Laos is a Southeast Asian country. That is traversed by the Mekong River. It is known for multiple factors including French colonial architecture, mountain terrain, Buddhist monasteries, and hill tribe settlements. Vientiane is the capital of Laos. The currency used in Laos is Lao kip. Their recognized language is French and other common languages are Lao, Hmong, Khmu, and, French.
I had the opportunity to visit Laos last year and I made sure to check the requirements for visa on arrival in Laos beforehand. There are many amazing places in Laos worth visiting. And few of them are listed below:
- Vientiane
Vientiane, the capital of Laos is a very charming place. Even though technically, it is a capital city but still it feels like a small town and nothing else. Formerly or during colonial period, it was a French trading post. The oldest temples like Wat Si Saket and sprawling locals markets worth a visit.
- Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is a town lying between Khan River and mighty Mekong River. It is the serene heart of Laos. It is a UNESCO world heritage site because of its delightfulness and gorgeous little European style cafes. You can also go to Kuang Si waterfalls if you like trekking, there you will find azure cataracts with perfect for bathing pools.
- Vang Vieng
Vang vieng is considered as one the main backpacker locations of Laos; it is lying between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. In older days, this place had surprisingly vibrant nightlife scene and wild reputation but now their Government has cleaned that image of Vand Vieng. There is also a spot which is known for lagoon and Bronze statue of Buddha at Tham Phu Kham.
- Huay Xai
Huay Xai is situated at the border of Laos and Thailand so generally, people visit this place when they move between 2 countries. This is a highlight to a trip to Laos for many.
- Si Phan Don Islands
Everyone knows that Laos is known for not sharing any coastline so it can sound strange, but it is true. And Laos is home for Si Phan Don Islands, which existed because of the Mekong River dispersing close to the border between Laos and Cambodia, resulted in creation of these amazing islets.
- Bokeo Nature Reserve
The Bokeo Nature Reserve is known for its conservation work for black cheeked gibbons, which were supposed to have extinct nut rediscovered in 1997. This Nature reserve is located outside the town of Huay Xai. Tree houses are available there for you to stay in and have a bird eye view of the canopy.
- Nong Khiaw
Nong Khiaw is also known as Nong Kiu and is gaining fame for itself as one of the best places to visit in Laos. It is a very pretty spot. Some scenic villages, surrounding the town can be enjoyed by biking. And other amazing trekking and hiking opportunities are also in demand.
- Tham Kong Lo
Tham Kong Lo is named so after the name of Kong Lo cave; a part of the wider Phu Hin Bun national park.
The list is quite long of places to visit in Laos so book your trip now and check the requirements for visa on arrival in Laos.