Some people doubt the viability of Laos as a tourist destination because it is often lost in the noise that surrounds neighboring countries like Malaysia and Cambodia.
Laos is a diverse country with breathtaking waterfalls, mountains, and temples. It has historical wonders, natural wonders, and friendly people, everything you might desire in a tourist destination.
However, some people doubt the viability of Laos as a tourist destination because it is often lost in the noise that surrounds neighboring countries like Malaysia and Cambodia.
Things to do in Laos
What is so special about Laos? If it is truly as breathtaking as everyone claims, what would you do once you touched down in the country?
The fact that Laos is landlocked means that it doesn’t have much in the way of sandy beaches and crystal clear azure waters. But it more than makes up for its lack of beaches with the following sites, activities and adventuring opportunities:
1. Luang Prabang in Northern Laos
Luang Prabang is a World Heritage Site protected by UNESCO. That alone should tell you what to expect. There is a lot of history in this town with its dozens of temples and monasteries and charming buildings that still boast the French Architecture of old.
You go to Luang Prabang because you want to tour the remnants of its history and culture. There is simply so much to see and experience. The robed monks collecting alms in the morning are merely a bonus.
2. That Ing Hang Stupa
Buddhism is revered in Laos, and few other places manifest this reverence as vividly as this 9-meter tall tower.
People come from Northern Thailand to worship at what has essentially become an altar. The tower attracts so much interest because it supposedly plays host to a bone of Buddha.
That Ing Hang Stupa is a religious place. That alone should encourage you to dress appropriately. Women, in particular, are expected to keep their shoulders and knees covered. In some cases, they might be required to invest in some traditional garb.
Even if you care nothing for the Buddhist religion, you will appreciate the historical importance of the tower. And once you are done gawking, there are lotus flowers and coconuts being sold in the area.
3. That Luang in Vientiane
If That Luang looks familiar, that is because it is the country’s official seal. So you have probably seen it on some Laos literature. That Luang is a monument with the façade of a fortress on the outside and temples on the inside.
It is quite an impressive sight with its gold leaf and high walls. It isn’t that hard to understand why Laos chose it as the national symbol.
4. Vat Phou in Champasak
Vat Phou is a temple, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You need to travel to Phou Kao Mountain to visit it because the temple is located at the base of the mountain.
On its own, the temple is quite beautiful. But you can also explore the surrounding terrain which includes a verdant jungle. The Mekong River is also close by, not to mention a natural spring.
Once you venture into the temple, you will discover that it has a museum featuring the statues of Laos’ most prominent deities.
5. Vang Vieng
It is going to take you four hours to go from Vientiane to Vang Vieng. But the reward makes the journey worth it.
Vang Vieng is quite rugged. Forget all the stories you used to hear about the hedonistic parties that were perpetrated in this area. Vang Vieng is an adventurer’s paradise.
There are mountains, caves, and cliffs, everything the average backpacker needs to have a great time. The Nam Song River encourages tubing. You also get a scenic little town with a few amenities that should appeal to anyone looking for a taste of urban life.
6. The Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars in Xiengkhouang has sandstone and granite jars planted in the ground. They are believed to have been carved over two millennia ago. No one knows who carved them or why.
For that reason, they have become the country’s most enigmatic attraction, raising questions about the civilization that came before.
7. Wat Sisaket in Vientiane
The Siamese occupation back in 1828 brought a lot of destruction. It did not do the capital any favors. The only temple to survive that turmoil is Wat Si Saket. It is a beautiful structure with intriguing architecture.
There are over ten thousand Buddha statues and sculptures scattered throughout, dating back centuries.
Along with seven thousand bronze, stone, and wood images, not to mention a drum tower, Wat Si Saket is a historical and architectural marvel. And it is just one attraction among many more that Laos has to offer, this including the Bolaven Plateau and Tad Fane Waterfall.
You will be spoilt for choice on your visit to Laos. Of course, that assumes that you have all the necessary documentation on hand. A simple keyword search of "Laos eVisa Available" will tell you that eVisas are not that hard to get, not when you have visalaos.com in your corner.
The new electronic visas have made visits to the embassy unnecessary. Of course, you still need a visa to enter Laos, especially if you live in China, France, Netherlands, Sweden, Australia or any one of 180 countries around the world.
The eVisa is merely a more convenient alternative to the traditional visa. Once you acquire one, you will be permitted to enter Laos and stay for thirty consecutive days if you wish it.
Visalaos.com knows that some people struggle to maneuver the application process. So they will basically take your hand, showing you where to get the application forms and how to fill them.
They will also scrutinize the information you provide to ensure that it is accurate and free of errors. Once you finish your part, they will make sure that the application is submitted properly and then follow up on it.
They will do everything in their power to ensure that your application is processed and approved in the shortest amount of time possible. So you don’t have to worry about your entry into Laos.
Just sit back, relax, and start planning for your vacation. Think about all the places you will visit and all the things you will do once you arrive in this beautiful country.
