Top Tourist Attractions in Laos – Ticket & Entrance Fee

Laos is a hidden gem, often overlooked by visitors to its more popular neighbors. But this landlocked nation is brimming with enchanting natural landscapes and vibrant culture. From the UNESCO World Heritage City of Luang Prabang to the mysterious Plain of Jars, a tour of Laos is an epic cultural ride that takes you back in time.

A peaceful, slow-paced country, Laos is an ideal place for a relaxing getaway from the bustle of modern life. Whether exploring the historic temples in Luang Prabang or learning about the history of the Vietnam War at Patuxai Victory Monument, you’ll be charmed by the welcoming locals and enthralled by their rich traditions.

Vientiane

Travelers tired of the fast-paced lifestyle of other Asian cities will find that Vientiane is a pleasant place to unwind. The capital of Laos has exquisite Buddhist artwork, elegant temples, and lovely gardens. Located in southern Laos on the Mekong River, the city still retains traces of its French past, from when it was a part of French Indochina.

Pha That Luang

• Address: Ban Nongbone, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:00
• Entrance Fee: 5,000 LAK

Considered a world cultural heritage, Pha That Luang is the national symbol of Theravada Buddhism in Laos. Constructed in the 13th century atop the remains of an old Indian temple, Pha That Luang is a dazzling gold structure that is even more magnificent and brilliant in the morning light.

The complex, which covers an area of about 2.2 hectares, is home to a number of temples, pavilions, and statues that all have a calm and spiritual atmosphere. Numerous temples and prayer halls with distinctive architectural styles and fine details can be found throughout the complex. Two prominent temples in the complex that give visitors an understanding of Laotian religious customs and cultural heritage are Wat That Luang Tai and Wat That Luang Neua.

Patuxai

• Address: XJC9+6FR, P.D.R, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 16:30 (Monday to Friday) & 08:00 – 17:00 (Saturday and Sunday)
• Entrance Fee: 5,000 LAK

One of the most well-known sights in the capital, the Patuxai Victory Monument is tucked away in the heart of Vientiane and is a part of the larger Patuxai Park. It honors all Laotian citizens who have given their lives in various wars on behalf of their country. It was intended to have elements of traditional Laotian design mixed with the Arc de Triomphe in Paris.

Buddha Park

• Address: Deua, Thanon Tha, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: 40,000 LAK

Buddha Park, also referred to as Spirit City, is a bizarre-yet-enjoyable tourist destination in the Laotian capital of Vientiane. The distinctive fusion of Buddhism and Hinduism in Buddha Park’s sculpture garden, which has over 200 statues ranging in size from tiny to enormous, is one of its main attractions. The most amazing sculpture is a three-story, enormous pumpkin that represents Earth, Hell, and Heaven. This pumpkin has a staircase that leads to a platform at the top, where you can snap some excellent pictures and enjoy a great view of the Buddha Park. The 40-meter-long statue of the Buddha that is resting peacefully in the park’s center is another draw.

Wat Si Saket

• Address: XJ76+7GG, Ave Lane Xang, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 12:00 & 13:00 – 16:00
• Entrance Fee: 5,000 LAK

The Siamese occupation of Laos in 1828 destroyed much of the country’s capital, leaving Wat Si Saket as the only temple that has survived. The temple was established in 1818 and boasts stunning architecture and design. More than 10,000 Buddha sculptures in a range of sizes and styles can be found there. Its elaborate five-tiered roof, the drum tower, the small library with its Burmese-style roof, and the sim’s (ordination hall) flower ceiling are all must-sees for tourists.

Wat Si Muang

• Address: 15 Rue Bourichane, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 19:00
• Entrance Fee: Free

One of the most well-known places of worship in Vientiane, Wat Si Muang provides an intriguing look into the smooth blending of ancient animist beliefs with Theravada Buddhism. The young lady Si Muang, who offered herself as a sacrifice more than 400 years ago to placate enraged spirits, is the source of the temple’s name.

Luang Prabang

Nestled in the heart of Northern Laos, Luang Prabang is a charming city in Southeast Asia, distinguished by its unique and protected juxtaposition of traditional architecture and temples. This city, which is located inside a UNESCO World Heritage protected area, provides the ideal combination of natural beauty, tranquility, and happiness. From Luang Prabang, you can also explore all of the natural beauty and wilderness that have made Laos so well-known.

Royal Palace

• Address: 27 Ounheun Rd, Luang Prabang
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 11:30 & 13:30 – 16:00
• Entrance Fee: 30,000 LAK

Built in 1904 to house King Sisavang Vong and his family during the French colonial era, the Royal Palace is situated on the banks of the Mekong River and faces the revered Mount Phousi. The palace was transformed into a national museum following the revolution in 1975, and it was made public in 1995. A number of structures, including the Royal Ballet Theater, Royal Barge Shelter, Staff Headquarters, and Haw Pra Bang, which is home to the standing Buddha statue known as Prabang, the palladium of Laos, are located on the palace grounds. In addition to taking in the magnificent architecture of the palace, which combines traditional Lao style with French Beaux-Arts, you can also marvel at the ancient statues, paintings, and royal religious objects that date back centuries. The last king’s collection of cars is also on display. If you want to learn about Lao history, culture, and the royal way of life, you should definitely visit the Royal Palace Museum.

Phousi Mount

• Address: Luang Prabang
• Opening Hours: 06:00 – 19:00
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 LAK

One of the most popular sites to visit in Luang Prabang is Mount Phousi, which is regarded as the sacred hill of the city. Climbing to the summit provides a breathtaking vantage point over the city and the surrounding scenery. In ideal weather, the golden stupa of the Wat Phra Phome Phao Santi Chedi forest temple situated in the mountains east of Luang Prabang can be seen all the way up. Phousi Hill is topped by a narrow platform that has a golden stupa and a small Buddhist temple.

Wat Xieng Thong

• Address: V4XV+277, Khem Khong, Luang Prabang
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 LAK

Of Luang Prabang’s numerous wats, Wat Xieng Thong (Xieng Thong Ratsavoravihanh, or Volavihan, the “Golden City or Golden Tree Monastery”) is the most remarkable and historically significant. The grounds contain more than twenty buildings, including pavilions, shrines, and homes, in addition to gardens with a variety of flowers, trees, and decorative shrubs.

An exceptionally fine example of the classic Luang Prabang style is created by the low sweeping double-tiered roof (the front portico actually forms a third tier) and the rich exterior and interior decoration of its sim. The entire monastery complex is a work of architectural beauty because of the numerous chapels and other structures.

Kuang Si Falls

• Address: Th Khem Khong Old Town
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:30
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 LAK

For those looking to swim, hike, or take some once-in-a-lifetime photos, Kuang Si Falls is a perfect day trip destination from Luang Prabang. It boasts a breathtaking blend of turquoise waters, verdant jungle canopy, and dramatic waterfalls.

The falls are composed of several levels that descend from deep lagoons at the top to shallow, milky-blue paddling pools at the bottom, with a ribbon of smaller cascading waterfalls in between. While they may not be as wide as the Khone Falls in Laos, they are undoubtedly the most beautiful in the nation.

Pak Ou Caves

• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 17:00
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 LAK

Pak Ou Caves are one of the must-see attractions in Luang Prabang. The caves are home to thousands of Buddha statues, in both stone and wood. Some date back to the 16th Century. There are two main caves: Tam Pum and Tam Ting, which together house an estimated 4,000 statues.

The limestone formations of the caves offer a natural beauty that’s mesmerizing. The ambiance invites visitors to reflect on the spiritual significance of the statues and images within, capturing memorable moments amidst the serene surroundings.

In addition to the plethora of Buddha statues, a variety of relics and shrines are found in the caves. This is due to the fact that Laotians use Pak Ou as a place to “retire” damaged and old Buddha statues, instead of simply throwing them away. This speaks volumes of their devotion and commitment to the religion.

Vang Vieng

Located on the Nam Song River in Vientiane Province, Vang Vieng is a tourist-oriented town approximately four hours’ bus ride north of Laos’ capital. Vang Vieng offers a plethora of activities, including caving and river boating, and is surrounded by breathtaking karst scenery.

Tham Nam Water Cave

• Address: 2CPG+658, Vientiane
• Opening Hours: 09:00 – 17:30
• Entrance Fee: 10,000 LAK

One of the most stunning natural landmarks in the town is Tham Nam Water Cave, which is 15 km from Vang Vieng center and has a road leading through it and a river system running through it. For people looking for a place to unwind from their hectic daily lives by floating in cool water and enjoying the bright sunshine, the cave is an ideal option. You must rent a tube, bring a headlamp, and use the ropes attached to the top to navigate the system and take in the fascinating stalactites in order to explore this incredible water cave.

Tham Chang Cave

• Address: Meuang Xong Village, Vang Vieng
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 11:00 & 13:00 – 16:00
• Entrance Fee: 20,000 LAK

Tham Chang cave, also called “Tham Jang” in the local dialect, is a cave located in Vang Vieng, Laos. Because it shielded the residents from Chinese invaders in the 1800s, it is significant historically. The 200-step staircase is the only way to access the cave, which is situated in a rocky outcrop. You have a breathtaking view of the surrounding mountains and the town of Van Vieng from the summit. Even though the cave has a small Buddha shrine, lovely stalactites and stalagmites, and lovely chambers with views, the surrounding area may be even more enjoyable to explore. Adjacent to the cave are grassy meadows with bamboo shelters ideal for a picnic by the Nam Song River, a small secret cave containing a large Buddha statue, and a spring with a small blue lagoon.

Blue Lagoon 3

• Address: W8RP+VQ Ban Nampè, Vang Vieng
• Opening Hours: 08:00 – 18:00
• Entrance Fee: 10,000 LAK

Surrounded by lush greenery and limestone cliffs, the Blue Lagoon in Vang Vieng, Laos, is a stunning natural pool with crystal clear turquoise water. The Blue Lagoon is the ideal location for unwinding and relaxing or for taking advantage of the many activities offered, like ziplining, kayaking, and swimming. The surrounding limestone rocks filter the water in the Blue Lagoon, which makes the water becomes pure as a result of the limestone rocks absorbing contaminants. The sunlight that the water molecules scatter is what gives the water its blue hue.