Laos Destination Guide
From Thakhek, Savannakhet and other parts of the country, more adventurous travellers can venture into and even camp in one of Laos' 20 National Biodiversity Conservation Areas, the home of several endangered species of rare birds and wildlife including tigers, bears, monkeys, deer and elephants.
Safety note: Check with a tour operator or other knowledgeable sources before hiking or camping anywhere in Laos to be certain it is not an area that may have UXOs - unexploded ordnance from past wars.
Things to See & Do in Laos
Luang Prabang
There is also a good selection of accommodation, restaurants and shopping venues there. Outside of Luang Prabang are waterfalls, caves and some interesting villages, one famous for excavated jars and rice wine and another for its cotton and silk handweavings. See our Luang Prabang city guide and pages for more information.
Vientiane
A little outside the city centre is the country's most important national monument, the Pha That Luang, which symbolizes both Lao sovereignty as well as its Buddhist foundation, and is the site of the full moon temple festival in November.
As Laos' biggest city, Vientiane has the widest selection of restaurants, busiest nightlife as well as its best shopping. See our Vientiane city guide and pages for more detailed information and to book accommodation.
Vang Vieng
The scenic town of Vang Vieng lies approximately mid-way between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Not only does it offer an ideal opportunity to break up the journey between Vientiane and Luang Prabang, but it is a great destination in itself. With the beautiful Nam Song River running alongside the dramatic karst limestone mountains, the scenery is breathtaking.
A wide range of activities are available here, including kayaking, trekking, white-water rafting and rock-climbing. For those looking for something a little more peaceful, why not try tubing, or simply relax by the river with a good book and cool Beer Lao? See our Vang Vieng Destination Guide for more information.
