Think There’s Nothing to Do in Laos? Think Again! Here Are 6 Places That Will INSTANTLY Change Your Mind

Out of all our Southeast Asian neighbours, Laos has got to be one of the most underrated countries in terms of travel destination, especially the 2 cities of Vientiane and Vang Vieng. DUO CITIES to DOUBLE the FUN weh!

Well, if you think that the beautiful country got nothing to offer, then you can’t be more wrong! From jaw-dropping geographical wonders to majestic and historical architectures, Laos is truly a hidden gem that’s just waiting to be explored.

Take a break from giant metropolitans and get yourself surrounded by peaceful boulevards and French colonial architectures in Vientiane, the capital of Laos then travel to nearby Vang Vieng where you certainly will enjoy tons of activities among the greeneries.

Here’s a glimpse of what Laos has in store for you that will definitely get your wanderlust levels off the roof!

1. Explore the serene and scenic Buddha Park

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Source: heartmybackpack

Also known as Xieng Khuan which literally translates to Spirit City, Buddha Park is a park with sculptures located just 25km from Vientiane, near the meadow of Mekong River.

What to expect:

• Be awed by the over 200 statues that fill the park which has cryptic symbols that gave the vicinity a distinctively spiritual aura!
• Although not technically a temple, the park may also be referred to as one due to numerous religious images found there.
• The statues may appear to be centuries old but actually the park and its structures were only constructed in 1958.
• Visitors can enter through an opening which is a mouth of a 3-metre-tall demon and climb staircases from hell to heaven which reinforces the whole park’s mystical aura.

Address:
Thanon Tha Deua, Vientiane, Laos.

Source: AirAsia

Source: AirAsia

2. Patuxai Victory monument

Source: AirAsia

Source: myvxx

By far the most iconic landmark in the whole of Laos, the Patuxai Monument is a massive victory arch at the centre of Vientiane near the end of the road that leads to Laos’ Presidential Palace.

What to expect:

• Very similar in design to France’s Arc de Triomphe, this is a monument commemorating the country’s independence and an ode to the past colonial history of Laos.
• Literally translates to mean “Victory Gate”, this monument was built in the 1960s with a large arched gateway in its all four sides.
• A closer look at the monument would see that the upper part is decorated in Laos architecture with its ceilings containing Laos-style ornamentations!
• On top of the Patuxai are 5 towers which are adorned with flower motifs and topped with a golden finial.
• Get a bird’s eye view of the city by climbing to the top of an observation deck on top of the arch. It is reachable via a spiral stairway in the central tower of the monument.

Address:
P.D.R, Vientiane, Laos.

Source: LaosTours

Source: Andrewchen1989

3. Marvel at the majestic and historical architectures of Pha That Luang

Source: AirAsia

Source: AirAsia

A gold-covered large Buddhist monument at the heart of Vientiane, this historical Stupa has been around since the 3rd century and is regarded as the most important national monument in Laos!

What to expect:

• The large grounds surrounding the golden Stupa contain several other Buddhist structures including a statue of King Setthathirat, King of the Lan Xang Kingdom and founder of the monument!
• Local legends entail that the Indian King Ashoka sent monks to spread Buddhism here back in the 3rd century with the Stupa built to enshrine a sacred relic from Buddha himself.
• Several other constructions were subsequently made at the spot by the Khmer including a 12th-century temple and a gold pagoda enacted by King Setthathirath in 1566.
• In 1930, the colonial French rebuilt the site to its original design after the whole city was looted by Siamese invaders in 1827.
• Today, the Stupa consists of 3 levels, each conveying a reflection of the Buddhist doctrine.

Address:
That Luang Road, Vientiane 0100, Laos.

Source: AirAsia

Source: Mrlinhadventure

Source: Mrlinhadventure

After exploring the gorgeous capital city of Vientiane, you can then make your way to stunning Vang Vien which is a mere 3 hours away. Getting there is easy too as you can just take any of these options:

• Take the bus – Buses from Vientiane to Vang Vien only cost about RM25 which you can take from the Northern Bus Station.
• By minivans – Available all day and cost from RM17 to RM29 and also available from the Northern Bus Station.
• Take the Express VIP bus – A little bit faster than normal bus and costs RM33

Here are some attractions you can’t miss out on in Vang Vien:

1. Take in the indescribable view from atop of Nam Xay viewpoint

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Take in one of the most breathtaking 360 degrees views overlooking the gorgeous Laos landscape on top of Nam Xay Viewpoint in Vang Vieng.

What to expect:

• Located just 20 minutes away from the town of Vang Vieng, getting to the top of the viewpoint requires a short hike but the stunning views very much make it worth it!
• The climb itself isn’t that challenging but make sure you’re wearing proper gear as it can quite steep and slippery.
• There are also handrails and steps to make the climb that much easier. It should take just around 30 minutes to reach the peak.
• Once at the top, there are a few bamboo huts and platforms for you to rest on and just take in the picturesque sceneries!

Address:
Tham Poukhan Rd, Vang Vieng 1003, Laos.

Source: iwanderlista

Source: AirAsia

2. Swim in unspoiled clear blue waters in the Blue Lagoon! 

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Source: 1213.ming

A must-visit for any travellers wandering through Laos, this hidden gem is a way to escape the hot tropical weathers of Vang Vieng and enjoy the clear blue waters of the lagoon!

What to expect:

• Marvel at the beauty of the lake which looks straight out of a fantasy novel!
• Located just 25 minutes from Vang Vieng town, this is the perfect place to relax and enjoy the natural wonders of Laos.
• Lounge on the grass, swim in the cool water or jump from the tress into the lagoon and enjoy a great day out!
• There are also a few facilities nearby such as a volleyball court, seating, picnic tables, huts and more for you to get comfortable.

Address:
Tham Poukhan Rd, Vang Vieng 1003, Laos.

Source: backpackerswanderlust

Source: AirAsia

3. Explore the geological wonders of Tham Nam and Tham Chang caves!

Source: terence.luk

Source: AirAsia

Famous for its rocky outcrops, Vang Vieng has numerous natural karst caves that were used as a bunker in defence against invaders in early 19th century.

What to expect: 

• Tham Chang is a cave located to the southwest of Vang Vien and is accessible via a bridge over Nam Song river.
• Crystal clear water runs at the foot of cave which flows into the river. There is also a viewpoint just outside Tham Chang cave which you can view stunning sceneries of the Laos countryside!
• Tham Nam cave, on the other hand, is perfect for you adventure seekers out there.
• Known as the water cave, you need to use ropes to properly navigate through the cave.
• Marvel at the beautiful geological wonders inside the cave including stalactites that have been there for thousands of years!

Address:
15 km north of Vang Vieng, Vang Vieng 1003, Laos.

Source: AirAsia

Source: Cavelodge

Okay, these places are absolutely stunning! We don’t know about you, but we feel the urge to book a ticket to Laos right now. What’s more, visiting these places are made all the easier thanks to AirAsia too which has direct flights to Vientiane from Kuala Lumpur!

If you’re planning on a trip to Laos too, better book your tickets with AirAsia soon as they’re having an awesome promo for flights to Vientiane.

Enjoy the wonders of Laos with AirAsia! Book now until 17 November 2019 and Pay with BigPay for an all-in fare one way for BIG Members starting from just RM159! Non members fare start at RM164 and travel period is between now until 26 April 2020.