The small state of Laos is a wild, exotic, multifaceted neighbor of the well-known Vietnam and Thailand. Although there is no sea here, this moment is compensated by the various attractions of Laos – the oldest temples, whose history is measured over centuries, dense tropical forests, mysterious caves, picturesque mountains, gorges and waterfalls, as well as the special way of life of the inhabitants of this state. Anyway, you will not have any questions about what to see in Laos, the choice of interesting places here is very rich. The warm weather in Laos pleases at any time of the year, it is only necessary to take into account the rainy season.
What to see in Laos first of all
Despite the fact that tourism in the country is only developing, hotels in Laos are classified according to the European service assessment system. Excursions in Laos do not involve fuss and running around, each trip is an opportunity to thoroughly familiarize yourself with another attraction that has its own unique secret. Therefore, when choosing what to see in Laos in 1 day, it is worth focusing not on quantity, but on quality – a thorough acquaintance with each historical or natural monument will allow you to soak up the spirit of these places and discover the authentic Laos. And the rating of interesting places in Laos will allow you to choose the best attractions for making a travel itinerary.
1. Buddha Park (Wat Sieng Khuan)
The central sculptures of the Buddha Park of religious themes
All guides in Laos recommend that guests of the country visit this place. 20 kilometers from the capital of Laos is the Buddha Park, a sculpture complex in the very center of the park area. This landmark of Laos is famous for its amazing Hindu and Buddhist statues, placed here in a chaotic manner, there are more than two hundred of them here. Each of the sculptures is unique in its own way, the painting technique creates the impression of antiquity – nevertheless, the whole complex is a modern creation. A bright 3-storey building embodying three religious hypostases – earth, hell and heaven is especially popular. Once inside, you can see with your own eyes what awaits you in each of these places.
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2. The Triumphal Arch of Patusai
Musical fountain on the square in front of the Triumphal Arch of Patusai
When choosing what to see in Laos, namely in its capital, it is worth paying attention to the Patusai Arch. The building was erected in the very center of Vientiane in the late 60s of the last century. Structurally, the architectural masterpiece is a copy of the Paris Arc de Triomphe, but it is several meters lower. The arch symbolizes the struggle for the independence of the Laotians from the French and Americans. Today, the locals are proud of their symbol of independence, immortalized in this monument. There are 4 observation decks on the towers of the arch, from which you can view the panorama of many city streets. There, tourists can buy souvenirs and other paraphernalia in numerous shops, as well as visit cafes.
3. Royal Palace and Ho Kham Temple (Luang Prabang)
The majestic temple on the territory of the Royal Ho Kham Palace Museum
In the northern part of the republic, two hundred kilometers from its capital, there is another landmark of Laos – the Ho Kham Palace. Originally, the palace, decorated in Laotian and neoclassical French styles, was built in honor of the first ruler of the republic, Sisawang Wong, and nowadays a museum is located inside the palace. Among its famous exhibits is an exact replica of the Golden Buddha, presented by the Khmer king to the ruler of Laos. The frescoes on the walls of the palace deserve special attention. There is also a majestic temple on the territory of the palace complex, in the walls of which the royal throne is located under the watchful attention of local guards.
Official website: https://tourismluangprabang.org
4. Pak Ou Caves
Wooden boats on the Mekong River in front of the Pak Ou Caves
What to visit in Laos from natural sites? One of the most revered sanctuaries and the most important attractions of Laos is the Pak Ou Caves. This cave complex began to be used as a temple even before the advent of Buddhism. And with the advent of Buddhism, the caves began to be replenished with countless Buddha figures of various sizes and shapes, and today their number numbers several thousand. The locals are sure that a kind spirit lives in the caves. The great cultural value makes these caves an important attraction.
5. Wat Sisaket Temple
View of the temple at Wat Sisaket Monastery
Wat Sisaket is a Buddhist landmark of Laos in the capital Vientiane, built in 1824. According to some versions, this temple is the oldest in the capital, in the 20-30 years of the last century it was thoroughly reconstructed. The temple itself is surrounded by a wall, which is not typical for Buddhist shrines. More than 2 thousand silver and ceramic Buddha statuettes are installed in the niches of the temple. In general, the Wat Sisaket complex includes several buildings – for example, there is a library with a lot of valuable manuscripts. The main temple is generously covered with frescoes, which are considered the most ancient in the whole city. In the center of the pagoda stands a large statue of Buddha with a snake covering the deity. Cells for temple servants are located around the temple.
Official website: https://www.visit-laos.com
See the beautiful places of Laos in this wonderful video!
Attractions in Laos: What else to visit in Laos?
The main attractions are not the whole list of places to see in Laos. Other interesting and memorable places deserve special attention, and if you have enough time at your disposal, we recommend going on a trip to other, no less attractive attractions in Laos, the rating of which is given below.
6. The Valley of Pitchers
The landscape of the mysterious valley of Pitchers
What to see in Laos in Xiankhuang Province? Of course, this is primarily the valley of Pitchers – a mysterious place, over the entire area of which thousands of stone vessels are randomly “scattered”. Giant jugs have different shapes – from cylindrical to rectangular, ranging in size from half a meter to 3 meters, some of them stand vertically, others are toppled. It is assumed that the age of these products ranges from 1.5 to 2 thousand years. There are countless assumptions about why and by whom these peculiar giant vessels were created. According to the description of scientists, they were used by ancient peoples, and historians believe that pots could serve as funeral urns. There is also a version that the vessels were used to collect rainwater. Locals also believe that rice wine was stored in the jars.
7. Pha That Luang Temple
The golden figure of the reclining Buddha in the open air at the Pha That Luang Temple
If you are wondering what to see in Laos, it is recommended that you pay attention to another attraction in Laos – the Pha That Luang Temple, also called the Golden Stupa. This recommendation is justified – the pagoda has become a symbol of the whole country, and since 1991 its image has even appeared on the coat of arms of the republic. The temple itself is perhaps the most revered sanctuary in Laos. The history of the temple dates back 4.5 centuries – it was erected in 1566, and immediately after its construction, other temples were erected around the shrine. Today, there are a lot of Khmer and Lao statues on the territory of the pagoda, and the current residence of the Lao patriarch is also located here. Every year, the Big Stupa Festival takes place on this territory for three November days.
8. The Mekong River
Green mountains along the banks of the Mekong River
The main waterway of Laos is the Mekong River, along which the movement of water transport is well established. If you advise where to go in Laos for vivid impressions, then this is certainly a boat trip along the Mekong – a great way to get to know the country from the inside. The sources of the Mekong originate in the mountains of Tibet, and making a 4.5 thousand km long path, the river flows into the South China Sea. The river coast has become an ideal place for a large number of Lao people to live. There are many rice plantations here, and countless fish in the waters. Nevertheless, the huge resources of hydropower are practically not used here – the level of technical development of the country is very low.
9. Ruins of Wat Phu
An ancient road among the ruins of the Wat Phu temple complex
What are the architectural monuments to visit in Laos? The ruins of the Wat Phu temple complex are an original monument of Khmer history, a rock temple built presumably in the 6th-12th centuries on the foundations of more ancient sanctuaries. The temple is surrounded by palaces in the early Angkor style – north and south, the purpose of which is still unknown. The architecture of the temple complex uses the Coker and Angkorian styles, and the elaborate wood carvings on the facade admire the subtlety of the details. A healing spring gushes from the rock next to which the temple is located, which makes Wat Phu a unique structure among all the buildings of the Khmer civilization.
10. Tat Kuang Si Waterfall
Turquoise water pools of Tat Kuang Si Waterfall
In the thickest part of the jungle there is a picturesque natural landmark of Laos – the Tat Kuang Si waterfall. The beauty of the waterfall is complemented by a large number of rapids, along which water cascades down, as well as the unusual bluish hue of the water, resulting from the interaction of lime and carbon dioxide contained in the water. The highest threshold of the waterfall is 54 meters high, and it is he who reproduces the deafening roar of falling water, which can be heard from afar. The waterfall becomes the most full-flowing during the rainy season, which lasts here from August to November.
A trip to Laos does not look like a typical vacation with a passive vacation on the seashore, but the reviews of the trip are always only positive. There are no noisy parties, extreme entertainment and running around, but there is an atmosphere of tranquility, tranquility and unity with nature, and a vacation in Laos ends with a lot of beautiful photos and wonderful memories. Next to Laos is a country with many temples and natural attractions – Myanmar. When traveling in Laos, think about visiting this country as well. Read about the sights of Myanmar and get inspired for your further journey through Asia!
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