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Top 10 attractions in Laos

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Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)
No. 3 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

5.5
4.4/5
155 reviews
Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang) is located on the banks of the Mekong River in the suburbs of Vientiane. Although it is named a "temple," there are no main halls or monks' quarters in the park; it is more like an open-air sculpture park. "Xieng Khouane" means "City of Spirits" in the local language. The park was built under the direction of artist and former monk Bunleua Sulilat, who blended Buddhism and Hinduism in one park, bringing his vision of the spirit world to life with over 200 concrete sculptures: statues of Shiva, Vishnu, Arjuna, Guanyin, and various bizarre sculptures are scattered among the lawns and tree shadows, which is why the park is also known as a "miracle created from concrete." There are two major highlights in the park that are worth taking the time to see in detail: the first is the three-story, pumpkin-shaped round tower, which symbolizes hell, the human world, and heaven from bottom to top. You can enter through the demon's open mouth, climb the stairs inside the tower level by level, and overlook the entire park after reaching the top. The second is the giant reclining Buddha lying on the green space, which is dozens of m long, has a serene expression, and is a very popular photo spot in the park. The entire park is open-air with little shade. After visiting, you might want to take a walk to the Mekong River, look across the water at Thailand, and wrap up this trip to the suburbs.Laos · Vientiane
Royal Palace & National Museum
No. 5 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Royal Palace & National Museum

5.3
4.5/5
184 reviews
Royal Palace & National Museum was built in the early 20th century as a royal residence for King Sisavang Vong during the French colonial period. The last royal family lived here until the monarchy was abolished, after which the palace was converted into a museum and opened to the public. It is located next to the main street of the ancient city of Luang Prabang, betweenPhousi Hill and the Mekong River. The cruciform, single-story palace blends Lao-style overlapping, sweeping pitched roofs and golden carvings with French shutters and wrought-iron balconies. A set of Italian marble steps leads directly to the main entrance, and the relief of the three-headed elephant and the white parasol above the lintel is the symbol of the former Kingdom of Lan Xang. Upon entering, a seated statue of King Sisavang Vong stands in the courtyard. The halls of the palace largely retain their original royal appearance: the Throne Hall displays the thrones of the King and Queen, the walls of the reception hall feature murals of traditional Lao life painted by a French artist around 1930, and the bedrooms and living rooms remain as they were when the royal family left. Another exhibition room displays diplomatic gifts from various countries, including a piece of moon rock brought back from an Apollo mission. The museum's prized possession is the "Phra Bang" golden Buddha, a standing golden Buddha statue approximately 83 cm tall. It is said to be a state gift from the Khmer Kingdom to Fa Ngum, the founding monarch of Lan Xang, in the 14th century, and is regarded as the palladium of Laos; the city of Luang Prabang derives its name from it. Today, the golden Buddha is enshrined in a specially built temple within the palace grounds, and the golden Naga staircase in front of the temple is quite photogenic.Laos · Luang Prabang
Blue Lagoon
No. 8 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Blue Lagoon

5.2
4.8/5
19 reviews
Blue Lagoon is nestled among the karst mountains and is an attraction that combines caving and water activities. Tham Poukham Cave is considered quite sacred by the locals. The main chamber has a skylight at the top, where sunlight pours down, illuminating a Thai-style bronze reclining Buddha. Locals often come here to offer incense and pray. Several deep tunnels branch off from the main chamber, leading deep into the heart of the mountain, where stalactites and stalagmites stand in the darkness. The cave entrance is located on a limestone cliff halfway up the mountain, requiring a climb along a steep path. Fortunately, there are handrails on the steeper sections. After working up a sweat from the climb, it is the perfect time to cool off in the lagoon at the foot of the mountain. The Blue Lagoon is formed by water flowing out of the cave. The water is clear and deep blue, with schools of fish visible to the naked eye. The water temperature is cool year-round, making it very refreshing to jump in. Swing ropes hang from the large trees by the lake, and there is a diving platform nearby where you can swing out to the middle of the lake before letting go to enter the water. Some people also zip-line over the lake, causing those in the water to look up. There are several blue lagoons around Vang Vieng. This one is more popular because Tham Poukham Cave and the lagoon are in the same location. The water appears even bluer during the dry season, making it perfect for combining hiking, caving, and water activities into one itinerary.Laos · Vang Vieng
Wat Xieng Thong
No. 9 of Best Things to Do in Laos

Wat Xieng Thong

5
4.6/5
258 reviews
Wat Xieng Thong is located at the confluence of the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers in the ancient city of Luang Prabang. It was built by King Setthathirath of the Lan Xang Kingdom, and its name means "Golden City" in the Lao language. Until the end of the Lao monarchy in 1975, it was a temple under royal patronage, and the coronation ceremonies of successive kings were held here, giving it a prominent status among the many temples in the ancient city. In 1887, Luang Prabang was ransacked by war, and most of the temples in the city were destroyed, but it was spared. The appearance of the halls seen today mainly comes from the comprehensive renovation and repainting in the 1960s. The main hall embodies the essence of Luang Prabang-style temple architecture: three tiers of eaves drape down like waves, almost reaching the ground, with a golden stupa-shaped ornament called "Dok So Fa" standing in the center of the roof ridge. Inside the hall, black lacquered walls are adorned with gold leaf paintings, where tiny golden figures depict daily scenes of Lao village life, such as pounding rice, cooking, and worshipping. The signature sight of the entire temple is the "Tree of Life" mosaic on the rear wall of the main hall, created with colored glass: on a deep red background, the golden canopy spreads out, surrounded by birds, beasts, and figures. When sunlight hits it, it shimmers with color, and it is considered one of the symbolic images of Laos. There is more to see in the temple than just the main hall: a carved and gilded carriage hall houses the funeral carriages and golden funerary urns of past kings. The front of the carriage is decorated with a golden dragon head, and the exterior panels depict scenes from the epic "Ramayana". Another small hall with deep red exterior walls inlaid with colored glass houses a black reclining Buddha resting its head on its hand in a serene posture.Laos · Luang Prabang

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Experiences you can't miss in Laos

Featured Day tours in Laos

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Luang Prabang 2.5-Hour Mekong River Sunset Cruise + Dinner
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4.0/5
· 3 reviews· 119 booked
Duration: 3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromSAR 190.48
PRIVATE TOUR - Charming Vientiane and the Mystical Buddha Park in Laos with Lunch
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5.0/5
· 2 reviews
Duration: 7.8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 193.74
Vang Vieng 1-day tour + Jungle Zipline + Nam Song River Kayaking + Blue Lagoon 3 + Vehicle Transfer
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FromSAR 230.43
PRIVATE TOUR- Into the wilderness at Phou Khao Khouay National Protected Area in Vientiane
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FromSAR 332.12

Featured Culture & history in Laos

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PRIVATE TOUR - Half-day Vientiane (Laos) Highlights
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Duration: 4.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 107.45
Day-time Bamboo weaving & Cooking Classes join-in
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4.9/5
· 21 reviews
Duration: 4 hrs
English
Free cancellation
21 consecutive positive reviews
FromSAR 180.14
Full Day bamboo experience with cooking class & Kuang si waterfalls
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5.0/5
· 6 reviews
Duration: 8 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 221.42
Luang Prabang natural plant roll-on perfume blending experience
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Duration: 25 mins
English
Free cancellation
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FromSAR 23.66
Discover Laos like a Local by a classic open-air tuk-tuk
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Duration: 6.2 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 388.28
PRIVATE TOUR - Exploring Vientiane (Laos) by bicycle with lunch
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FromSAR 349.21
Luang Prabang ancient town cultural tour · Mekong River sunset dinner cruise · VIP Buddha light traditional performance
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Duration: 5.3 hrs
English
Free cancellation
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FromSAR 383.21

Featured Outdoor & sports in Laos

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1-Day Tour to Vang Vieng with Private Guide
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4.8/5
· 16 reviews
Duration: 10–11 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 1,013.25
Full day / Half Day Kayaking and Pak Ou Caves with optional sunset cruise
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4.7/5
· 13 reviews
Duration: 6 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 135.10
Vang Vieng Paragliding Experience + Morning/Afternoon + Transfer Service
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4.0/5
· 1 review
Duration: 3.5 hrs
English
Free cancellation
FromSAR 549.77

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Free things to do in Laos

What travellers say about Laos

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Tu12412 October 2026
5.0
От центральной автостанции Вьентьян автобус 23. Остановка 19km intersection. Цена 200 тыс кип. 50 тыс кип трансфер через озеро. По жаре советую не экономить. Билеты покупать можно день в день. Приезжать надо с утра, до китайских туристов на автобусах.

Lao Art Museum

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Ruben Camppd Reyed4 July 2026
5.0
Beautiful waterfall. I was lucky enough to go during the off-season and it wasn't too crowded, but I don't know how interesting it would be to see it full of people. It's a beautiful place; they're expanding it artificially. I don't know how much something artificial can improve things, but it's a lovely place to walk, take a swim, and enjoy the natural beauty of the area.

Kuang Si Waterfall

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走遍天下XZ13 February 2024
5.0
Xiangkun Temple in Vientiane (Ten Thousand Buddhas Park), a must-visit attraction in Laos. The "Internet celebrity" nine-story pagoda, the six reincarnations, the longest reclining Buddha, the monkey mouth heaven and hell tower, the standing statue of Shiva (holding a child who was killed by mistake), etc., many of which are introduced from some Buddhist stories and legends in Hinduism, and made into statues, which are extremely rare in most Buddhist places. There is a mysterious legend behind each Buddha statue. Although they are all made of reinforced concrete, they are also delicate and beautiful, especially some facial expressions and body movements, which are closely related to the plot.

Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)

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Shadiespirit25 February 2026
5.0
No need to pay to visit this monument. However there is a fee if you want to climb up to see the aerial view of the vacinity. There is also a fountain right behind the monument. I am not sure what time it is turned on but when I arrived there was music playing and the fountain was on. Shame that by the time I took photos, the fountain turned off.

Patuxai

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TimentoDiver24 December 2023
5.0
The Laos Royal Palace, also known as the Haw Kham or Golden Hall, is a cultural gem nestled in Luang Prabang, Laos. Constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era as a royal residence, it reflects a blend of traditional Lao motifs and French Beaux-Arts architecture. The palace served as the residence of the Laotian royal family until the monarchy's dissolution in 1975. Today, it stands as a museum showcasing regal artifacts, including the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue.Adjacent to the Royal Palace, the National Museum further enriches Luang Prabang's cultural tapestry. Originally the Royal Palace's annex, it houses a diverse collection of religious art, royal possessions, and historical artifacts, offering visitors a captivating journey through Laos' rich heritage. These sites collectively symbolize Luang Prabang's UNESCO World Heritage status, inviting exploration into the kingdom's storied past and artistic traditions.

Royal Palace & National Museum

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兔子69 July 2023
5.0
I feel that it can't be compared with the famous mountains and rivers in China. The mountain is only more than 100 meters high. There is no cable car. You can walk up the stairs to the top of the mountain. There is a temple on the top of the mountain. There are more people watching the sunset in the evening. The sun reflects the whole sky red. The sunset is infinitely beautiful...

Phousi Hill

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Surya Sreemanthula5 September 2023
4.0
it’s extremely fun activity but also has to be very careful as the current flow of the river rainy season is high.

Nam Song River

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Amy The Novice Explorer12 May 2023
5.0
A beautiful scenery on my early biking tour to the three blue lagoons, cave Phu kham, Blue Spring and Patong cave! Cycling here is extremely difficult because it was foggy, dry and no wind! I’m glad I still managed to do it and 11 miles is not bad! 😍

Blue Lagoon

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D了个Y7 July 2026
4.0
Laos, known as the "Land of a Thousand Buddhas," boasts numerous temples. Wat Xieng Thong, the most famous royal temple in Luang Prabang, is located at the northern tip of the peninsula where the Mekong and Nam Khan rivers meet. Built in 1560 by King Setthathirath, it served as the exclusive temple for the coronation of Lao kings and the holding of important ceremonies. The temple is renowned for its classic Luang Prabang temple architecture. The main hall features a Dharma wheel roof, a large Tree of Life motif inlaid on the rear wall, and black walls adorned with gold accents. The roof ridge is decorated with a row of small golden pagodas inscribed "Dok So Fa." "Xieng Thong" means "Golden City" in Lao legend. Historically, Wat Xieng Thong held a status equivalent to a "Royal Ancestral Temple" in Lao history. From its construction until the abolition of the monarchy in 1975, it remained the private property of the royal family and was not open to the public. It was not only a center of Buddhist activities but also an outstanding representative of Lao architecture and art, encapsulating the ancient temple architectural style of Luang Prabang. It was damaged during the invasion of the Black Flag Army in 1887. However, it survived because the Black Flag Army's ally, Diao Wenchi, had once been a monk here and used it as his headquarters. Restoration was completed in 1928 under the auspices of King Sisavang Vong. ⚠️Tips: Key Highlights ① Tree of Life Mosaic Mural: The rear wall of the main hall is inlaid with a large "Tree of Life" pattern made of stained glass and gemstones, depicting a Buddhist paradise, birds and beasts, and humans, alluding to the story of the Buddha's passing. It reflects a dazzling light under the setting sun. ② Funeral Hall: Inside is a 12-meter-high hearse decorated with golden dragon heads and a royal urn containing ashes. The exterior panels are carved with scenes from the epic Ramayana. ③ Reclining Buddha Hall: Enshrines a classic Lao-style reclining Buddha statue, entirely black, with its arms bent and head resting on its head. Its style is characterized by a long robe and the posture of supporting its head. ④ Main Hall Building: The roof has a smooth, curved, multi-tiered design that almost reaches the ground. The ridge at the top of the eaves is decorated with a row of characters reading "Dok So". The small golden pagoda bearing the inscription "Fa" features a black background with gold decorations on the main temple's facade and beams.

Wat Xieng Thong

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Tui.KPS31 January 2023
5.0
The main street of Luang Prabang, which has been renovated with underground power lines and many cafes and restaurants.

Sisavangvong Road

Trip Moments in Laos

Frequently asked questions

What are the must-do things in Laos?

Don't miss these attractions in Laos: Lao Art Museum, Kuang Si Waterfall, and Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang). If you like Day tours, try Luang Prabang 2.5-Hour Mekong River Sunset Cruise + Dinner. If you enjoy Culture & history, try PRIVATE TOUR - Half-day Vientiane (Laos) Highlights.

When choosing a tour, start with how much time you have and the kind of experience you're looking for. Trending options right now include Luang Prabang 2.5-Hour Mekong River Sunset Cruise + Dinner, PRIVATE TOUR - Charming Vientiane and the Mystical Buddha Park in Laos with Lunch, and Vang Vieng 1-day tour + Jungle Zipline + Nam Song River Kayaking + Blue Lagoon 3 + Vehicle Transfer. Check the real-time availability and itinerary before you book.

As of 31 October 2026, the reference price for day tours and activities in Laos is around SAR 95.24 – SAR 637.43. Rates vary by duration, group size, transport, tickets, meals, and any special admission requirements. Before you book, please confirm the billing currency and whether the price is quoted per person or per group.

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