Luang Prabhang from the top of the hill are worth the steep walk of 355 individual steps. The lower slopes of the hill are dotted with the city's oldest temples, but the best is the golden stupaof That Chomsi at the top, built in 1804. Visit in the early morning, when it is cool and the temples are at their most active, or in the evening for the epic sunsets.

Free the Bears Rescue Center

A good day excursion 12 miles (30km) south of Luang Prabang is the Bear Rescue Center, which can be combined with a trip to Kuang Si Waterfall, located directly opposite. The center houses endangered Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poachers.

Alms Ceremony

The main attraction in Luang Prabang is the morning alms ceremony. Male Laotians from across the country come to Luang Prabang to study Buddhism for at least a year at some point in their life. As such the city is teeming with men and boys dressed in their saffron-colored robes. Every morning before sunrise the monks proceed through the village along the main street collecting alms for their consumption in the day ahead. This ancient and ritualized ceremony is a sight to behold and a great photo opportunity for those willing to wake up before dawn to go out and see it. Tourists are able to buy rice and foods to give to the monks. Be sure to buy fresh food as there have been scams in the past where market vendors sell old or stale leftovers to naïve tourists. Remember the ceremony is a serious and holy event so be respectful at all times, particularly if you are taking pictures. Women should dress conservatively and know that it is considered extremely rude for a woman to come into physical contact with a monk.

test attraction

Victory Gate (Patuxai)

Modeled to mirror the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, Laos' Victory Gate is definitely a sight to behold. Although it is said to be a replica of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, the Laotians decided to go one-up on their colonial masters by building theirs slightly higher and with four gates instead of the two that the European version has. Patuxai also has a number of decorative Buddhist ornamentation added to the original design. The monument is open to those wishing to brave the heat and climb the seven flights of stairs, which, once surmounted, offer great views of downtown Vientiane. In the same area visitors can see the World Peace Gong presented to Laos by Indonesia, as well as a musical fountain.

COPE Visitors Center

The COPE Visitors center can be a sobering reality check for many visitors to Laos, but nonetheless it is definitely worth a visit. Statistically Laos is the most bombed country in the world from the many American planes offloading their unused ordinance onto Laos during the Vietnam War. As such, the country has a significant amount of UXOs or unexploded ordinance, particularly in rural areas along the border with Vietnam. The COPE Visitors Center educates tourists and locals about the dangers of UXOs as well the prosthetic services in Laos. The Visitors Center includes a gift shop and a selection of short films on the Laos and UXOs.