Vientiane's That Luang Stupa is an absolute ‘must do’ place to see. It is the most impressive and biggest stupa in Laos, featured on the Lao insignia and was constructed in 1566 by King Setthathirat. The Siamese damaged it badly during their invasion in 1828, but it was restored in the 1936s. In mid-November, religious rites as well as a fair are held here during the That Luang Festival.

Another Vientiane ‘must do’ is to pay a visit to Wat Sisaket. It is the oldest temple of Vientiane which has survived in its original form. Inside the main hall and along the walls of the courtyard surrounding it, a total of 6840 Buddha images rest in small niches or on shelves.

If you like handicrafts, then you really should pay a visit to the Nongbouathong Village Weavers. Here traditional Lao textile weaving is proudly upheld in this village, and the exquisite results are displayed at the local Pheng Mai Gallery. Nongbouathong village is just a ten-minute drive out of Vientiane and lovers of weaving should not miss this opportunity to watch the weavers at their looms.

Like most Asian countries a trip to the markets is not to be missed and in Vientiane the Talat Sao Morning Market (Open from 6 am to 6 pm) is a good choice. There are all kinds of goods from Laos on sale here. Especially recommended are the silk and cotton weavings as well as the many "antique" stands, selling supposedly old and original artefacts. Here too visitors will discover many small food stalls selling a wide variety of food that will tempt your taste buds.

Another interesting spot in Vientiane is Wat Xieng Khouang Buddha Park. Here you’ll discover a collection of compelling Buddhist and Hindu sculptures located in a meadow, 24km south of Vientiane.  When the French took control of the country in the late 19th century, they set about totally re-designing it with the same style as the magnificent Indochinese capitals of Saigon and Phnom Penh.  The wide boulevards lend themselves nicely to monuments of a grand scale and one such is the Patouxai War Memorial also known as Anousavali which means the "Gate of Victory”.

In Luang Prabang an activity not to be missed is to pay a visit to the Ban Xang Hai Village On the opposite bank of the Mekong from the caves sits the village of Ban Xang Hai. Though for centuries the village made its living by crafting stoneware jars and other handicrafts, more recently it has become famous for brewing a particularly, fiendish liquor, made from fermented sticky rice, called 'lao-lao.' Most boatmen running tours to the Pak Ou Caves include a stop at the 'Whisky Village' seeming to appreciate that a quick drink is required after viewing all those damaged Buddha images.

Get away from it all…relax and get wet at the Kuang Si Waterfall About 35km from Luang Prabang, these beautiful, multi-level falls are popular with tourists and locals alike as picnic grounds and photo opportunities. The falls tumble down over 60 m, through a series of pools and the spray keeps the surrounding picnic grounds cool throughout the hottest times of the year. Note: During the dry season, from November to May, don't waste your time as the falls are only a trickle.

For lovers of great sunsets, a top activity is to visit Mount Phu Si Rising from the centre of town, Phu Si has temples scattered on all sides of its slopes, and a panoramic view of the entire town from its top. That Chomsi Stupa, built in 1804, is its crowning glory. Taking the path to the northeast, you will pass Wat Tham Phousi, which has a large-bellied Buddha, Kaccayana. Wat Phra Bat Nua, farther down, has a yard-long footprint of the Buddha. Be prepared for the 355 steps to get there. Try to make the hike, which will take about 2 hours with sightseeing, in the early morning or late afternoon to escape the sun's burning rays and to appreciate the spectacular sunrise or sunset view from the top.

Pak Ou Caves just outside Luan Prabang is another top destination. A repository for old or damaged Buddha images that once graced household shrines, the caves of Tham Ting and Tham Phoum have become highly venerated sanctuaries. During the Lao New Year boatloads of Luang Prabang residents make the 25km pilgrimage up the Mekong River to the caves to wash the Buddha images and make merit.

If in Luang Prabang and you don’t visit at least some of the many wats…you haven’t been to Luang Prabang at all, it’s as simple as that. These are definitely a must do activity no matter what your age…kids will enjoy it too.

Note: For information on things to see and do in other areas, please click the following links:
Vientiane and Luang Prabang