Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia. It is known for majestic mountain terrains, traditional villages and thunderous waterfalls. The country offers incredible serenity with the beautiful Buddhist sites, untamed natural beauty and also the fact that it is so cheap you would love to visit again. Here are our top five things to do in Laos.
1. Kuang Si falls
Also known as Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls. This falls is a commonly covered itinerary for the visitors who come to Luang Prabang as it lies just 29 Km south of Luang Prabang. The water cascades in three levels from a steep hillside. This turquoise beauty is known as an ultimate summer destination. On the way to Kuang Si falls you can also see rescued and rehabilitated sloth bears. The butterfly park is also close by and you can hop on over there for a visit.
2. Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a magnificent city with an abundance of greenery, adorable wooden houses with a slight touch of European architecture and majestic mountain ranges. It is set at the confluence of two rivers Mekong River and Nam Khan that nearly encompass the city. King Visoun brought the most revered Buddha image (Pha Bang) in the early 1500s which is now kept at the royal museum, from which the city takes its name. You can take a journey up Mekong river to visit the Pak Ou caves filled with various idols of Buddha. On the way there you can stop over at the famed whiskey village and pick up some bottled of local whiskey and wine brews.
3. Mount Phousi
Climb Mount Phousi to catch a terrific sunset and sunrise view. Surrounded by verdant greenery, the zigzag staircase comprises 355 steps and you can relax at rest places along the way. There is golden Wat Choms at the summit which was built in the 18th century.
4. Vat Phou
This is a 12th-century Hindu temple with a similar architecture as Angkor of Cambodia. Set against the breathtaking natural backdrop, Vat Phou is in Champasak, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Laos. This temple currently serves as a Buddhist site.
5. Pha That Luang
The Great Stupa or Sacred Reliquary is located on a hill near Vientiane. It was believed to be a Hindu temple before Ashokan missionaries came here in the 3rd century and build a shrine to enclose the sacred Breastbone of Buddha.
Bonus tip: If you want to visit Laos’ party hub, go to Vang Vieng for some fun times.
