Top 12 things to do in Laos: discover the hidden gem of Southeast Asia

If you're planning your Southeast Asia itinerary, don't overlook this enchanting destination. Here's a comprehensive guide to the top 12 things to do in Laos that will make your journey unforgettable.

1. Explore the Ancient Charm of Luang Prabang

A UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is often described as the spiritual heart of Laos. With its blend of French colonial architecture, Buddhist temples, and scenic riverside views, the city is both captivating and serene.

Start your day early with the almsgiving ceremony, where locals offer sticky rice to saffron-robed monks in silence - a deeply spiritual and humbling experience. Wander through ancient temples like Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai, then climb Mount Phousi for panoramic views at sunset.

Don’t miss the Luang Prabang Night Market, where you can shop for handmade textiles, bamboo crafts, and enjoy local delicacies.

2. Visit the Stunning Kuang Si Waterfall

Just 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si Waterfall is one of Laos’ most iconic natural attractions. The multi-tiered cascade tumbles down into a series of bright turquoise pools, perfect for a refreshing swim.

The park is beautifully maintained, with wooden walkways and picnic areas. Don’t forget to stop by the Bear Rescue Center near the entrance, which provides sanctuary to rescued moon bears.

3. Cruise Down the Mighty Mekong River

The Mekong River, one of Asia’s great waterways, flows through the heart of Laos. A cruise from Huay Xai to Luang Prabang is a classic travel experience. Over two days, you’ll drift past jungle-clad hills, local villages, and golden temples perched along the riverbanks.

You can also enjoy shorter sunset cruises in Luang Prabang or take a boat to the sacred Pak Ou Caves, home to thousands of Buddha statues.

4. Embrace Adventure in Vang Vieng

Once infamous for its party scene, Vang Vieng has transformed into an eco-adventure hub surrounded by karst mountains and rice paddies.

Go kayaking or tubing along the Nam Song River, soar across the sky with a zipline, or hike up to Nam Xay Viewpoint for a breathtaking view over the valley. Don’t miss Tham Phu Kham Cave, which hides a golden reclining Buddha inside a limestone cavern.

5. Discover Laos Laid-Back Capital: Vientiane

Vientiane may be one of the most relaxed capital cities in Asia. It’s a place where life flows slowly along the Mekong, and colonial villas sit quietly next to ancient stupas.

Visit the gold-covered Pha That Luang, the country’s most sacred monument. Explore the historic Wat Sisaket with its thousands of Buddha images, and see the quirky Patuxai Monument, Laos’ version of the Arc de Triomphe.

In the evening, head to the Mekong riverside night market and sample grilled meats, sticky rice, and cold Beerlao while watching the sun set over Thailand.

6. Go Off the Beaten Path in the Bolaven Plateau

Located in southern Laos, the Bolaven Plateau is a cool, elevated region known for its coffee plantations, waterfalls, and minority villages.

Visit Tad Fane and Tad Yuang Waterfalls, two majestic falls surrounded by dense jungle. Take a coffee tour and taste locally grown beans, or do a multi-day motorbike loop through villages of the Laven, Alak, and Katu ethnic groups.

7. Explore the Mysterious Plain of Jars

The Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang Province is one of Southeast Asia’s most intriguing archaeological sites. Scattered across grassy hills are thousands of massive stone jars - some weighing several tons - whose origin and purpose remain a mystery.

Some theories suggest the jars were used for burial, others for storing rice wine. Regardless, walking among these silent sentinels is a haunting and memorable experience.

8. Slow Down at the 4,000 Islands (Si Phan Don)

In southern Laos, the Mekong River fans out into a network of islets known as the 4,000 Islands. Life here moves at a gloriously slow pace.

Base yourself on Don Det or Don Khon, where you can cycle through rice paddies, visit French colonial bridges, or just relax in a hammock over the water. You may even spot the rare Irrawaddy dolphins near the Cambodian border.

9. Sample Traditional Lao Cuisine

Laos may not be as internationally known for its food as Thailand or Vietnam, but its cuisine is fresh, flavorful, and worth exploring.

Must-try dishes include:

• Laap: a minced meat salad with herbs and lime, considered the national dish
• Tam Mak Hoong: spicy green papaya salad
• Khao Niew: sticky rice served in woven baskets
• Mok Pa: steamed fish with herbs wrapped in banana leaves

Food markets and street stalls offer authentic, budget-friendly meals across the country.

10. Participate in Local Festivals

If your trip aligns with a Lao festival, you’re in for a treat. The most famous is Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year) in April, a three-day celebration involving water fights, parades, and temple visits.

Other notable festivals include:

• That Luang Festival in Vientiane (November)
• Boat Racing Festival (end of Buddhist Lent)
• Boun Ok Phansa with candlelit processions and floating offerings

Participating in a festival is a great way to witness Lao spirituality and community life.

11. Take a Cooking Class or Weaving Workshop

Traveling is about connection, and what better way to connect than by learning a local skill? In Luang Prabang and Vientiane, you’ll find cooking classes where you can prepare traditional dishes with fresh market ingredients.

For something more hands-on, try a weaving workshop with a women’s cooperative, where you can learn how to dye, spin, and weave silk the traditional way - and take home a handmade souvenir.

12. Travel Slow and Stay Longer

Perhaps the most rewarding thing to do in Laos is... not to rush. Laos invites you to travel slow, to soak in your surroundings, and to spend real time in its towns and villages.

Whether you're lingering over coffee on a riverside patio or hiking into remote mountains, the slower pace allows you to see beyond the tourist surface and connect more deeply with the place and its people.

13. Practical tips for traveling in Laos:

• Best time to visit: November to March is the dry season and most pleasant for travel.
• Visa: Most nationalities can get a visa on arrival or eVisa for 30 days.
• Currency: Lao Kip (LAK); however, Thai Baht and US dollars are widely accepted.
• Transport: Local buses, minivans, and tuk-tuks are common. Motorbike rental is popular for independent travelers.
• Language: Lao is the official language, but basic English is spoken in tourist areas.

Laos is a country that whispers, not shouts. It doesn’t try to impress you with skyscrapers or crowds - instead, it invites you to slow down, look closer, and breathe deeper. From waterfalls and temples to villages and rivers, the experiences in Laos are rich, authentic, and soul-stirring.

Whether you have a few days or a few weeks, there’s no shortage of things to do in Laos. And once you go, don’t be surprised if you find yourself already planning your return.