Laos offers tourists many beautiful destinations and many adventurous activities to do. The beautiful landscapes and French architectures are some things one should not miss while on Laos vacation. Also known as backpacker's paradise this country homes Asia's best waterfalls like Kuang Si Falls and Tad Fane.
Laos is also renowned as the "Land of a Million Elephants". This bite-sized location has it all, from the sharp cliffs, dense jungles, running rivers, and nature reserves, Laos has everything from Below is the guide that will cover every information you need to make your Laos vacation a perfect one.
10 Best Places to visit in Laos
Laos is considered as one of the most stunning places around the world. There are many things to do and explore in Laos for tourists. Below is the hand-picked list of 10 best places to visit in Laos.
1. Vientiane
Vientiane is the capital of Laos and is one of the most beautiful places in the country. During the colonial period, this city was the trading post for French. Vientiane has many things to offer to a tourist, some of the best things to do are visiting the French Quarter, taking a walk around to get a vision of French architecture. Along with these, one should check out the local markets and visit the symbolic temples like Wat Si Saket.
2. Vang Vieng, one of the best place to visit in Laos
Situated in the middle of the cities Vientiane & Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng is one of the best locations to enjoy backpacking. This place has a wild reputation in the past with the vibrant nightlife. A tourist can also enjoy the tubing down the Nam Song River or enjoy the lush green view of the jungle. Along with these things, a tourist can also enjoy a visit to the famous Tham Phu Kham Cave known as Lagoon or take a look at the beautiful bronze statue of Lord Buddha.
3. Si Phan Don Islands
Laos has no coastline, so hearing of the place "Si Phan Don Island" is quite surprising. This island is a result of the Mekong River dispersing close to the borders of Laos and Cambodia. One of the most interesting facts about this island is it contains different islands of different sizes. Don Khon is the larger island while Don Det is the little one. Every tourist should visit both these islands to witness the beauty of this place.
4. Bokeo Nature Reserve
Visiting Bokeo Nature Reserve is one of the best things to do in Laos. Located just outside the city of Huay Xai, this nature reserve is renowned for conservation of the black cheeked gibbons. Black-cheeked gibbons were extinct till 1997 before they were rediscovered here in Bokeo Nature Reserve. There are treehouses for tourists to stay in along several activities to enjoy, like swinging on a zip line, bird watching, and watching the fierce creatures like elephants, bears, and tigers.
5. Tham Kong Lo
Tham Kong Lo is the name of the famous Kong Lo Cave. The cave is a part of the famous Phu Hin Bum National Park located in Laos. The central chamber of this 6.5 kilometers long & 300 feet high cave is the most beautiful place in Southeast Asia to visit. Every tourist should take a boat trip along this chamber to enjoy the view of stunning rock crystals and stalagmites.
6. Wat Phu
Also known as Vat Phou, Wat Phu is one of the symbolic temples of Laos. This significant temple located close to the Phu Kao Mountain in the province of Champasak, Laos is one of the best places to visit in Laos during your Laos holiday. The temple is a Hindu temple that was built back between the 11th and 13th centuries.
7. Phonsavan
Hills of Paradise, this is what is the meaning of Phonsavan. If you want to explore the rural side if Laos, this place is the best place for you to explore. This place is renowned for its cowboy culture where you can witness the Lao cowboys all dressed up in Stetsons and living in the farms.
8. Pakbeng
Pakbeng lies between the cities Luang Prabang and Huay Xai. Most of the tourists prefer staying overnight in this place to enjoy the river trip between these two towns in Laos. Although there is not much to explore in this place, still this river trip is something remarkable to experience. There are many restaurants and beer joints for a tourist to visit.
9. Muang Xay
Oudomxay & Udomxai are the two names of this place. Muang Xay is the capital of the Oudomxay province of Laos. Apart from this, the city is the largest in the northern part of Laos. Being located close to the Nam Ko River Basin, this place is renowned for being surrounded by beautiful mountains. A tourist can easily stay here for a few days and explore the city.
10. Pakse
Pakse, the capital of Champasak province, is the largest city in the southern part of the country Laos. Many tourists visit this place while traveling to the neighboring cities Si Phan Don, Bolevan Plateau, and Wat Phou. This city has delicious seafood to offer. The waterfront in the city is also popular among tourists.
Best Time to Visit in Laos
Laos is one of the countries located in Southeast Asia. The city has good weather throughout the year. There are two distinct seasons - dry season (November to April) and wet season (May to October). Despite what is believed by all, the local folks of Laos insist there are three seasons instead including hot season (March to April) between the two dry and wet season.
As per many tourists, the dry season is the best season to visit Laos. During this season a tourist can enjoy the country at a pleasant temperature. So, if you are planning out a Laos tour, you should visit during the dry season. Every Laos vacation package includes this practical information.
How to Reach Laos
Despite being an unpopular tourist destination, Laos is one of the well-connected countries in the world. This country is connected by air, by rail, and by road. There is one major international airport, Wattay International airport in Vientiane. Unluckily there are no direct flights from the USA & Europe. The best means of transport this country will depend on where you are traveling from would highly recommend going with the option of by air.
If you are planning a Laos vacation, it is a good thing that most of the Laos vacation packages already include all the travel plans and expenses. We at PML Holidays also have some amazing Laos tour packages designed for the best holiday experience.
Best Indian Restaurants in Laos
Who doesn't like Indian food? India is famous all across the world for its taste. There is no country where one could not find an Indian restaurant. In Laos as well, you can easily find a food joint serving delicious, finger-licking Indian food.
1. Welcome-India Restaurant
If you are enjoying your Laos tour and are looking for an Indian restaurant while doing so, Welcome India restaurant will cheer you. The place is quite famous among the locals.
Must-Try - Veg Thali
Location - Ban Shihom, near dreamland hostel 1. Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 20 56 661 176
2. Jamil Zahid Indian and Pakistani Food
Jamil Zahid's restaurant is also one of the famous Indian restaurants in Laos. The place serves not only Indian but Pakistan food as well. If you are on your Laos vacation, you must try this place out.
Must-Try - Kababs.
Location - Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 20 58 871 133
3. Delhi Durbar
You can enjoy Delhi's taste now in Laos. With the best cuisine menu, this place is also famous for the ambiance. If you are looking for an Indian place in Laos, this is it.
Best Dish - Daal Makhani & Parantha
Address - Rue Phonesinuan Near Thai Visa Consular Section, Post Box 3381, Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 21 410 013
4. Don Det Jasmin Restaurant, an Indian restaurant in Laos
When it comes to finding the taste of India in Laos, Don Det Jasmin Restaurant is one of the best places to eat in Laos. Along with the warm and inviting ambiance, the restaurant also has a lot of taste to offer its visitors.
Location - Don Det, Laos
Contact - +856 31 251 002
5. Annu Zahid Restaurant
Annu Zahid restaurant is among the best Indian restaurants in Laos. There are many dishes that one should try like Dal Makhani, Butter Chicken, and more.
Location - Vientiane Vientiane.annu street, Laos
Contact - +856 20 55 991 520
Dishes You Must Try when On Laos Vacation
When you are enjoying the Laos tour, you must try these local dishes. Following is the list of best Laos local dishes.
1. Sticky Rice
2. Green Papaya Salad [Tam Mak Hoong]
3. Steamed Fish [Mok Pa]
4. Baguette Pate
5. Wet Noodles
6. Lao Sausages [Sai Utah, Sai Gok]
Below is the list of some local restaurants in Laos that are renowned for serving the best local delicacies.
1. Kuala Restaurant
Address - 134 Rue Samsenthai, Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 21 215 777
2. Doi Ka Noi Restaurant
Location - Sisangvong Road, Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 20 55 898 959
3. Tamnaklao Restaurant
Address - Sakkaline Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
Contact - +856 71 252 525
4. Phakhao Lao Restaurant
Location - Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 20 77 517 272
5. Cafe Toui
Address - Kiridara Villa Ban Khili, 72/6 Kingkitsarath Rd, Luang Prabang, Laos
Contact - +856 71 255 123
Emergency Contact
Every well-planned Laos vacation package includes every important information to make your Laos tour memorable. In case, you missed to check out the same here is the emergency contact number for you.
If you are facing any issue or are in an emergency, you can contact the Indian Embassy. Below are the details for the same.
Address - 125 Unit 7, Ban Saphanthong Kang (opp. Wat Saphanthong Neua), Vientiane, Laos
Contact - +856 21 352 301
Laos has become popular among tourists because of its stunning beauty. Be it beautiful landscapes, thrilling islands, or Nature reserves, Laos has everything to offer to anyone who visits there. This destination is catching up the fame among the best tourist destinations in the world. Planning a thrilling visit to Laos? Travel with PML Holidays to get the best customizable holiday packages to Laos.
