1) Vang Vieng
18.9419461, 102.4453768
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natural
photo vang_vieng.jpg Basil Strahm CC BY 2.0
photo vang_vieng2.jpg Gusjer CC BY 2.0
photo vang_vieng3.jpg Madeleine Deaton CC BY 2.0
photo vang_vieng4.jpg Chris Feser CC BY 2.0
Vang Vieng, deep in the jungle of Laos, is a backpacker paradise where there are no rules. Tubing is one way to pass the time at Vang Vieng.
There are mysterious caves to explore, lagoons of turquoise water to dive into and sheer cliffs to climb.

2) Si Phan Don
14.047043, 105.832683
natural 
photo si_phan_don.jpg James Antrobus CC BY 2.0
photo si_phan_don2.jpg DARIO SEVERI CC BY-SA 3.0 
In Lao Si Phan Don means 4000 islands is a groups of island located in Mekong River. 
During the rainy season this section of the Mekong fills out to a breadth of 14km, the river’s widest reach along its 4350km journey from the 
Tibetan Plateau to the South China Sea.
The archipelago is also home to rare wetland flora and fauna, including an endangered species of freshwater dolphin, which it’s sometimes possible 
to glimpse during the dry season.

3) Khone Phapheng Falls
13.948925, 105.9414427
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natural
photo khone_phapheng_falls.jpg Jane Jean CC BY 2.0
One of the biggest attractions of the 4000 islands of the Mekong are the Khone Phapheng Falls called the Asia Niágara falls. It's a waterfalls with 
a length of almost 10 kilometers, becomes the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. The falls are most impressive during the dry season. In the rainy 
season much of the rapids and falls disappear as a result of the raised water level in the river.

4) Li Phi Waterfalls
13.95397, 105.9099271
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natural
photo li_phi_waterfalls.jpg Adam Jones CC BY-SA 2.0
Li-Phi Fall "the Corridor of the Devil" is not a standalone waterfall, but forms by many arms of waterfalls. Although a drop of only several metres, 
the volume and power of the falls is impressive. Fishermen use traps and nets in the pools at the base of the falls.

5) Pak Ou Caves
20.0497184, 102.2077024
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cultural
photo pak_ou_caves.jpg Kuruman CC BY 2.0
photo pak_ou_caves2.jpg Dan Lundberg CC BY-SA 2.0
photo pak_ou_caves3.jpg shankar s. CC BY 2.0
One of the most revered holy sites in Lao, Pak Ou Caves have a history dating back thousands of years. Packed with over 4,000 Buddha icons, the caves, 
a shrine to the river spirit and Lord Buddha, are set in a dramatic limestone cliff at the point where the Mekong joins the Nam Ou River. 
There are two caves to visit, the lower cave called Tham Ting and the upper cave Tham Theung, both boasting miniature Buddhist figures that are 
mostly made from wood. 

6) Kuang Si Waterfall 
19.7488795, 101.9925934
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natural
photo kuang_si_waterfall.jpg Anne Dirkse CC BY-SA 2.0
photo kuang_si_waterfall2.jpg Aleksandr Zykov CC BY-SA 2.0
photo kuang_si_waterfall3.jpg Christian Bowman CC BY-SA 2.0
Kuang Si Falls is a majestic multi-tier waterfall and one of the must-see attractions in Luang Prabang which are truly spectacular.
The falls begin in shallow pools atop a steep hill, leading to the main fall with a 60-metre cascade. At the very bottom of the falls there are 
numerous turquoise blue pools of water flowing downstream and small cascades (3-5 metres high). Most of the pools are open for swimming 
(one is closed as being a sacred site) though the water is a bit cold.

7) Pha That Luang 
17.9767542, 102.6365125 
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cultural
photo pha_that_luang.jpg Chris Feser CC BY 2.0
photo pha_that_luang2.jpg Thanate Tan CC BY 2.0
Pha That Luang is the most significant religious and national monument in Laos. Great Stupa, which dates back to 1586, stands 49 meters (147 feet) tall 
and is believed to contain relics of Buddha. The stupa has several terraces with each level representing a different stage of Buddhist enlightenment. 

8) Wat Xieng Thong
19.8975239, 102.1431057
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cultural
photo wat_xieng_thong.jpg shankar s. CC BY 2.0 
photo wat_xieng_thong2.jpg Gusjer CC BY 2.0 
photo wat_xieng_thong3.jpg Dan Lundberg CC BY-SA 2.0
Built during the 16th Century by King Saysetthathirath, Wat Xieng Thong, "monastery of the golden city", is the religious emblem of Luang Prabang and 
one of the highest symbols of Buddhism in Laos which was the reason why it was spared from the plunder of 1887. 
It was the site of coronation of Lao kings and also the center of numerous annual festivals honoring the Buddha and various folk spirits.
The various chapels and other buildings make the entire monastery complex an architectural gem.

9) Plain of Jars
19.431075, 103.152441
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cultural
photo plain_of_jars.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
photo plain_of_jars2.jpg Oliver Spalt CC BY-SA 2.5
photo plain_of_jars3.jpg damien_farrell CC BY 2.0
Plain of Jars is a large area extending around the town of Phonsavan, where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered around the landscape. 
The stone jars appear in clusters, ranging from a single or a few to several hundred jars. The jars vary in height and diameter between 1 
and 3 meters and are all hewn out of rock. 

10) Vieng Xai
20.4, 104.23
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other
photo vieng_xai.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
photo vieng_xai2.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
photo vieng_xai3.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
Vieng Xai are an extensive network of caves in limestone mountains that served as hidden city during the Vietnam War. The area was home to the 
Communist army, who were fighting the royalist forces based in Vientiane and was bombed by the US army between 1964 and 1973. Up to 23,000 people 
lived in the caves, which contained a hospital, a school, Pathet Lao offices, bakeries, shops, and even a theatre. 

11) Mekong River
19.892627, 102.1338012
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natural
photo mekong_river.jpg Jean-Pierre Dalbéra CC BY 2.0
photo mekong_river2.jpg Thierry Leclerc CC BY-ND 2.0
photo mekong_river3.jpg Mario Micklisch CC BY 2.0
The Upper Mekong in Laos is considered one of the most stunning journeys of the entire river. A great way to enjoy the scenery is a boat trip 
from Huay Xai at the border with northern Thailand to Luang Prabang.

12) Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan)
17.912296, 102.765366
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cultural
photo buddha_park.jpg shankar s. CC BY 2.0 
photo buddha_park2.jpg shankar s. CC BY 2.0 
photo buddha_park3.jpg GuillaumeG CC BY-SA 3.0
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a park with more than 200 religious statues including a huge 40-metre high reclining Buddha image. 
It was built in 1958 by Luang Pu Bunleua Sulilat, a monk who studied both Buddhism and Hinduism. The statues are made of reinforced concrete and are ornate, 
and sometimes bizarre, in design.

13) Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall
15.18329, 106.127251
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natural
photo bolaven_plateau_and_tad_fane_waterfall.jpg Ken Marshall CC BY 2.0
photo bolaven_plateau_and_tad_fane_waterfall2.jpg CortoMaltese_1999 CC BY 2.0
photo bolaven_plateau_and_tad_fane_waterfall3.jpg Ken Marshall CC BY 2.0
Bolaven Plateau is located in an ancient volcano that erupted millions of years ago, the area spans 50 km of Southern Laos most vegetated area.
From an alititude of 800 and 1350 meters (Paksong area) it is green all year round and cooler than the rest of Laos. 
Surrounding the plateau there are a number of protected national parks, dramatic waterfalls, remote hill tribes, dense jungle and a taste of some 
of the world's best coffee beans. Tad Fane Waterfalls are the most impressive of the entire plateau Bolaven Plateau. It's 2 streams of water with a drop 
of more than 100 meters high.

14) Nam Ou 
21.8926904, 102.3134846
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natural
photo nam_ou.jpg Mario Micklisch CC BY 2.0
photo nam_ou2.jpg Ken Marshall CC BY 2.0
photo nam_ou3.jpg Thierry Leclerc CC BY-ND 2.0
Nam Ou, tropical river in the mountainous north, passes through some of the country’s most inspiring scenery.
The boat journey along the Nam Ou is memorable and enjoyable.

15) Wat Phou
14.8484505, 105.8232847
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cultural, unesco
photo wat_phou.jpg Ken Marshall CC BY 2.0
photo wat_phou2.jpg Ken Marshall CC BY 2.0
photo wat_phou3.jpg James Antrobus CC BY 2.0
Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer temple complex, date from the 11th to 13th centuries. The various structures of the Wat Phou are built on seven 
terraces, aligned on an axis from the Mekong river bank towards the mountain. Starting at the river bank the visitor finds two large barays, 
a long processional walkway, two palaces and finally the main sanctuary. The Wat Phou was a temple dedicated to Shiva, one of the Gods of the Hindu 
Trimurti. In the 13th century it was converted into a Buddhist monastery. Even today the temple is still a place of worship for local Buddhists.
Every year the temple is the festival during the full moon of the 3rd lunar month. During the 3 day festival thousands of Laos people gather to the 
grounds of the Wat Phou temple to pay respect to the Buddha and bring offerings. It hosts displays of traditional music, dance, sports, a parade of 
elephant or horses and a variety of local produce. 

16) Patuxai
17.970556, 102.618611
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cultural
photo patuxai.jpg Tim Wang CC BY-SA 2.0
photo patuxai2.jpg Dan Lundberg CC BY-SA 2.0
Patuxai is one of Vientiane’s most noticeable landmarks. Patuxai, which translates to “Victory Gate” is a massive concrete monument with a wide avenue leading 
to it similar in style to the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. The monument was built in the 1960’s as a memorial for those who fought in the struggle for 
independence from France. The Patuxai was built using American funds and cement that originally intended to build an airfield during the Vietnam War,
the Laotian government of the day used the money to build the monument instead. 

17) Royal Palace
19.8917001, 102.1364057
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cultural
photo royal_palace.jpg Allie Caulfield CC BY 2.0
photo royal_palace2.jpg Alcyon CC BY-SA 3.0
photo royal_palace3.jpg Madeleine Deaton CC BY 2.0
Built in 1904, Royal Palace features a blend of Lao traditional and French style. It was built for King Sisavang Vong and his family during 
the French colonial era. After the revolution in 1975, the building was taken over by the government. The palace was then converted into 
a national museum and opened to the public in 1995.

18) Haw Phra Kaew
17.961389, 102.611667
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cultural
photo haw_phra_kaew.jpg Alcyon CC BY-SA 2.0
photo haw_phra_kaew2.jpg Alcyon CC BY-SA 2.0
photo haw_phra_kaew3.jpg Iwan Gabovitch CC BY 2.0
Once a royal temple built in 1565 specifically to house the famed Emerald Buddha, Haw Pha Kaeo is today a national museum of religious art.

19) Luang Prabang
19.8890179, 102.131983
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cultural, unesco
photo luang_prabang.jpg Mark Lehmkuhler CC BY-ND 2.0
photo luang_prabang2.jpg Mark Lehmkuhler CC BY-ND 2.0
photo luang_prabang3.jpg Thierry Leclerc CC BY-ND 2.0
Luang Prabang is often described as the 'Jewel in Laos Crown'. Located on a peninsula formed by the scenic Mekong and the Nam Khan Rivers and 
lying among lush green mountain ranges, Luang Prabang is the home of cultural sites with a splendid collection of Buddhist monasteries and temples.
Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those built by the European colonial 
authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. The city is the center of Buddhism. 

20) Mount Phou Si
19.8904, 102.1369
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mixed
photo mount_phou_si.jpg Gusjer CC BY 2.0
photo mount_phou_si2.jpg Madeleine Deaton CC BY 2.0
photo mount_phou_si3.jpg Aleksandr Zykov CC BY-SA 2.0
Phou Si (Sacred Hill) is a 100m high hill and the geographical as well as spiritual centre of the city.
The hill is popular as a place to watch the sun rise or set over the Mekong River. From the summit you can enjoy a spectacular 360 degree outlook 
across the city and its many temples, and out over the surrounding landscape to the mountains in the distance. On top of Phousi Hill is a narrow 
platform with a small Buddhist temple and a golden stupa. 

21) Tad Sae Waterfall
19.8436631, 102.219758
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natural
photo tad_sae_waterfall.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
photo tad_sae_waterfall2.jpg Nick Hubbard CC BY 2.0
photo tad_sae_waterfall3.jpg Peter McGahan CC BY 2.0
Tad Sea Waterfall is not as big and high as Kuang Si, it is more beautiful, has more streams of water and cascade which make a thunderous sound. 
The falls pour stunning turquoise water over beautiful limestone formations across the multi-leveled rocks into large pools below, which are fantastic 
to swim in. Tad Sae Warerfall became a little "elephant center" where you can meet and see elephants. 

22) Elephant Village Sanctuary
19.8686534, 102.2333192
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other
photo elephant_village_sanctuary.jpg Allie_Caulfield CC BY 2.0
photo elephant_village_sanctuary2.jpg einalem CC BY-SA 2.0
Laos was known as the Land of a Million Elephants (Lane Xang) but the elephant in Laos is now a profoundly endangered species. Some 1000 remain, 
of which an estimated 500 work in the forest industry harvesting timber. Elephant Village Sanctuary (also known as the Elephant Park Project) works 
towards providing a peaceful future for rescued Lao elephants. The Elephant Village Sanctuary offers a once-in-a-lifetime experience to get really 
up close and personal with these magnificent creatures. 

23) Luang Namtha
20.9720489, 101.4059066
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other
photo luang_namtha.jpg Thierry Leclerc CC BY-ND 2.0
photo luang_namtha2.jpg Thierry Leclerc CC BY-ND 2.0
Luang Namtha is a good place to start treks into the hills to visit ethnic hill tribes. Renting a mountain bike or motorcycle is a good way to travel 
to nearby villages and waterfalls.

24) Tham Kong Lo (Konglor Cave)
17.9565461, 104.7608829
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natural
photo tham_kong_lo.jpg travelswithmyself CC BY-ND 2.0
Tham Kong Lo has been described as a geological wonder of Southeast Asia. This amazing 7.5 km-long limestone cave 
was formed by the Hinboun River which still flows through the cave year-round. It contains an emerald-colored pool that locals believe is sacred.
The scale of the cave is incredible. Other-worldly stalactites, spooky limestone formations, and ceilings over 300 feet tall make this flooded 
cave a highlight and bragging-point for many travelers in Laos.

25) Nong Khiaw
20.5720401, 102.6114142
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other
photo nong_khiaw.jpg James Antrobus CC BY 2.0
photo nong_khiaw2.jpg James Antrobus CC BY 2.0
photo nong_khiaw3.jpg AJ Oswald CC BY-SA 2.0
Nong Khiaw  is a popular tourist destination because of its many walking, mountain climbing and biking opportunities. 
A must-see site is the bridge across the Nam Ou River that is a good place to see stunning views of the river and mountains.

26) Bokeo Nature Reserve
20.2778391, 100.4113824
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natural
photo bokeo_nature_reserve.jpg Christian Haugen CC BY 2.0
Bokeo Nature Reserve was created to protect its population of the black-cheeked gibbon, rediscovered in 1997, which was previously thought to be 
extinct. A visit to Bokeo Nature Reserve is not complete without a stay at the Gibbon Experience, an eco tourism conservation project. 
Guests stay in tree houses and travel by zip line through the pristine forests in search of the Black Gibbon.
This three-day experience is one of Laos' most unforgettable adventures.
Besides the elusive black gibbon, visitors to the reserve may also see elephants, black bears, tigers, leopards and wild buffalo. 
The Gibbon Experience also works to rehabilitate and return to the wild animals that were captured by poachers. With mountains ranging from 1,600 to 
almost 5,000 feet in altitude, the reserve also is a good place to watch birds.

27) Wat Sen
19.8956, 102.1418
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cultural
photo wat_sen.jpg Jean-Marie Hullot CC BY-SA 2.0
photo wat_sen2.jpg Chi King CC BY 2.0
photo wat_sen3.jpg McKay Savage CC BY 2.0
Wat Se is a Buddhist temple, built in 1718. The exterior and interior walles decorated with gold painted on red.

28) Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham
19.890556, 102.134722
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cultural
photo wat_mai.jpg Alcyon CC BY-SA 3.0 
photo wat_mai2.jpg Tango7174 CC BY-SA 2.0
Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham is a Buddhist temple, built in the 18th century. It is the largest and most richly decorated of the temples in Luang Prabang.
Both its interior and exterior are extensively adorned with black and red lacquer decoration and gold leaf. Located next to the Royal Palace, the 
Wat Mai was the temple used by Laos Royalty.

