Laos attractions

Said to date back to the Iron Age more than 2,000 years ago, the enigmatic Plain of Jars in northeast Laos has fascinated historians and archaeologists—the jars are said to have been used to store either rice wine or human remains. Scattered across the landscapes surrounding the town of Phonsavan, the mysterious stone urns cover a vast expanse of terrain.

Towering over the rest of the country, the high-altitude Bolaven Plateau in southern Laos is a breath of fresh air. The landscapes of this blissfully cool region comprise lush coffee plantations, waterfalls, and fertile soil from which fragrant bounties such as tea, fruit, and cardamom grow. The Bolaven Plateau is also home to several hill tribe villages, which makes for a rich cultural experience.

Along with the Kuang Si Falls, the Tad Sae Waterfall is one of Luang Prabang’s best-known falls and a popular attraction to visit during the wet season. A series of jade-bright travertine pools and shallow cascades, Tad Sae sits close to the Nam Khan River outside Luang Prabang. Other attractions include ziplines and an elephant camp.

The spiritual center of Vientiane, thanks to its sacred pillar, Wat Si Muang is the city’s busiest temple. Laos come from far and wide to pray for good luck and eliminate bad luck. Around November Wat Si Muang is also the starting point for the candle-lit procession that begins the nation’s biggest religious event, the That Luang Festival.

At Lao Textiles, American designer Carol Cassidy oversees 40 Lao artisans working to translate the nation’s rich weaving heritage into contemporary designs. Handcrafted using brocade, ikat, and tapestry techniques, products include wall hangings, scarves, shawls, pouches, and cushion covers. It’s also possible to tour the studio.

Surrounded by emerald greenery, the 137-foot (42-meter) Tad Yuang Waterfall plunges dramatically into the natural pool below. Part of the beautifully biodiverse Bolaven Plateau, the Tad Yuang Waterfall is more off-the-beaten-track than nearby attractions such as the Tad Fane Waterfall, so you’ll likely find you’ve got the place all to yourself.

Once a traditional market, Vientiane Morning Market (Talat Sao) now comprises two malls and a market. It remains a good place to shop for fabrics and traditional Lao skirts, as well as souvenirs such as snake whiskey and wooden boxes. Imported goods here are expensive due to Laos’ high duty charges, while fakes are common.

Opened in 2016, Pha Tad Ke Botanical Garden is Laos’ first botanical garden. Just down the Mekong from Luang Prabang, the 99-acre (40-hectare) site features orchids, palms, bamboos, gingers, ferns, a cave, a permaculture farm, and more. The ethnobotanical garden showcases local herbal medicine traditions.

Temples climb terraced hillsides at Vat Phou (Wat Phu), a Khmer Hindu sanctuary and UNESCO World Heritage Site. Some ruins wrapping the central shrine are more than 1,000 years old, and all have sweeping views of the surrounding plains. Within the sanctuary itself are elegant carvings of Hindu gods, semi-divine animals, and dancers.