Tourist Map of Laos: Best Place to Visit in 2025

Laos is the most enigmatic land in the southeastern part of Asia, mesmerizing foreign visitors through its cultures, diverse and beautiful landscapes, and its untold history. Also called the 'Kingdom of a Million Elephants', this little sanctuary charms the tourists, who find it largely untouched by mass tourism.

Would you like to know more? Let's take a journey together, showing you the best places to visit in Laos, where every nook contains a story to be unveiled. These places bring you even deeper into the magic of this country!

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 12-02-2025

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1. General Geography of Laos

Laos is the only landlocked state in Southeast Asia which shares international boundaries with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

Around 80% of the Lao territory is mountainous, with highland regions in the northeast, while a very fertile plain and the Mekong floodplains lie to the west. The Mekong primarily provides irrigation, and people tend to settle around the river.

Farther south, near the border with Cambodia, the Mekong branches off into numerous river channels, thus creating the so-called '4000 Islands' (Si Phan Don) in the Champasak province. Most of them are uninhabited and important for rare species such as the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin, while Don Khong is the largest.

But during the dry season, the river's water level drops very low, particularly in the north, where a number of Chinese dams block the river's flow, resulting in extreme dryness and intolerable heat conditions throughout the country.

2. Best Places to Visit in Northern Laos

Those gorgeous, lofty mountains found in the northernmost part of Laos are well-known sights that everyone wants to visit, especially hiking enthusiasts. The terrain, which is pretty challenging to get into at times, really breathes adventure.

• Luang Prabang, the Former Capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom

One of the famous places that sits on the Laos tourist map, Luang Prabang is certainly a highlight during your time in the Kingdom of the Million Elephants, earning its rightful position on the tourist map of Laos. Given that the city was the former capital of the Lan Xang Kingdom, which forms the foundation of the historical and cultural identity of Laos we know today, this city is surely a treasure trove of heritage. of heritage.

Famed for its convergence at the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995. Beautiful temples with unmistakably unique architecture and wise monks in saffron robes are easy to find. Every morning, hundreds of monks from different monasteries walk down the street to receive offerings from the local people, showcasing the beauty and traditions of Laos.

Another must-do in Luang Prabang is visiting the surrounding beautiful waterfalls. Among them are the famed cascades of Kuang Si Waterfalls, located nearly 30 km from Luang Prabang, where these magnificent waterfalls offer turquoise pools perfect for swimming.

An interesting experience is the Luang Prabang night market. Here, you can select gifts for your near and dear ones or for yourself. The gentle ambiance will give you a new perspective of the city. And why not take a cruise on the Mekong River to enjoy Luang Prabang while tasting mouth-watering local cuisine?

The Luang Prabang night market is an experience not to be missed! You can choose gifts for your loved ones or souvenirs for yourself. Its peaceful atmosphere will give you a different perspective of this city. And why not consider a Mekong cruise to admire Luang Prabang while enjoying delicious local cuisine?

​​​​​>>> For more information, please read:

• Secrets of Kuang Si Falls
• The 10 Stunning Waterfalls You Should Not Miss in Laos
• Luang Prabang: Journey to the Immortal Legacy of Laos

• Nong Khiaw, the Region of Beautiful Caves

Nong Khiaw is the same as a village in the Luang Prabang Province in northern Laos. Popular for activities such as narrow hiking trails through the jungle and climbing limestone cliffs to clear one's mind with views, the Nam Ou River offers all one could imagine. It is the best place for adventurous trekkers or those in search of a wilderness trip into Laos.

About 3 km from the central Nong Khiaw village, Interestingly, Pha Kuang Cave stands quietly within one of the most interesting caves around the area. The summit of Pha Deng is an ideal climbing spot for all enthusiastic climbers because it offers an incredible mountain view of the villages surrounding it.

>>> Explore the Beauty of Laos with Our 5-Day Tour: Short and Sweet Adventure! 🇱🇦🏞️🌅

• Muang Ngoi Neua, a Charming Small Town

Muang Ngoi Neua is a tiny township, quiet and small, located about 170 km northeast of Luang Prabang, right on the banks of its lush Nam Ou River. It is a genuine place with very few inhabitants. Near Muang Ngoi Neua, there are a few villages for further exploration: Huay Sen, Huay Bo, and Bana.

It was once a village that enjoyed isolation within a traditional and peaceable rhythm. Today, it receives tourists but maintains the same placidity and authentic quality it has always had. Peace and idyll reign here, so you can completely forget the hustle and bustle of big cities.

• Phongsaly, the Land of Mountain Tribes

The northernmost province in Laos, bordering China and northern Vietnam, is called Phongsaly. Little frequented, this area is renowned for its authenticity. Its place on our tourist map of Laos is a particular one. Sprawled across the mountainous landscape, with ethnic villages sprinkled around, Phongsaly is deeply influenced by Chinese culture because of its proximity to Yunnan Province.

It is home to 22 captivating hill tribes that still live by their distinctive traditional values, donning colorful costumes and cultivating the land as they have for centuries.

>>> What to do in Laos in 2 weeks?

• Phonsavan, the Gateway to the Plain of Jars

Phonsavan was classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site on May 14, 2019, and represents the third site in Laos to receive such classification. Until today, only three sites around the city are open to tourism: one with around 250 jars, another one with 100, and the last with more than 100; the other sites remain under investigation for areas that are not completely cleared.

With over 2,500 reservoirs scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau, the stone jars of Phonsavan form one of the greatest archaeological mysteries of the world. The jars were constructed in the Iron Age of Southeast Asia (between 500 BC and 200 AD) and spread over hundreds of square kilometers. While researchers assume that they were used in some sort of prehistoric burial rite, local myths talk of some other interesting usages: storing rainwater or used for making rice wine. Whatever the jars' original purpose may have been, they are a mystery in an extraordinary setting.

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• Luang Namtha, a land of cultural diversity and majestic nature

Over 39 ethnic groups reside in Luang Namtha, including the Khamu, the Akha, the Hmong, and the Lanten, all of which offer glimpses of the rich cultural diversity of Laos. This is a largely unexplored region, perfect for hiking, kayaking, cycling, and jungle exploration.

Cyclists can choose from a variety of mountain bike rides and rental services for exploring the lovely small villages around the magnificent waterfalls. The Nam Ha National Reserve is a great spot to soak in the local hill-tribe culture.

However, not everything in Luang Namtha is about outdoor activities, as bustling markets and street foods are complemented by herbal saunas, providing an honest glimpse into the life of Laos.

3. Central Laos

• Vientiane, the Capital of Laos

Certainly, one of the best places to visit in Laos is its capital, Vientiane. The city boasts beautiful sandstone streets, idyllic alleys, and colonial-type villas; all these things radiate a unique charm. The Arch of Patuxai, which resembles the Arc de Triomphe in France, is an iconic monument not to be missed. Other major landmarks include Nam Ngum Lake, the National Museum of Laos, and Buddha Park, which features approximately 200 imposing religious statues. Of course, there is the Stupa That Luang, the holiest place of worship in Laos, which everyone must visit.

>>> Read More: 

• Capital of Laos: Complete Guide to Explore Vientiane
• The 10 Most Extraordinary Temples in Laos for 2025
• Best Ways to Travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in 2025

• Vang Vieng, a Paradise for Adventurers

On the banks of the Nam Song River lies the tiny but lovely town of Vang Vieng, between the capital Vientiane and Luang Prabang city. Whatever the seasonal outdoor adventures they may choose from, Vang Vieng occupies prime position on the Laos tourist map because it is a magnet for such activities. This is the place for tourists wishing to explore caves, rock climb, and kayak in some of the most magnificent karst landscapes known to mankind.

From a sleepy village to the current backpacker's dream and outdoor adventure paradise, Vang Vieng has undergone a grand adventure. One thing has never changed, though: the scenery that first drew tourists.

The Nam Song River flows south through the city, altering the view significantly. Tall limestone mountains stand in the river valley, with steep sides full of green plants and tops that disappear into the clouds. Vang Vieng sits between these rocky cliffs and the river lined with palm trees, making it one of the prettiest places in Southeast Asia.

If there is a wind blowing, colorful hot-air balloons may sometimes, during the dry season (November until March), drift up into the sky during sunrise and sunset. Hot air ballooning in Vang Vieng is surely the cheapest in the world! Around 120 dollars will get you 40 minutes of flying time, but you can try to bargain it down to about 87 - 98 dollars.

>>>> Read more: Vang Vieng, Laos: A Memorable Break in the Heart of Nature and Adventur

• Savannakhet, the Peaceful City in Southern Laos

Savannakhet, translated as City of Heaven in the Lao language, is a city in central-southern Laos and is the country's second-largest city. Savannakhet welcomes travelers to its aged buildings like Wat Chaiyaphum, which lies on the banks of the Mekong River and holds significant spiritual meaning.

Another architectural wonder of Savannakhet, the Heuan Hinh stone house, is a home made entirely of uncut stones in bold ancient-style architecture corresponding to that of the Lao people. Its age has not diminished its splendor, making the inhabitants feel proud of it in the city of Savannakhet.

Savannakhet has the reputation of being laid-back and mildly provincial. Visitors are free to explore the quiet streets, observe the daily life of the local people, and truly appreciate the authenticity of this Lao urban setting.

>>> Laos is a peaceful and off-the-beaten-path country. Discover it with our exclusive tours in Laos!

4. Southern Laos

• Pakse, an Essential Stop

Pakse, a pretty little town in Champasak Province situated at the confluence of the Xe Don and Mekong rivers, is just 30 km from the town of Champasak. Today, one can still catch some ruined remnants of its colonial past scattered around the city. Pakse was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, but now few features remain from that time. The area is most vibrant and welcoming, giving tourists the opportunity to rejuvenate before heading south to even more remote and adventurous lands.

Pakse's highlights are mainly its French colonial architecture lining the banks of the Xe Don River and its resplendent Buddhist temples; Wat Phabad Temple, Wat Phou Salao, and Wat Luang, plus the Champasak Provincial Museum, call Pakse home. Pakse Market and Xe Don Bridge are two other places to visit.

The majestic Bolaven Plateau is one of the best places to discover around Pakse. This mountainous area is to the east of the city, and its volcanic soil is rich and well-drained, with temperate weather that makes it ideal for producing green tea and coffee. It is not only considered the best region in the country for tasting Laotian coffee fresh from the source, but it is also a perfect venue for visiting ethnic minorities such as the Laven, Alak, Katu, Taoy, and Suay.

>>>> Read more: 

• Visit Pakse, Laos 2024: Everything You Need To Know For A Memorable Trip
• Bolaven Plateau: Wandering Off the Beaten Path

• Champasak and the Remnants of the Khmer Empire

With Champasak being not only a province but also a city in southwestern Laos, it is located close to the borders of Thailand and Cambodia. Champasak is the largest province in the country. Here, life flows slowly, even by Lao standards, carrying the rhythm of rice harvests, coffee breaks, and the ebb and flow of the Mekong. Champasak has always been considered a hidden gem of Laos, offering ancient temples, beautiful natural scenery, majestic waterfalls, and green plateaus.

Most visitors come to Champasak for its tropical charm and riverside location, though this small section of rural Laos has more to offer. The major attraction is the 1000-year-old preserved temple, Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, a gem that dates back to the heyday of the Khmer Empire.

• Si Phan Don or the 4000 Islands

Si Phan Don or "4,000 islands", is not only about the enormous expanse of tropical territory but also the answer of Laotians to their landlocked country. It is the spectacular meandering river archipelago rimming around swaying palm trees with a thick canopy for lazing about. Si Phan Don is the last portion of Laos along the surface of the Mekong, where it is almost 10 km wide and is dotted with several rivers, forming the islands and sandbanks that define this area bordering Cambodia.

Three of them are large islands inhabited by people, each with its own imprint. They are largely self-sufficient and practice fishing, weaving fabrics, and cultivating bamboo, rice, sugar cane, and coconuts, while maintaining a handful of guest houses and restaurants for tourists.

Don Khong has good facilities for luxury accommodation, yet it can be a little quieter than Don Det, which is more of a backpacker place. There is also Don Khone, which has a charming mix of both, with plenty of restaurants and brightly colored colonial villas dotted around.

5. Practical information for a successful trip

• Official link to apply for Laos E-Visa: https://laoevisa.gov.la/index

• Big party in Laos: Pi Mai (Lao New Year): Celebrated in April, it is the most important holiday, marked by religious ceremonies, parades, and water games; Boun That Luang: In November, this festival honors the That Luang Stupa in Vientiane, with religious ceremonies and processions.

• Must-sees in Laos: Luang Prabang, Vientiane, Vang Vieng, Si Phan Don (4000 islands), Plain of Jars...
• Traditional dishes not to be missed: Larb, tam mak hoong, khao niew, gao lao, mok pa. Learn more about: 12 typical specialties in Laotian cuisine
• Combined travel: Laos shares borders with Cambodia and Vietnam, which are easily accessible by land. To optimize your trip to Asia, consider combining these countries in your itinerary.

Our Last Words

Tourism in Laos takes up quite an emotional dive, having to experience various localized cultures. The country is an allurement in itself, with the peace it offers and the warmth of its people. Be it entrancing natural landscapes, historical Buddhist temples, or a variety of cultural nuances, Laos easily makes itself the most charming of all by combining the design of tranquility with luscious greenery. This really creates unique life experiences for those who want to spend their life in an unforgettable way.