Discover where your journey can take you
From ancient temples and quiet riverside towns to limestone mountains, tropical islands and remote mountain villages, Laos offers a remarkable variety of landscapes and experiences.
Whether you are planning your first visit or looking beyond the usual route, explore our destination guides to discover what to see, how to get there, how long to stay and how each place fits into your journey through Laos.
Explore Laos
LUANG PRABANG
Where the rivers meet and time slows down
A UNESCO-listed town where the Mekong and Nam Khan meet, Luang Prabang combines ancient temples, French-colonial architecture, mountain landscapes and some of northern Laos’s most memorable day trips.
Things to see: Kuang Si Falls, Mount Phousi, Pak Ou Caves, temples and the Old Town.
VANG VIENG
Limestone mountains and adventure
Surrounded by dramatic karst peaks, rice fields and the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is a base for hiking, kayaking, caves, lagoons and mountain adventures.
Things to see: Nam Xay Viewpoint, Blue Lagoons, caves, the Nam Song and surrounding countryside.
VIENTIANE
The relaxed capital of Laos
Laos’s capital combines Buddhist monuments, historic temples, Mekong riverfront life and French-influenced architecture. It is also one of the country’s main transport hubs.
Things to see: Pha That Luang, Patuxai, Wat Si Saket, Buddha Park and the Mekong riverfront.
HUAY XAI
Where the Mekong journey begins
Situated opposite Thailand on the Mekong, Huay Xai is an important gateway into northern Laos and the starting point for the famous slow-boat journey to Luang Prabang.
Things to see: Mekong slow boats, the Gibbon Experience, Wat Chom Khao Manilat and the riverside.
NONG KHIAW
Where limestone mountains rise from the Nam Ou
A peaceful mountain town surrounded by towering limestone cliffs, Nong Khiaw is a destination for viewpoints, river journeys, caves and exploring the quieter side of northern Laos.
Things to see: Pha Daeng Viewpoint, Pha Tok Cave, the Nam Ou and Muang Ngoi.
PHONSAVAN & XIENG KHOUANG
Where ancient stones meet a remarkable history
High on the Xieng Khouang Plateau, Phonsavan is the gateway to the mysterious Plain of Jars and a region shaped by both ancient history and the legacy of the 20th century.
Things to see: Plain of Jars, Muang Khoun, UXO museums and traditional villages.
EXPLORE PHONSAVAN & XIENG KHOUANG
THAKHEK
Limestone mountains, caves and the road into the wild
Thakhek is the gateway to Khammouane’s spectacular karst landscapes and the starting point for one of Laos’s best-known motorbike journeys.
Things to see: Thakhek Loop, Kong Lor Cave, Buddha Cave, natural pools and limestone viewpoints.
PAKSE
The gateway to southern Laos
Set where the Mekong and Xe Don meet, Pakse is the starting point for exploring the Bolaven Plateau, waterfalls, coffee-growing country, ancient Khmer temples and the road south towards the 4,000 Islands.
Things to see: Bolaven Plateau, Vat Phou, Wat Phousalao and the waterfalls of southern Laos.
4,000 ISLANDS
Slow down on the Mekong
Where the Mekong spreads across the far south of Laos, Si Phan Don is a landscape of islands, waterfalls, river channels and quiet villages. Don Det and Don Khone are the best-known bases for experiencing island life.
Things to see: Don Det, Don Khone, Khone Phapheng Falls, Li Phi Falls and Mekong boat trips.
PLAN YOUR JOURNEY THROUGH LAOS
Not sure where to go next?
Our destination guides explain what to see, how to get there, how long to stay and how to travel onwards. Once you’ve chosen your route, we can also arrange the transport, tickets, tours and other services you need for your journey.
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