Laos slowed me down in all the right ways. Watching the sunset over the Mekong with a cold Beer Lao in hand, I realized this country operates on its own peaceful frequency. The French colonial buildings, Buddhist temples, and karst mountains create a backdrop that feels both timeless and raw.
I spent a month traveling through Laos by motorbike, boat, and occasionally on the back of pickup trucks. These are the most beautiful places to visit in Laos that genuinely impressed me. My list covers 12 spots where the magic of Southeast Asia remains intact – from terraced rice fields to waterfalls that thunder through the jungle. This is the Laos I fell for, and I’m betting you will too.
👉 Find Your Perfect Laos Accommodation
👉 My Favorite Tour in Laos
#1 tip to save money on your trip to Laos
Let’s first cover some quick tips that will save you time and money on your Laotian adventure.
- FLYING: If you haven’t already, I HIGHLY recommend signing up for Scott’s Cheap Flights (now called Going). Last year, I flew to Vientiane for just $450 roundtrip thanks to their email alerts. The premium and elite version are even better!
- Food: Save money by eating at local night markets where noodle soups and grilled meats cost just $1-3. In Luang Prabang, the morning market has incredible fresh baguettes and coffee for breakfast. For snacks, fresh fruit smoothies for about $1 are perfect in the heat.
- Transport: Renting a scooter for about $8-10 per day is the best way to explore towns like Luang Prabang and Vang Vieng. For longer journeys, I recommend the VIP buses between major destinations. They’re just a few dollars more than regular buses but much more comfortable for those winding mountain roads. When I traveled from Luang Prabang to Vang Vieng, the slow boat option was cheaper and offered stunning scenery along the Mekong!
Laos may have a reputation for being a budget-friendly destination, and it truly is! If you follow the strategies above, you can explore its wonders while spending very little. Now, without further ado, let’s jump into the best places to visit in Laos:
The Prettiest Places to Visit in Laos
Laos gets overlooked by travelers rushing between Thailand and Vietnam. Big mistake. With stunning waterfalls, limestone mountains, and temples that date back centuries, this country offers natural beauty without the crowds. Let me show you what makes Laos worth slowing down for!
1. Bokeo Nature Reserve
- 📍 Location: Bokeo Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🐒 Wildlife lovers, jungle adventures 🌿, canopy experiences 🌉
- 📸 Top Experiences: Staying in the Gibbon Experience treehouses, trekking through dense rainforest, spotting rare black-crested gibbons
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March for dry weather and better trail access ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riverside Houay Xai – Simple riverside guesthouse offering scenic views and convenient access to Gibbon Experience tours
Bokeo Nature Reserve is one of Laos’ best-kept secrets, especially for travelers who want to get far off the usual trail. This protected rainforest in the country’s northwest is home to endangered species like clouded leopards, sun bears, and most famously, the elusive black-crested gibbon.
What really sets this reserve apart is the Gibbon Experience. You’ll trek into the forest and sleep in a treehouse 100 feet off the ground, with zipline access connecting you to other parts of the canopy. It’s a rare mix of adventure and conservation wrapped into one unforgettable trip.
You don’t need to be an extreme trekker to enjoy it. Guided hikes are manageable for most people with decent fitness, and waking up to mist rolling through the treetops is something you won’t forget. If you’re craving nature, adrenaline, and something wildly different, this is the place to begin.
2. Dong Hua Sao National Protected Area
- 📍 Location: Champasak Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🌲 Jungle hikes, waterfalls 🌊, off-grid escapes ⛺
- 📸 Top Experiences: Visiting Tad Fane Waterfall, hiking the Bolaven Plateau trails, camping near the forest edges
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for cooler weather and clearer hiking paths 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Tad Fane Resort – Basic forest lodge with dramatic waterfall views and direct access to hiking trails
Dong Hua Sao is one of Laos’ lesser-known national parks, but it’s loaded with adventure if you’re up for the challenge. The reserve spans highland forests and steep gorges, with thick greenery and rushing waterfalls around nearly every bend. It’s not polished or overly touristy, which makes it ideal if you’re craving something wild and raw.
Tad Fane and Tad Yuang are two of the standout waterfalls in the park. You can hear them before you see them, plunging into forested ravines that echo with the sound of rushing water. The surrounding trails vary from easy walks to full-day treks through coffee plantations and quiet ridges.
Most accommodations are simple, but that’s part of the experience. With fewer crowds and plenty of space to roam, Dong Hua Sao offers the kind of offbeat nature escape that’s becoming harder to find.
3. Huay Xai
- 📍 Location: Bokeo Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🚤 Slow boat launches, riverside markets 🧺, border crossings to Thailand 🌉
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the morning market, walking along the Mekong, starting the slow boat journey to Luang Prabang
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March when river levels are ideal and days are cooler 🛶
- 🏨 Where to Stay: The Manilath Guesthouse – Clean, affordable rooms with balconies overlooking the Mekong River
Huay Xai is more than just a border town. While many travelers pass through quickly, those who stay even a day or two find it has a mellow charm. The riverside promenade offers great sunset views, and you can grab fresh fruit or noodles at the bustling morning market that’s popular with locals.
The town is also the launching point for the iconic slow boat ride down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. It’s a laid-back journey that spans two days, giving you front-row seats to Laos’ rural life and landscapes. Booking a boat from Huay Xai is straightforward, and there are plenty of local operators.
For those interested in the Gibbon Experience in Bokeo Nature Reserve, this is also the base town for your trek. Huay Xai may be quiet, but it’s a surprisingly strategic stop that connects a lot of northern Laos’ most memorable experiences.
✈️ My #1 Hack for Cheap Flights:
If you’re not using Going, you’re probably overpaying for flights. I’ve scored roundtrips to Europe for under $300 - and I never would’ve found them on Google Flights.
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Seriously, it’s the best travel upgrade I’ve ever made.
- Read next: Affordable Places to Fly in Asia
4. Kuang Si Waterfall
- 📍 Location: Luang Prabang Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 💦 Natural swimming, short hikes 👣, day trips from town 🏡
- 📸 Top Experiences: Swimming in turquoise pools, hiking to the upper falls, visiting the bear rescue center
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to January for full flow and mild temperatures 🌿
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vansana Luang Prabang Hotel – Comfortable riverside hotel with pool access and shuttle service to the falls
Kuang Si Waterfall is often the most-photographed waterfall in Laos, and seeing it in person makes it easy to understand why. Its bright turquoise pools flow through the forest like a series of natural bathtubs, with jungle vines draping the sides and butterflies floating through the air.
The area is well-maintained and easy to explore. You can hike to the top of the falls for a panoramic view or relax in one of the lower pools with a quick swim. The water stays cool year-round, which is a refreshing break from the heat.
Next to the entrance is the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where you can watch rescued moon bears lounging in hammocks or climbing platforms. With just a 45-minute ride from Luang Prabang, this is one of the best ways to add nature and relaxation into your Laos itinerary.
5. Luang Prabang
- 📍 Location: Luang Prabang Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🏯 Culture lovers, café hoppers ☕, Buddhist heritage seekers 🧘
- 📸 Top Experiences: Watching the alms ceremony at dawn, climbing Mount Phou Si, exploring the night market
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to February for cool mornings and festival season 🎊
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Maison Dalabua – Elegant boutique stay with lily ponds, lush gardens, and traditional Lao design
Luang Prabang is a city where ancient tradition and laid-back charm blend beautifully. Once the royal capital, it’s now a UNESCO World Heritage Site filled with golden temples, quiet alleys, and French colonial buildings draped in bougainvillea. The pace is slow, but there’s plenty to take in.
Each morning, orange-robed monks walk through the streets collecting alms from locals in a silent procession. Cafés and bakeries open soon after, many with river views and French pastries. The blend of Lao and European influence makes every corner feel both exotic and familiar.
Afternoons are perfect for temple visits or a hike up Mount Phou Si. When the sun goes down, the night market comes alive with lanterns, street food, and handmade crafts. If you want a place that’s relaxing but rich with meaning, Luang Prabang always delivers.
6. Nong Khiaw/Nong Kiau
- 📍 Location: Luang Prabang Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🏞️ Mountain views, peaceful riverside escapes 🚣, small-village life 🛖
- 📸 Top Experiences: Climbing to the Nong Khiaw Viewpoint, taking a boat to Muang Ngoi, exploring nearby caves
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for clear skies and comfortable hiking conditions ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Mandala Ou Resort – Scenic eco-lodge with riverfront bungalows and on-site restaurant
Nong Khiaw is one of those places that still feels undiscovered. This riverside village, tucked between limestone mountains and jungle cliffs, gives travelers the chance to unwind in nature without losing access to a good meal or warm shower. It’s the perfect slow-travel base if you want mountain views without the tourist bustle.
The climb up to the viewpoint is steep but worth every step. Once at the top, you’ll get a panoramic sweep of the Nam Ou River winding between green peaks. The boat ride to Muang Ngoi is also a highlight, cutting through untouched countryside and passing tiny villages along the way.
Caves like Pha Tok add a bit of history, especially for those interested in Laos’ wartime past. Nong Khiaw has a calm rhythm that’s hard to leave behind, especially if you’re chasing nature without the crowds.
7. Pakse
- 📍 Location: Champasak Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🛵 Motorbike loops, coffee lovers ☕, gateway to southern Laos 🌿
- 📸 Top Experiences: Starting the Bolaven Plateau Loop, visiting Wat Phou, sipping fresh Lao coffee
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to January when the weather is cooler and dry 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Athena Hotel – Modern hotel with pool, strong Wi-Fi, and central location near cafes
Pakse often gets skipped, but it’s one of the best launchpads for adventures in southern Laos. The city itself has a local vibe, with buzzing morning markets, riverside dining, and a few solid temples like Wat Luang. It’s also incredibly convenient if you plan to explore nearby highlights like the Bolaven Plateau.
Motorbike riders will find this city a great starting point for the famous loop. The route winds past waterfalls, coffee farms, and mountain viewpoints that give a completely different flavor from northern Laos. If you’re short on time, you can even do a mini loop in just two days.
Pakse is also the access point for Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer ruin that feels like a smaller, more serene Angkor. With its mix of local life and trip-planning convenience, Pakse is worth more than just a one-night stop.
8. Phonsavan
- 📍 Location: Xieng Khouang Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🏺 History buffs, mystery lovers 🧩, war history explorers 💣
- 📸 Top Experiences: Exploring the Plain of Jars, visiting the UXO Survivor Center, touring bomb crater fields
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for dry days and cooler temperatures ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Vansana Plain of Jars Hotel – Basic hillside hotel near the jar sites with local-style breakfast
Phonsavan is best known for its surreal landscapes filled with giant stone jars scattered across grassy plains. The Plain of Jars remains one of Southeast Asia’s biggest archaeological mysteries. No one knows exactly why the jars are there, but they date back over 2,000 years and create a hauntingly beautiful setting.
Beyond the jars, Phonsavan has deeper stories to tell. This area was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, and you’ll see evidence in the craters and UXO museums. The MAG visitor center does a great job educating visitors about ongoing de-mining efforts and the local impact of unexploded ordnance.
Despite its heavy history, the town has a calm vibe with welcoming locals and cozy restaurants serving Laotian and Hmong cuisine. If you’re interested in places that combine mystery, culture, and resilience, Phonsavan adds a powerful layer to any Laos itinerary.
9. Thakhek
- 📍 Location: Khammouane Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🛵 Road trips, limestone landscapes ⛰️, caving adventures 🕳️
- 📸 Top Experiences: Riding the Thakhek Loop, exploring Kong Lor Cave, stopping at Tham Nang Aen
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to January for smoother roads and cooler temps 🌤️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Inthira Thakhek – Comfortable boutique hotel in a colonial-era building with motorbike rental options
Thakhek is the starting line for one of Laos’ most epic motorbike circuits: the Thakhek Loop. This multi-day route takes you through hidden caves, limestone cliffs, small villages, and jungle stretches. It’s perfect for travelers who want to pair exploration with a bit of adrenaline.
The loop’s highlight is Kong Lor Cave, a massive limestone tunnel navigable by boat. Inside, the darkness stretches over four miles, broken only by headlamps and eerie echoes off the rock walls. Along the way, you’ll find caves with Buddhist shrines, waterfalls, and guesthouses run by local families.
Thakhek itself has a riverside town charm, with French colonial buildings, casual noodle spots, and friendly motorbike shops. It’s a great place to prep before heading out on the loop or unwind after days of riding. If road trips are your thing, this is one of Laos’ top under-the-radar routes.
10. Tham Kong Lo
- 📍 Location: Khammouane Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🛶 Underground adventures, river caves 🌌, offbeat exploration 🚐
- 📸 Top Experiences: Boating through Kong Lor Cave, biking around Ban Kong Lo village, exploring the valley on foot
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to March when water levels are stable and trails are dry ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: SpringRiver Resort – Laid-back riverside ecolodge with direct access to Kong Lor Cave and scenic nature views
Tham Kong Lo is one of Laos’ most dramatic natural wonders. This river cave stretches more than four miles underground, with towering ceilings and a cool, quiet darkness that feels otherworldly. You’ll ride a long-tail boat into the cave, guided by locals who’ve navigated these waters for years.
The journey isn’t just a quick photo stop. It’s a full-on underground expedition that includes getting off the boat to explore a glowing chamber lit by LED lights. Once you emerge on the other side, you can continue by road or boat to remote villages surrounded by rice fields and jungle.
Nearby Ban Kong Lo village offers peaceful stays, bike rentals, and warm hospitality. It’s a low-tourism spot that makes slowing down feel easy. For those who prefer cave adventures without the crowds, this is one of the most unforgettable places in the country.
11. Vang Vieng
- 📍 Location: Vientiane Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🧗 Outdoor thrill-seekers, karst landscapes 🏞️, river tubing fans 🛟
- 📸 Top Experiences: Hot air balloon rides at sunrise, kayaking on the Nam Song, climbing Pha Ngern viewpoint
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: November to February for outdoor activities and good visibility ☀️
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Riverside Boutique Resort – Stylish property with a pool and mountain views right along the Nam Song River
Vang Vieng has come a long way from its backpacker party days. Now, it’s all about adventure, scenery, and enjoying the outdoors without the chaos. The town sits in a valley of jagged limestone cliffs, with the Nam Song River winding through fields and forest.
You can take your pick of thrill levels here. Go tubing or kayaking down the river, climb up to epic viewpoints, or even hop on a hot air balloon for sweeping views of the mountains. The town also has solid cafes, climbing schools, and outfitters for everything from ziplining to ATV rides.
Evenings are more relaxed now, with riverside dining and sunset views replacing late-night bars. If you want a balance between active days and mellow nights, Vang Vieng delivers big scenery with a new, more chill vibe.
12. Si Phan Don (4000 islands)
- 📍 Location: Champasak Province, Laos
- 🏆 Best For: 🌴 Island life, hammock lounging 💤, rare river dolphin sightings 🐬
- 📸 Top Experiences: Cycling around Don Khone, spotting Irrawaddy dolphins, visiting the Khone Phapheng Falls
- 📅 Best Time to Visit: December to March for low humidity and calmer river conditions 🌞
- 🏨 Where to Stay: Sala Done Khone Hotel – Charming island guesthouse with French colonial style and Mekong views
Si Phan Don, or the 4000 Islands, is where time seems to stretch out and slow down. Located in the Mekong River near the Cambodian border, this archipelago is a mix of tiny islets and a few larger islands like Don Khone, Don Det, and Don Khong that offer relaxed guesthouses and slow-lane living.
You can spend your days biking past rice paddies, swinging in a hammock with a book, or heading out by boat to try spotting the rare Irrawaddy river dolphins. The area also has some of the most powerful waterfalls in Southeast Asia, including the wide and wild Khone Phapheng Falls.
There’s no rush here. Electricity might flicker, Wi-Fi is spotty, and that’s part of the charm. It’s the kind of place where unplugging comes naturally, especially after a fast-paced trip through the rest of Laos.
