Laos is the only landlocked country. It is one of two Marxist-Leninist states in Southeast Asia. From natural attractions to historical monuments. One can never run out of places to visit in Laos. Many beautiful limestone caves promise an adventurous visit with plenty of hiking and boating opportunities. The peaceful temples have majestic charm of their own. The people who love exploring the history and culture of the city can spend their trip visiting heritage sites. Laos even has several stunning museums that offer delightful insights into the country’s war-stricken history.
Here are the Best Tourist Places to Visit in Laos
1. Buddha Park, Vientiane
Buddha Park is also known as Xieng Khuan. This park is a famous sculpture park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. The park was started in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat. The entrance of the park is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird’s eye view of the entire. This park’s notable sculpture resembles a giant pumpkin. The park has three stories that represent three levels of existence, hell, Earth, and heaven. Each of these stories contains sculptures depicting the respective level. At the top, there is a vantage point, from which the entire Buddha Park is visible.
2. Wat Xieng Thong, Luang Prabang
Wat Xieng is a Buddhist temple on the northern tip of the peninsula of Luang Prabang, Laos. The temple was built between 1559 and 1560 by King Setthathirath. This structure stands out as a significant monument. Wat Xieng has more than twenty structures including a sim, the shrines, the pavilions, and the residences. It even has gardens of flowers, shrubs, and huge trees. Inside the temple gold stencil showcases the dharma wheels on the ceiling and exploits the life of King Chanthaphanit. However, Luang Prabang was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995.
3. Nam Ngum Dam
Nam Ngum Dam is a hydroelectric dam on the Nam Ngum River in Laos. It was the first hydropower dam built in the Lao PDR. Nam Ngum Dam was constructed in three stages. The dam has a dramatic backdrop of towering green cliffs. Lake boasts an unparalleled pristine beauty. The glittering blue waters of the dam make it a beautiful picnic spot. This landscape appears twice as resplendent during the early evening hours when the golden light of the setting sun permeates the place.
4. Kuang Sii Waterfalls, Luang Prabang
Kuang Sii is also called Kuang Xi or Tat Kuang Si Waterfalls. This is a three-tier waterfall 29 kilometers south of Luang Prabang. Kuang Sii is a unique waterfall because the water is turquoise. There is a group of butterflies which make the place magical. The falls start in shallow pools from a steep hillside leading to the main fall with 60 60-meter cascade. The water gets collected and flows downstream. Visitors can enjoy swimming. Kuang Sii Falls is accessed via a trail to the left of the falls.
5. World Peace Gong
World Peace Gong is located at the Patuxai Park in Vientiane. It was gifted to Laos by the World Peace Committee of Indonesia. This gong was installed in 2008. The World Peace Gong measures nearly 2 meters in diameter and weighs about 150 kilograms. This gong stands as a symbol of the country’s long-standing peace and security. However, there are several other peace gongs around the world.
6. Chom Ong Cave
Chom Ong Cave is a cave system located in Oudomxay Province, north of Laos. It is the longest chain of caves in the northern part of the city. These caves run to about 18 kilometers, with a river and a fossil passage running side by side. Chom Ong Cave offers a tricky hiking experience that should only be attempted by seasoned hikers. Visitors can explore several golden Buddha statues along the descent.
7. Wat Mai Suwan Poomaram
Wat Mai Suman Poomaram is a Buddhist temple or wat in Luang Prabang, Laos. It was built in the 18th century. Wat Mai e is one of the most popular places to see in Laos. This temple is known for its ethereal beauty. The most noticeable feature of the temple is the gilded relief panels that cover the front panels here. It narrates the story of Buddha’s reincarnation. During the Lao New Year celebrations, the sacred Buddha image at the Royal Palace is carried to Wat Mai for worship.