Laos Travel Guide: Top Things to Do and See in 2024

Despite being overshadowed by neighboring countries, Laos maintains its distinct flair, making it one of Southeast Asia’s most appealing locations. Exploring the unspoiled landscapes and shimmering temples, or sampling the delectable cuisine; Laos has so much to offer its visitors. If you’re planning a trip to this lovely country, we’ve compiled a comprehensive bucket list of exciting things to do in Laos. Are you ready?

Laos impresses with its natural beauty, historic temples, and laid-back appeal. Explore cascading waterfalls such as Kuang Si near Luang Prabang, hike through Vang Vieng’s magnificent karst scenery, or visit the enigmatic Buddha Park, which contains hundreds of hidden statues. The following are the best things to do and see in Laos in 2024.

Explore Ancient Temples

Laos, like many other Asian countries, boasts an abundance of stunning temples. Strolling through the serene grounds of golden monasteries can be incredibly soothing for the soul. In Luang Prabang, an ancient town, there are 33 active temples adorned with gold, scattered throughout the area. One could easily spend an entire day just exploring these temples. A climb up Mount Phu Si offers 360-degree views over Luang Prabang and a chance to see giant Buddhas carved into the cliffs.

Begin your journey at Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham and then head towards Sakkarin Road, where numerous temples are situated approximately every 100 meters. At the sacred confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers lies Wat Xieng Thong, the city’s most impressive temple. Vientiane is another city filled with beautiful temples, with the most notable being Pha That Luang. This striking gold-covered stupa in the city’s center is breathtaking, especially when it lights up at night.

If you venture further south, be sure to visit Wat Phou. Nestled at the base of the lush Phou Khao mountains in Champasak province, Wat Phou is one of Laos’ most renowned temple complexes and a UNESCO World Heritage site. While some ruins date back over 1000 years, most structures originate from the 11th to 13th centuries. Often compared to Cambodia’s majestic Khmer temples, Wat Phou is now a Theravada Buddhist site and a top tourist destination in Southern Laos.

Attend the Alms-Giving Ceremony in Luang Prabang

The alms-giving ceremony in Luang Prabang holds deep roots in Laos’ Buddhist culture, dating back to the 14th century. Every day at sunrise, hundreds of saffron-robed monks and novices from Luang Prabang’s temples walk silently through the streets to collect their daily meals. Locals rise early to prepare food for the monks and wait quietly by the roadside to offer their gifts. Children often join, kneeling with baskets, and monks frequently share some of their alms with them to take back to their families. To experience this tradition, simply wake up early and join the locals in their practice.

Take Riverboat Trips

Despite being landlocked, Laos offers an array of water-based adventures, with river cruises topping the list. The Mekong and Nam Ou Rivers support a thriving cruise network from Luang Prabang in the north to Pakse in the south. Travelers can explore Laos’ cultural highlights while sailing past stunning mountains and villages.

Starting in Luang Prabang, you can cruise to the Pak Ou Caves, which house numerous Buddha statues placed by devotees. Continue the journey to Huay Xai, with an overnight stop in Pakbeng. Huay Xai, a border town near Northern Thailand’s Chiang Rai, is a popular stop for travelers between the two countries.

From Pakse, cruise along the Mekong Delta to visit southern Laos’ marvels, including the Vat Phou Angkorian ruins, the “four thousand islands” of Si Phan Don, and the majestic Khone Phapheng Waterfall, the largest in Southeast Asia.

Cruise boats vary in size and luxury, from noisy motorized speedboats to elegant retro-style steamers with comfortable cabins and butler service.

River Kayaking

Vang Vieng is a well-known adventure hotspot in Laos, with kayaking on the Nam Song River being a particularly popular activity. Kayaking along this river is an excellent way to appreciate the stunning landscapes and natural beauty of Vang Vieng. You can book a half-day tour through local companies for around 100,000 Kip (10 USD). These tours typically last a few hours and include stops where you can enjoy a cold Laos Beer.

In Luang Prabang, located at the meeting point of the Mekong and Nam Ou rivers, kayaking is also a fantastic option. You can arrange day trips to paddle on the Nam Ou or Nam Khan rivers, which are surrounded by majestic mountains and lush jungles. These tours usually include a picnic lunch.

Experience Lao Cuisine and Beer

Exploring a new place through its cuisine offers a true taste of its culture. Lao cuisine is famously spicy, often featuring a slight bitterness rather than sweetness. Fresh herbs and raw vegetables are staples, and sticky rice (khao niao) is the primary dish, traditionally eaten by hand from small baskets called tip khao. To eat it, you pinch off a bit of rice, roll it into a ball, and then dip and eat it.

The national dish of Laos is laap, a “salad” of minced meat mixed with herbs, spices, lemon juice, and chili, sometimes using raw meat. Another staple dish is tam maak hung, a spicy green papaya salad. Other popular dishes include ping kai (spicy grilled chicken) and mok pa (fish steamed in banana leaves).

Lao beer, particularly Beer Lao, is a beloved national product made from Laotian jasmine rice. It’s as widespread as water, available everywhere from remote street stalls to busy tourist bars in Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang. Beer Lao is a smooth, savory, light beer that pairs well with any meal.

We hope you find these activities and culinary experiences enticing for your trip. Should you need assistance with planning, our experienced consultants are ready to turn your travel plans into reality.