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Top 10 things to do in Laos

10 great reasons to take a luxury, tailor-made holiday to Laos with The Ultimate Travel Company.

Although visitor levels have increased in the last ten years, there is much about Laos that remains unchanged, undiscovered and unfamiliar. It is certainly not one of those destinations that occurs to the great mass of holidaymakers. And that is part of its charm. Other parts include the tiny, untouched villages on the banks of Mekong backwaters. Or the original French-Indochinese architecture that is protected by UNESCO listing. Or the dazzlingly ornate Hindu temples devoted to the goddess Shiva and dating back to the 5th and 6th centuries.

Here are our expert consultants’ top recommendations on the top things to do in Laos.

Top 10 things to do in Laos

  • 1. Luang Prabang

    Streets lined with golden temples, traditional longtail boats sweeping along the Mekog at sunset. Authentic French-Indochinese architecture and marvellous regional cuisine served in tiny, back street restaurants. Little has changed since the turn of the last century.

    The best time to visit? From November to April when rainfall is low and it’s not so hot and humid.

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  • 2. Luang Say cruise

    Perhaps the prime way to see the most beautiful Laotian countryside is aboard a Luang Say cruise. Gliding you along the narrow Mekong, past otherwise inaccessible villages where the pace of life hasn’t changes for centuries.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 3. Wat Phu Champasak

    An achingly beautiful temple complex standing on the side of a sacred mountain, overlooking an ancient city. The complex dates back to 5th and 6th centuries AD and is dedicated to the goddess Shiva. An unmissable sight.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 4. Muang La Resort, northern Laos

    Experience the true rural Laos. At Muang La Resort, village life goes on around you, as local people work their fields and villagers bathe in the nearby river. You can even visit remote ethnic groups on 4×4 excursions.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 5. The 4000 Islands

    Si Phan Don (4000 Islands) is a seemingly endless riverine archipelago in the centre of the Mekong in southern Laos. It’s the perfect environment to observe an unchanged riverside lifestyle, photograph thundering waterfalls and spot Irrawaddy dolphins.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 6. Kuang Si Falls, near Luang Prabang

    The Kuang Si Falls represent a great photo and sight-seeing opportunity, as well as the chance to fulfil the fantasy of bathing in turquoise pools beneath a cascade of crystal tumbling water. Just 30 km from Luang Prabang itself.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 7. Plain of Jars

    Perhaps the most enigmatic, mysterious sight-seeing experience. In this far flung corner of east Laos lies the town of Phonsovan, surrounded by giant stone jars, scattered across the landscape. Dating between 500BC and 500AD, their creators are unknown.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 8. Don Daeng Island

    Don Daeng Island in the lower Mekong River is a real treasure, with sandy paths and cycle rides leading to traditional villages. Stay on the island at the charming La Folie Lodge and use this as your base to explore south Laos, the wonderful 4000 Islands region, Wat Phu and Bolaven Plateau.

    The best time to visit? December to March, during their dry season.

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  • 9. Bolaven Plateau

    If you’re a lover of fine coffee this scenic, upland plateau area, with its quality plantations will offer you the perfect cup. Just 45 minutes from Pakse, the air is cool and the countryside is nothing short of breath-taking.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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  • 10. Pak Ou Caves

    25km upriver from Luang Prabang, the Pak Ou Caves complex is an ancient hideaway for Buddah statues and images that have been left there over the centuries. Two caves interconnect at a striking limestone cliff where the Nam Ou river meets the Mekong.

    The best time to visit? December to March

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OUR Laos TRAVEL EXPERTS

  • Customer focussed, helpful and sensitive to the current travel challenges. They have booked me a variety of interesting holidays with fabulous hotel recommendations and relative value for money compared to there premium agents.

    -     AW, Australia - November 2020