Tourist Map of Laos: Best Place to Visit in 2025

Laos, as the most mysterious country in Southeast Asia, fascinates a large number of foreign visitors with its culture, majestic landscapes, and rich historical heritage. Nicknamed the 'Kingdom of a Million Elephants,' it still preserves an untouched beauty, far from mass tourism. If you're looking for the best places to visit in Laos, here are the must-visit destinations and top attractions on our tourist map. These must-see places in Laos will undoubtedly reveal the hidden secrets of this enchanting country!

Written by Preetika Narula (Local Expert)Updated on 21-01-2025

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1. General Geography of Laos

Laos is the only landlocked country among the Southeast Asian countries. It shares its borders with China, Myanmar, Thailand, Cambodia, and Vietnam.

About 80% of the country is mountainous, with highlands primarily concentrated in the northeast. To the west lies the Mekong River and fertile plains. The Mekong River plays a crucial role in Laos' agricultural sector, and populations mainly concentrate along its banks. In the south, near the Cambodian border, the Mekong divides into several branches, creating many large islands.

One of these regions is known as the "4000 islands" or Si Phan Don, located in Champassak province, just north of the Cambodian border. The majority of these islands are uninhabited and remain in a natural, preserved state, making it an important habitat for the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin and other species. The largest of the 4000 islands is Don Khong.

However, during the dry season, the water level of the Mekong drops, posing difficulties, particularly in the north where the immense Chinese dams are closed, reducing the river's flow. Generally, Laos is quite dry, especially during the dry season when it gets very hot.

2. Best Places to Visit in Northern Laos

The northern region of Laos is famous for its majestic mountains, making it a favorite destination for hiking enthusiasts. With its rugged terrain and sometimes difficult access, this region exudes a true sense of adventure.

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

Luang Prabang is undoubtedly a must-visit place in Laos and a top attraction that should be on your itinerary. As the former capital of the Lan Xang kingdom, which forms the historical and cultural foundation of today's Laos, this city is a treasure trove of heritage.

Hundreds of monks walk the streets to receive alms from the locals in a practice known as "Tak bat." Located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers, Luang Prabang has been a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995. You will easily discover magnificent temples with unique architecture and wise monks dressed in saffron robes.

Each morning, hundreds of monks from different monasteries parade through the streets to receive offerings from the inhabitants, showcasing Laotian beauty and tradition. Wat Chom Si, perched on a hilltop, is one of the major religious sites not to be missed in Luang Prabang.

In addition to its cultural aspects, Luang Prabang is surrounded by stunning waterfalls worth visiting. Among them, Kuang Si Falls, located about 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, offers spectacular turquoise pools perfect for swimming. It is also the most beautiful waterfall in Laos. 

>>> For more information, please read:

• Secrets of Kuang Si Falls
• The 10 Stunning Waterfalls You Should Not Miss in Laos

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?

• Nong Khiaw, the Region of Beautiful Caves

Nong Khiaw is a charming village located along the Nam Ou River in Luang Prabang province, northern Laos. One of the main tourist attractions in Nong Khiaw is the Pha Tok Cave. Located about 2 km outside the town, this cave is part of the stunning limestone formations that make Nong Khiaw famous.

These caves also hold historical significance as they served as a refuge for the Pathet Lao during the Second Indochina War. The Pathet Lao was a Laotian communist political organization formed in the mid-20th century, which eventually took power in 1975 after the Laotian Civil War.

About 3 km from the center of Nong Khiaw village lies the fascinating Pha Kuang Cave, one of the most interesting caves in the region. Its interior cavity stretches about 300 meters and is adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and glittering rock crystals.

Pha Deng Peak is an ideal spot for climbing enthusiasts, offering a breathtaking view of the surrounding villages.

As a former French colony, Nong Khiaw hosts several renowned bakeries. The best among them is CT Bakery, located near the river, allowing you to enjoy your meal while admiring a magnificent view.

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• 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

The stone jars of Phonsavan are considered one of the world's greatest archaeological mysteries, with their 2,500 reservoirs scattered across the Xieng Khouang plateau. Scattered over hundreds of square kilometers, they date from the Iron Age in Southeast Asia, or between 500 BC and 200 AD. While researchers believe that they were probably related to the prehistoric practices of burials, local legends point to other fascinating uses, including the collection of rainwater or making rice wine. Whatever their true function, these jars remain a mystery in an exceptional setting.

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.

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3. Central Laos

• Vientiane, the Capital of Laos

Vientiane, the Lao capital, has become an absolute must on every traveler's itinerary. The capital, with its streets lined with sandstone, picturesque alleys, and colonial-style villas, assumes an air of adventure. The iconic monument that certainly strongly resembles France's Arc de Triomphe is the Arch of Patuxai. Other major landmarks include the Ang Nam Ngum Lake, the National Museum of Laos, and Buddha Park, where you can admire about 200 imposing religious statues. And of course, the Stupa That Luang is the holiest place of worship in Laos and thus must-see.

>>> Read More: 

• Capital of Laos: Complete Guide to Explore Vientiane
• Best Ways to Travel from Vientiane to Luang Prabang in 2025

• Vang Vieng, a Paradise for Adventurers

Vang Vieng is a lovely small town found between the capital Vientiane and the city of Luang Prabang, along the Nam Song River. It is an important spot on the Laos tourist map because many people choose to visit for outdoor fun. This town is great for those who want to explore caves, climb rocks, and kayak in some of the most amazing karst landscapes in the world.

Vang Vieng has changed much from a place of quiet village life to becoming a popular spot with backpackers and outdoor adventurers, and yet there is one thing that has remained ever constant: that beautiful landscape attracting visitors in the first place.

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.

During the dry season, from November to March, you will find the sky filled with colorful hot air balloons at sunrise and sunset. Vang Vieng is known to have the cheapest hot air balloon rides in the world. A flight of 40 minutes will cost you around 120 USD, but you can easily bargain for a price of 85 to 95 USD.

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

• Savannakhet, the Peaceful City in Southern Laos

Savannakhet, which means "City of Heaven" in Lao, is a city located in southern central Laos. It is the second-largest city in the country. Savannakhet attracts visitors with its ancient buildings, such as Wat Chaiyaphum, located on the banks of the Mekong and holding many spiritual significances.

Another architectural gem in Savannakhet is the stone house Heuan Hinh. This residence, entirely built of monolithic stone, features bold ancient architecture typical of the Lao people. Despite its long history, this place still retains its unique and magnificent architecture, making it a pride for the inhabitants of Savannakhet city.

Savannakhet is also known for its relaxed atmosphere and provincial charm. Visitors can stroll through its quiet streets, discover the daily life of the locals, and enjoy the authenticity of this Lao city.

>>> 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 is a nice town in Champasak Province, just 30 km from Champasak City. It is situated at the point where the Xe Don and Mekong rivers meet. You can still see the old parts of its colonial history around the city today. Even though it was heavily bombed during the Vietnam War, Pakse still has some of its original features. But it is friendly and inviting, allowing travelers a moment's respite to enjoy the comforts before heading south to more distant and exciting places.

The major attractions of Pakse focus on the French colonial architecture along the Xe Don River and the pristine Buddhist temples: Wat Phabad Temple, Wat Phou Salao, and Wat Luang, and the Champasak Provincial Museum. Other places to visit include Pakse Market and Xe Don Bridge.

Another must-see destination from Pakse is the Bolaven Plateau. This mountainous area to the east of the city hosts fertile, volcanic soil and a moderate climate—a very suitable setting for the growth of green tea and coffee. It's also the country's foremost destination to try Lao coffee at the source, offering up opportunities to see villages of Laven, Alak, Katu, Taoy, and Suay people.

>>>> Read more: Visit Pakse, Laos 2024: Everything You Need To Know For A Memorable Trip

• Temple Wat Luang in Pakse City

The main attractions of Pakse focus on the French colonial architecture along the Xe Don River and the immaculate Buddhist temples. Among them are Wat Phabad, Wat Phou Salao, and Wat Luang temples, as well as the Champasak Provincial Museum. The Pakse Market and the Xe Don Bridge are also worth visiting.

One of the favorite places to explore from Pakse is the Bolaven Plateau. This mountainous region east of the city benefits from fertile volcanic soil and a temperate climate ideal for growing green tea and coffee. Besides being the best place in the country to taste Lao coffee directly at its source, it is a fantastic opportunity to explore the villages of the Laven, Alak, Katu, Taoy, and Suay ethnic minorities.

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• Champasak and the Remnants of the Khmer Empire

Champasak, both a province and a city in southwestern Laos, borders Thailand and Cambodia. It is the largest province in the country. Here, life flows at a slow pace, even by Lao standards, driven by 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 landscapes, majestic waterfalls, and verdant plateaus.

• Vat Phou Temple

Most tourists stop in Champasak for a simple reason: its faded tropical charm and beautiful riverside location. However, that is not all this small region of rural Laos has to offer. The main attraction is the over 1000-year-old preserved temple, Wat Phou, a UNESCO World Heritage site, a gem from the height of the Khmer Empire.

Champasak is also an excellent stop for a day trip to the idyllic Don Daeng Island or to visit one of our favorite places in Laos: the Bolaven Plateau. Although famous for its coffee plantations, the Bolaven Plateau is also home to some of the most spectacular waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Exploring its remote interior on an open-top jeep ride is an exhilarating experience not to be missed!

• Si Phan Don or the 4000 Islands

Si Phan Don, also known as the "4000 Islands," is Laos' landlocked answer to a tropical coast. This laid-back riverine archipelago, fringed with palm trees and incredible lushness, offers an ideal setting for relaxation and rejuvenation.

Located at the border with Cambodia, Si Phan Don marks the last outpost of Laos. Here, the Mekong River reaches its greatest width, stretching up to ten kilometers in diameter, dividing into a multitude of waterways that bathe the thousands of islands and sandbanks that give the region its name.

Among these islands, three are the most significant and inhabited, each with its own distinct culture and character. The inhabitants, largely self-sufficient, practice fishing, fabric weaving, bamboo, rice, sugar cane, and coconut cultivation. They also manage a few guesthouses and restaurants to welcome tourists. Don Khong Island offers high-end accommodation options and a calmer atmosphere than Don Det, which is more popular with backpackers. Don Khone, on the other hand, offers a charming mix of both, with a good selection of restaurants and a few colorful colonial villas.

>>> Read more: Crossing the 4000 Islands: The Natural Wonder of the Mekong

• Don Khong Island

During your stay in Si Phan Don, you can relax in a hammock by the water, explore the islands by bike, watch the freshwater dolphins of the Mekong, or simply immerse yourself in the tranquility and natural beauty of this archipelago. It is a true haven of peace, where you can escape the hustle and bustle of modern life and reconnect with nature and the peaceful rhythm of the Mekong River.

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

Whether you are looking for a lively place to entertain yourself or a peaceful village to relax, Laos will meet all your expectations. There are still many interesting sites on the tourist map of Laos that are not mentioned in this article. Do not hesitate to contact us to experience an unforgettable journey in the Land of a Million Elephants, Laos!