Laos Things to Do

 
by Willettsworld
 
  •   Things to Do
    by Willettsworld
  •   Things to Do
    by Willettsworld
  • Tuk tuk with tubes
      Tuk tuk with tubes
    by li-anne
  • Pak Au
      Pak Au
    by vuzu
  • Second temple in Pak Au Cave, NOT WORTH A VISIT.
      Second temple in Pak Au Cave, NOT WORTH...
    by vuzu
 
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Wat Si Muang

by magor65

Wat Si Muang is probably one of the most "authentic" and interesting temples in Vientiane. It is frequently attended both by tourists and local people, so it gives you a chance to observe locals' customs and behaviour.The ordination hall (sim) is divided into two parts, not a common feature in Buddhist chapels. In the first part we can see a Buddha image seated on a cushion. It is believed that it can grant wishes. It must be lifted three times off the cushion and in the meantime one should think of the wish. Looking at the rich offerings of bananas and flowers around, it seems that many of the wishes have been fulfilled. The other part houses the city pillar (lak meuang), which is thought to be home of the guardian spirit of Vientiane. As the legend goes, when the site for Wat Si Muang was chosen in 1563, a pregnant woman jumped into a large hole dug for the city pillar, making herself...

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Wat Si Saket

by magor65

Wat Si Saket is the oldest surviving temple of Vientiane. It was built in 1819 by Chao Anou, who spent his young years in the courts of Bangkok. He built Si Saket in Thai style and that's probably why the temple was spared from the Siamese razing in 1828.What makes Wat Si Saket different from other temples are thousands of niches with images of Buddha - in various positions, sizes and shapes. Some made of stone, others of wood or bronze, some seated, others standing. A few of them have positions that are typically Lao, like f.e. Buddha calling for peace with his arms up and palms facing forward. It would be impossible for a visitor to count all the Buddha images so I have to rely on sources, which give different information. The number varies from about 6000 to 10 000, depending on the source. Wat Si Saket will probably make an impression on every visitor, although it calls for...

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Pha That Luang - World Precious Sacred Stupa

by magor65

This national monument of Laos and a symbol of buddhism is about 4 km from the centre of Vientiane so it is advisable to get there by tuk-tuk or other means of transport. I think it looks best from afar, especially on a sunny day. Its golden shape against the blue skies seems to shine with its own light. It's so dazzling that you have to squint your eyes. When you get close you see the golden layer peeling off and at places it looks shabby and cheap. But still it is one of the highlights of Vientiane so don't give it a miss.It's history is quite interesting. According to a legend Indian missionaries built on this site a stupa in 3rd century AD to enclose a fragment of the Buddha's breastbone. Pha That Luang itself was erected in 1566 but didn't escape the Siamese invasion in 1820's. For a long time it lay abondoned until 1900 when the French restored it. The results were less than...

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Vientiane - a Sandalwood City

by magor65

Quiet, laid-back, sleepy, provincial, relaxed, tranquil - all these words describe Vientiane very well. You wouldn't expect them to be used while talking about any capital city, but this is what Vientiane is like - a capital that lacks capitals' grandeur and loftiness. Vientiane is a mixture of Lao, French, Thai, Soviet, Vietnamese and the US influences. You will see here French colonial architecture side by side with gilded Buddhist temples, big off-road vehicles and tuk-tuks, tree-lined boulevards and local markets selling handicrafts, jewellery and fabrics. No building is taller than two or three storeys. The city is so compact that most of its attractions can be easily reached on foot or by bike and all 'must-see' places can be visited within one - two days. Don't expect to find any ancient temples here - much of Vientiane was destroyed during Siamese attacks in 1820's. But still the...

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Luang Prabang (Wat Aham)

by worldtraveler55

Wat Aham Wat Aham was formerly the residence of the Sangkharat (=Supreme Patriarch of Lao Buddhism).Two large banyan trees grace the grounds, which are semideserted except for the occasional devotee who comes to make offerings to the town's most important spirit at the base of the trees.

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Hospital in Bankok

by gazellen

Hmm...What a cirkus. When travel insurrance is involved, it can be so complicated. But I was taken good care of, for sure ! I was flied from Laos to Bankok, because of my poor foot. 4 seat was booked for me in the airplane, because you can not sit with a foot pointed to the head of budhist. My foot was not broken, as first told, but still they wanted me to stay at the hospital in Bankok for several days. Nothing to complain, private hospital in Bankok is like staying at a nice hotel.

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Khon Phapeng waterfall

by X-mas

The Khon Phapeng waterfall is the largest waterfall in southeast Asia, in the middle of the Mekong river, often said to be the Niagara of Asia. It offers impressive views on its up to 15 m. high and 1 km. wide rock formation. The visitors can hear and feel the roaring sound and water spray from distance. The beauty of Khon Phapeng waterfall can be most wonderfully appreciated from the wooden sala right on the same level where the water falls. From this sala there is a path down to the closer spot where brilliant scenery could be seen.

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Don Dhet & Don Khon

by X-mas

On Don Dhet, we stay in a cute guesthouse. Only in the evening, just for a few hours, we could use electricity. We rent a bicycle and visit some places close to our guesthouse. Somphamith (Li Phi waterfall), Li means a kind of bamboo fish-trap with a narrow neck, whereas Phi means corpse. We also visit the one and only train ever in Laos, another reminder of the French rule at Don Khon. Don Khon is the second largest island of the Si Phan Don area after Don Khong. Don Khon is 4.5km. by 5km.Of all the islands of Si Phan Don, only two were linked together by a railway bridge. They are Don Khon and Don Dhet.

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Don Khong

by X-mas

From Pakse we take local transport - a few hours by local bus - to Don Khong where we spent the night in Souk Sabay guesthouse.Don Khong is the largest island of all in the Si Phan Don area. It is 6km. by 12 km. and the road around the island is about 35km. long. The best way to travel around Don Khong is by cycling along the riverbank or around the countryside.Thers is also a beautiful temple, Wat Phuong Kaew, a temple with a sitting Buddha image canopied by a seven-headed Naga.

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Wat Phu - Champasak

by X-mas

Wat Phu, a thousand-year-old Khmer temple, is one of the most interesting tourist attractions in Champasak. Wat Phu is a World Heritage site. The 1,500 year sandstone sanctuary was named "Bhandharesvava" in Hinduism, and dedicated to God Shiva.There are two grand prasards, Ribrary and the main sanctuary on the high level of the mountain.

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Fun things to do in Laos

Top 3 Hotels in Laos

La Residence Phou Vao  Luang Prabang

 4 Reviews and 281 Opinions  TOUGH MANAGEMENT While this facility may be nice, I know the management is tough and does not have... 

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Settha Palace Hotel  Vientiane

 5 Reviews and 132 Opinions  Settha Palace is a small luxury family owned hotel.It has its importance as a historical example of... 

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Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow  Vang Vieng

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163 Hotels in Laos
 
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Reviews and photos of Laos attractions posted by real travelers and locals. The best tips for Laos sightseeing.

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Things to Do: Cities in Laos
  1. Luang Prabang Things to Do
  2. Vientiane Things to Do
  3. Vang Vieng Things to Do
  4. Pakse Things to Do
  5. Savannakhet Things to Do
  6. Ban Phonsavan Things to Do
  7. Don Khong Things to Do
  8. Ban Pak Beng Things to Do
  9. Champasak Things to Do
  10. Muang Hongsa Things to Do
  11. Muang Sing Things to Do
  12. Ban Houayxai Things to Do
  13. Muang Phonsavan Things to Do
  14. Ban Pak-Ou Things to Do
  15. Ban Thabok Things to Do
  16. Muang Pakxong Things to Do
  17. Muang Pak-Lay Things to Do
  18. Attapu Things to Do
  19. Louang Namtha Things to Do
  20. Ban Vangtao Nok Things to Do
  21. Ban Phonsavan Things to Do
  22. Vat Phou Things to Do

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Questions and Answers

trusmibatik profile photo

Q:  do any VT have any experience with the VIP overnight sleeper bus from Vientiane to Luang Prabang??? is it reasonably... 

singnomore profile photo

A: I took the VIP bus from Luang Prabang to Vientienne in 2010. There is a toilet on the bus. I was on the upper deck and the airconditioner was very weak. So it was a VHB... 

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