The Wayback Machine - https://web.archive.org/all/20031209152005/http://hoteltravel.com:80/laos/guides/sightseeing.htm
Hotels in English Hotels in Japanese Hotels in Chinese Hotels in French Hotels in Italiano Hotels in German
 
Laos Hotels
Luang Prabang Hotels
Vientiane Hotels
Luang Prabang Hotels
Vientiane Hotels
 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 
  Laos Sightseeing
 
 
   

Laos is a fascinating country and offers visitors a chance to step back in time or perhaps step into a time never before dreamed of? Undeveloped and for the most part, undiscovered, Laos is a treasure-trove of experiences and sights awaiting your discovery. The following information only touches on the discoveries you, the visitor will make.

For those seeking more detailed information on the more popular areas, please click on the following links listed below:

Vientiane       Luang Prabang

Vientiane is the capital of Laos, located on the banks of the Mekong river. Tree-lined boulevards, French historical dwellings and Buddhists temples dominate the scene of central Vientiane and impart a unique character of timelessness.

That Luang StupaVientiane's That Luang Stupa 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.

Wat Phra KeoWat Phra Keo was also constructed by King Setthathirat. It was rebuilt after the Siamese razed it during the Siamese-Lao war of 1828. The building had housed the Emerald Buddha until it was taken to Bangkok following a skirmish with the Lao in 1778. Wat Phra Keo still displays some of the finest Buddha sculptures found in the country.

PatousayThe Patousay on Lane Xang Avenue is a large monument reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Its architecture incorporates typical Lao motifs. From the top one can have a panoramic view of the entire city.

Wat SisaketWat Sisaket 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. Another interesting stop is at Wat Ong Teu where the Buddhist Institute is located and where monks can study their religion under the guidance of senior instructors.

VangviengVientiane Province on the whole offers impressive scenery. At Vangvieng, 160 km north of Vientiane municipality, breathtaking limestone formations nestle along the Song River. The rocks are honeycombed with numerous caves, the most famous of which is Tham Jang. Many of these caves can be reached by foot from Vangvieng.

Nam Ngum ReservoirLocated 90 km north of Vientiane municipality is the Nam Ngum Reservoir, a huge artificial lake created as part of a hydroelectric scheme. The lake is dotted with hundreds of picturesque islands, which can be explored by cruising around Vangsangin small boats. It is also interesting to watch the locals felling underwater teak trees which were submerged when the Nam Ngum Lake area was inundated with water. Near the lake, at Vangsang, primitive Buddha images, dating from the 11th century, are carved into a rock cliff which makes for some interesting contemplation.

Akha Tribal Lady with ChildPhongsaly situated in the most Northern tip of Laos is enclosed on three sides by China and Vietnam and cut off to overland travel from Oudomsay (details see further down the page) to the South. It consists of six districts: Phongsaly, Muangmai, Muangkhua, Samphan, Sombounxay and Yot Ou. More than twenty ethnic tribes make up the province's population, among them Iko, Loma, Akha, Pusang, Thai Dam, Thai Deng, Yao, Thai Lu, Khamou, Phai, Solo and Lao Hoy. All retain distinct cultures, languages and religious beliefs, though their most obvious difference is the dress of the women of each tribe. Handicraft skills, notably in weaving, embroidery and making silver jewellery are also well developed and worth purchasing if visiting the area.

Phongsaly From The Top of Phu FaPhongsaly can be reached by road and river, from Oudomsay it is possible to travel by road as far as Muangkhua in Southern Phongsaly then continue from Muangkhua by boat. From Luangnamtha it is possible to travel by road via Muangla (Yunnan province, China). From Luangprabang it is possible via the Nam Ou River north into the hearth of Phongsaly. Another way, you can get here is by Lao Aviation which provides two flights per week.

HuaphanhHuaphanh Province, a mysterious, beautiful and abundant land, is situated in the north-east of Laos, bordered by Xieng Khuang and Luang Prabang to the west and Vietnam to the east.

This was the base of the Lao People's Revolutionary activities and the geographical heart of the liberation struggle. The province’s population consists of many ethnic groups, each with their own life styles, costumes, folk-lore, festivals, folk dances and songs.

Huaphan has six districts: Viengxay, Xamneua, Xamtai, Viengthong, Xiengkho and Huamuang. The principal town is Viengxay the former name being Nakay.

The province is famous for its limestone mountains and caves, the latter of which more than one hundred exist, such as Tham Than Souphanouvong,  also known as Tham Than Kaysone and Tham Yonesong depending on who happened to be living in the cave at the time. This is not the only ‘residential cave’ in the area and some of the mre interesting ones are devided into various chambers such as meeting rooms, lounges, sleeping areas and the like.

HuaphanSayaboury is situated in the north-west of Laos; sharing borders with Vientiane and Luang Prabang in the east and Thailand in the west.

The landscape of Sayaboury is magnificent and is dominated by several peaks with altitudes of more than 1000m; the meadows and pastures lie alongside thick, tangled virgin forests that secret numerous different species of fauna and flora, some still undocumented and begging discovery by those daring to brave the dense jungles and raging rivers of this area.

The principal town is commonly called Muang Sayaboury, where many impressive temples such as Wat Ban Thin, Wat Ban Phapoun and Wat Ban Natonoy are located.

Elephant Logging WorkThe areas of Muang Phieng, such as Ban Fainamtan, Ban Nakhem and Ban Nampoui are fertile  and when travelling through here it is quite normal to see elephants pulling logs or assisting with other laborious tasks that most other countries would use machines for. Whatever you do, don’t forget your camera.

Luang Prabang From Mount PhousiLuang Prabang is the ancient capital city of the Lane Xang kingdom which according to legend was first called Muang Swa and was later known as Xieng Thong.

It is situated at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers and is surrounded by green hills and impresses travellers with its gleaming temple roofs and crumbling French architecture.

That ChomsiThe town is dominated by the Phou Si Hill with its many wats and its 24-metre high stupa, That Chomsi. The top of Phousi affords astonishing views, especially during sunset or sunrise.

Wat Xieng Thong InteriorWat Xieng Thong, is another worthwhile attraction. Built in 1560, it represents classic local temple architecture. Its sim (chapel) is richly decorated and has a low sweeping roof that goes to the ground. Other interesting temples are Wat Wisunalat, Wat Aham and Wat That Luang.

Royal PalaceThe Royal Palace Museum constructed 1904-1909 as King Sisavang Vong's palace, houses the royal throne and some interesting royal artefacts. The building itself features a mixture of French art styles and traditional Lao motifs.

Kuang Si FallsThe spectacular Kuang Si Waterfall is situated 29 km south of Luang Prabang deep in the forest. The waters tumble over multi-tiered limestone formations into several cool, turquoise-green pools ideal for relaxation and swimming that are a must do if you are visiting with children.

PakuEqually fascinating are the Pak Ou Caves which can be reached by a 2-hour boat trip upstream from Luang Prabang. They are located within a steep cliff which rises vertically from the waters of the Mekong river at the point where it meets with the Nam Ou river. The lower cave, called Tham Ting, and the upper cave, Tham Prakachay, shelter numerous Buddha images of varying styles, ages and sizes, which are yet another must see activity in the area.

Xieng Khouang ProvinceXieng Khouang Province offers the awesome beauty of high green mountains and rugged karst formations. The original capital city, Muang Khun, was almost totally obliterated by US bombing and consequently was moved to nearby Phonsavanh. Of several Muang Khun Buddhist temples built between the 16th and 19th century, only ruins remain. Wat Pia Vat, however, survived the bombing and makes for a worthwhile stop off.

Plain of JarsThe main attraction in Xieng Khouang province is the Plain of Jars. Here stone jars of different sizes, apparently carved out of solid rock/s, are scattered all over the plateau. The biggest one reaches a height of 3.25 metres. Different theories as to the function of the stone jars, which are estimated to be 2,500 to 3,000 years old, exist. According to local legend, in the 6th century King Khun Chuang had the jars constructed in order to store wine for the celebration of his conquest of Xieng Khouang. Alternatively, some researchers have suggested the jars were crafted as sarcophagi. This theory is supported by the discovery of human bones and daily utensils nearby. To date, the exact use of the jars remains a mystery.

Baw NoiApproximately 52 km north of Phonsavanh, a hot spring will appeal to travellers in search of relaxation. The waters of both, Baw Noi (Little Spring) and Baw Yai (Big Spring), reach a temperature of around 60 C.

Goldpanning BokeoBokeo located along the three-border intersection of Laos, Myanmar and Thailand, (part of the Golden Triangle) is home to a large number of ethnic minorities, each with their own lifestyles and customs. The most lucrative occupation in Bokeo is gold panning and digging for precious stones.

OudomxayOudomxay the mountainous northern province, is wedged between Luang Prabang in the east, Phongsaly in the north east, Sayaboury in the south and China. Most of the population is a mixture of ethnic groups such as Hmong, Iko, khamu, lamet etc, each with it own distinct culture, religion, language and colourful style of dress. They are hospitable and welcome visitors to their singular cultures which are mostly untouched by the 21st century.

Oudomxay LadiesThe capital, Muang Say, lies between two strings of Hmong villages. Near Muang Say Lak Sip-Et Waterfall, attracts visitors, as do the hot springs near Muang La. Muang Say is connected by road to Pakbeng, a rustic town stretching along the Mekong. From there one can continue to Luang Prabang by boat, passing stone cliffs, undulating mountains and little fishing villages.

Luang Namtha Shan LadyLuang Namtha, bordering China and Myanmar, is an ethnically diverse and colourful province in northern Laos. Thirty nine ethnic groups coexist in the area, and at the daily market in Muang Sing Thai Lu, Thai Neua, Yunnanese, Shan, Hmong and Mien can be seen.

This province is picturesque with mountains and many old temples. Although many have been destroyed during the war, they remain one of the major attractions and are noticeably different from other classical temples.

Wat Phra BatBorikhamsay located in the central Laos in the narrow "neck" with moderately high mountains sloping south west into the Mekong River valley is another picturesque area. Vientiane and Xieng Khouang province lie to the north, Khammouane province to the south. Here one can see the 'footprint of Buddha' shrine at Wat Phra Bat which is an important pilgrimage site.

Stone ForestAt Ban Nahin, Poupha Mane, a stone forest featuring thousands of rock pinnacles, can be found. Due to its proximity to Lak Xao, the latter is within easy reach for tourists crossing to Vietnam. South of Lak Xao, the still pristine forests of Nam Thuen protect areas with numerous varieties of wild life that are worth exploring.

Khammouane LandscapeKhammouane situated in the central part of Lao PDR with an area of moderately high mountains sloping down to the Mekong valley is well suited to plantations of rice, cabbage, sugar cane bananas etc. The population is made up of Lao groups such as Phuan, Tahoy, Kri and Katang among others.

Thakhek is the provincial capital and is well known to day-tripping Thais from Nakhon Phanom, just across the Mekong river. It also has many well-preserved French colonial architectural buildings similar to that found in Vientiane.

That SikhotabongAbout 8 km to the south of the town is the That Sikhotabong (or Sikhotabong stupa) constructed around 9th to 10th century by King Nanthasen and restored in the 1950s. Khammouane is rich with many caves, such as Tham Xieng Lieup, Tham Nang An, Tham Phanam and Tham Phaya In, all of which will make any spelunker happy.

Wat Saya PhoumSavannakhet Khanthabouly is the provincial capital of Savannakhet and is a busy market place for trade with nearby Thailand. Numerous examples of French architecture tell of the town's importance during the colonial era and the main attractions are its noteworthy temples such as the beautiful Wat Saya Phoum and That Inghang. The latter is the holiest edifice in southern Laos, housing a hollow chamber with a distinguished collection of Buddha images.

Dinosaur RemainsNear Muang Phin, on the route to Vietnam, dinosaur remains are on display, discovered by a French scientist in the 1930s. Not as old as these prehistoric relics, but of no less significance, is the northernmost example of Khmer art at Heuan Hin (stone house). The buildings were constructed between 553 AD and 700 AD. Today little more than ruins remain.

Ho Chi MinhVisitors interested in the latest period of Lao history may want to visit the former Ho Chi Minh Trail, whose outer edges are next to Xepon, 170 km east of Khanthabouly. North and south along the trail, remnants of downed US helicopters, fighter planes and other war material can be seen.

Colonial Residence ChampasaChampassack lies in south-western part of Laos. Its capital is Pakse which is located at the confluence of the Mekong and the Sedon rivers. Here lush, fertile land encourages rice cultivation and it is one of the largest producers of rice in the country.

Tad Phan WaterfallParts of the Bolaven Plateau which rests on the border of Saravane and Champassack are used for cultivation of coffee, cardamon, bananas and crops. The rest offer pristine nature and mountains in the central part constituting Dong Hua Sao, a proposed protected area. Several waterfalls drop over the escarpment. One of the most spectacular is Tat Phan with a height of 120 metres.

Wat Phou46km south of Pakse, Wat Phou, one of the most important sights in Laos, is located. Wat Phou literally means mountain temple. The different levels of the temple structure, built along the slope of the adjacent mountain, date from the 6th century to the Angkor period of the 9th to 13th century. The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong plain. Energetic visitors may want to climb the nearby Phu Passak, whose peak is shaped like a lingam or Shiva phallus. Another Khmer monument, Muang Tomo or Oum Moung, can be visited on the opposite side of the Mekong. It is, however, less accessible than Wat Phou.

Khone Pha Pheng WaterfallAt the most south-western tip of Laos, along the Cambodian border, the Mekong river reaches its maximum breadth of 14 km (during the rainy season). When the water level falls back again in the dry season, thousands of small islands rise from the river, giving the area the name Si Phan Done (4000 islands). The biggest island is Done Khong, a peaceful place for an overnight visit. From here, South East Asia's biggest waterfalls, Khone Pha Pheng, are within easy reach by boat or by road.

Irrawaddy DolphinsAnother interesting island in this area is Done Khone, where the French built a 14 km long railway to bypass the rapids. Visitors can follow the old railway line, view an old locomotive, pass a massive French-built bridge and watch a series of huge river cascades called Tat Somphamit (or the Li Phi falls). From the southern tip of Done Khone a small island is accessible from which Irrawaddy dolphins can be seen during the dry season.

Elephant TrekSaravane is a south-eastern province situated on the Bolavens Plateau and is offers idyllic scenery. A prehistoric site exists not far from some cascades where within a cavern huge stone caskets are piled one on top of the other that makes for interesting speculation. A tour of the area on elephant back is an exotic attraction, or visitors can explore the ethnic minority villages that are well worthwhile.

Sekong River PlainSekong situated in the heart of the south-eastern part of Laos; has common borders with Saravane to the west, Champassack and Attapeu to the south and Vietnam to the east. The Sekong River Valley is characterized by a landscape of a fertile plains dotted with villages and small towns; such as Lanam, Kaleum, Dakchung and Thateng, where the majority of people follow the unchanging lifestyle of traditional farming. Eco-Tourism is popular here because of its tropical forests that are home to many rare species of flora and fauna.

AttapeuAttapeu is the most south-eastern province in Laos; sharing borders with Sekong in the north, Champassack in the west, Vietnam in the east and Cambodia in the south and consists of five districts: Saysettha, Samakhixay, Sanamxay and Phouvong. The main town is built in a large valley surrounded by mountains opposite the confluence of the Sekong and Sekhamane rivers. Most of the population in Saravane, Sekong and Attapeu are up-lander minorities comprising of nine major tribes: Alak, Katang, Kaleum, Katou, Suay, Nge, Lave, Tahoy, Nyaheung.

Note: For more information on what's to see and do in Laos please take a look through our Sport and Activity pages, our Children's Activity pages and our Top 10 Things to Do pages or Contact Us.

 
That Luang Festival
  October
 

Laos Hotel  :  Laos Map  :  Laos Guide  :  Laos Resort  :  Laos Travel

Hotels  :  Guides  :  Maps  :  Travel Tips  :  Travel Forum

Copyright © 1999, The Hotel Travel Network -