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
 
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835

Sponsored Links

Reviews from VirtualTourist Members

Phonsavan (Plain of Jars)

by worldtraveler55

Plain of JarsThe Plain of Jars is a large area extending around Phonsavan, where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered about in over a dozen groupings.Quite a few theories have been advanced as to the function of the jars - that they were used as sarcophagi, or as wine fermenters, or for rice storage -but there is no evidence confirming one theory over the other. Laying around are the stone lids for a few of the jars.The jars are commonly said to be 2000 years old, but in the absence of any organic material associated with the jars; there is no reliable way to data them.

Tip Photo
Unexploded Ordance

by worldtraveler55

Unexploded OrdanceUXO (Unexploded munitions, mortal shells, white phosphorous canisters (used to mark bomb targets)land mines and cluster bombs of French, Chines American, Russian and Vietnamese manufacture left behind from nearly 100 years of warfare have effected up to half of the population in terms of land deprivation and accidental injury or death.A distressing profusion of UXO are still imbedded in rice fields, beneath schools, houses and playgrounds, and even in the branches of bamboo trees , where they lodged themselves when the trees were seedlings. Today about 40% of the estimated 30-60 casualties per year are children, who continu to p;ay with found UXO - especially the harmless-looking, ball-shaped 'Bomb Light Unit's' (BLO's or Bombies) left behind by cluster bombs.In spite off that War-junk have become an important part of the local architecture and economy.Aluminium spoons,...

Tip Photo
Xieng Khuang Provence

by worldtraveler55

Xieng Khuang ProvenceXieng Khuang Province is marked by contrasts, cultural and geographical. In the centre, broad ochre hills, laid bare from logging and slash and burn agriculture, coat the semi flat terrain. Ordely farms intersperse the brown hues, and eucalypts and pine plantations invoke antipodeans impressions.As the province streches north it finds the bas of mountainous ascent, and one is struck by the beauty of high green mountains, rugged karst formations and verdant valleys.But when looking more closely, you notice how much of the province is pockmarked with bomb craters in which little or no vegetation grows.By the end of the 1960s this major battlefield was undergoing almost daily bombing by American planes, as well as ground combat between the US trained and supplied Hmong army and the forces of the North Vietnamese and Pathet Lao.Due to this secret war - lead by US Air...

Tip Photo
Luang Prabang

by worldtraveler55

Luang PrabangColour is the first of Luang Prabang's virtues to greet travellers. Perhaps frangipanis with their heady perfume, banks of overgrown trees peppered with scarlet flowers, the burnt sienna robes of hundreds of monks and their novices, and resplendent gold and claret wats.The scent of fresh coffee, river activity, produce markets and spicy food soon follows.And then the broader aesthetics begin to unfold.Encircled by mountains, and set 700m bove sea level at the confluence of the Nam Khan River and the Mekong River; Luang Prabang is now Laos' foremost tourist showpiece.The brew of gleaming temple roofs, crumbling French provincial architecture and multiethnic inhabitants capitivates even most jaded travellers, and the quiet benevolence of the city's residents lulls them into a somnambulant bliss.

Tip Photo
Luang Prabang (Tat Kuang Si)

by worldtraveler55

Tat Kuang SiThis beautiful spot (32 km south of town) has a wide, many-tiered waterfall tumbling over limestone formations into series of cool, turquoise pools. with thick banks of green and florid vegetation on either side, the setting is impossibly picturesque and photogenic.The lower level of the falls has been turned into a well-maintained public park, with shelters and picnic tables.A trail ascends through the forest along the left side of the falls to a second tier that is more private and has a pool large enough for swimming and splashing around.For a view of the stream that feeds into the falls you can continue along a more slippery extension of the trail to the top of the falls.

Tip Photo
Lung Prabang (Wat Visunarat)

by worldtraveler55

Wat VisunaratOriginally built in 1513 during the reign of Chao Wisunarat (King Visioun) Wat Visunarat is the oldest operating temple in Luang Prabang. Coursed off a fire it was rebuilt between 1896 and 1898.The original was wooden and in the brick and stucco restoration the builders tried to make the balustraded window of the sim appear to be fashioned of lathed wood; (an old Khmer contrivance that is uncommon in Laos architecture)Insight the high-ceilinged sim is a collection of gilded wooden 'Calling for Rain' BuddhasStanding well in front of the simm - instead of in the usual spot for a large stupa, immediately behind the sim - stands the 34.5 m That Pathum (=Lotus Stupa)

Tip Photo
Luang Prabang (Wat Xieng Thong)

by worldtraveler55

Wat Xieng ThongWat Xieng Thong is Luang Prabang's most magnificent temple. King Setthathirat ordered the construction of the sim (=ordination hall) in 1560 and the compound remained under royal patronage until 1975.The sim represents what is considered classic Luang Prabang temple architecture, with roofs that sweep low to the ground. Inside, the elaboratly decorated wooden columns support a ceiling stencilled in gold withdhammachakka (=dharma wheels)The rear wall of the sim features an impressive tree of Life mosaic set in a red back-ground.Near the compound's eastern gate stands the Hóhng Kép Mien (=royal funerary carriage house) Inside is an impressive funeral carriage, standing 12m high and various funaral urns for the members of the royal family.The Haw tai pha sai-nydat (=reclining Buddha sanctuary) contains an especially rare reclining Buddha that dates from the construction...

Tip Photo
Luang Prabang (Morning Alms Giving)

by worldtraveler55

Morning Alms GivingThe morning monk's round (In Lao Tak Bat) is a living Buddhist tradition for the people in Laos which, because of its beauty, has become a major tourist attraction, especially in Luang Prabang.Be sure to behave appropriate and respectfully; and be aware of the customs associate with Tak Bat.

Tip Photo
Pak Ou Caves

by worldtraveler55

Pak Ou CavesAbout 25 km by boat from Luang Prabang along the Mekong River, at the mouth of the Nam Ou are the famous Pak Ou CavesTwo caves in the lower part of a limestone cliff facing the river are crammed with Buddha images of all styles and sizes.The lower cave, know as Tham Ting, is entered from the river by a series of steps and can easily been seen in daylight.Stairs to the left of Tham Ting lead around to the upper cave, Tham Phum, which is deeper and requires a artificial light for viewing - bring a torch (flashlight) if you want to see both caves.The first use of the caves for religious purpose was at the time when the local population worshipped Phi, or the spirit of nature. it is said that the caves are associated with a river spirit.It is believed that the Lao people first entered the river valley in the middle of the eight century after moving southward from south China.By...

Tip Photo
Nam Ou

by worldtraveler55

Nam OuBoat travel along the Nam Ou south of Nong Khiaw has largely been eclipsed by travel along the improved Rte 13, but it's still possible.Slow boats will take about five hours and lead you through awesome scenery off cliffs of karst and people living on the riverside.Be sure to inquire thoroughly to river conditions, as from mid-February on it's not unusual to get stranded.

Tip Photo
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... 

 Hotels in Luang Prabang

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... 

 Hotels in Vientiane

Ban Sabai Riverside Bungalow  Vang Vieng

 84 Opinions

 Hotels in Vang Vieng

163 Hotels in Laos
 
Explore the World
Travel Destinations
Travel Highlights

The Place

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

Experience Laos
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

More Cities in Laos

 

Popular Regions in Laos

Khoueng Viangchan Things to Do  Khoueng Louangphrabang Things to Do  Khoueng Champasak Things to Do  Khoueng Savannakhet Things to Do  Khoueng Xiangkhoang Things to Do  Khoueng Houaphan Things to Do  Khoueng Xaignabouli Things to Do  Khoueng Oudomxai Things to Do  Khoueng Khammouan Things to Do 

More Regions in Laos

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... 

Read 3 Replies

postQuestion_button

Click here for best deals for

Plenty of choices
agoda.com Save up to 75%, Don't miss! Live support, Instant confirmation.
Save money, Book now !
Booking.com Excellent choice, Low rates
Great Prices, Great Rooms
hotels.com We Know Hotels Inside And Out. Click or call now: 1-800-914-6835
Save up to 50% off Hotels Everyday
Expedia.com Photos, Reviews and the Guaranteed Lowest Prices

Sponsored Links