Place's to visit in Laos

Pha That Luang is a Buddhist temple which is considered a national symbol, and the most important religious monument in Laos. It is also known as the Great Stupa and flaunts a beautiful architecture. Vat XiengToung is one of the oldest monasteries in the city. Golden Stupa is the biggest stupa in Laos. Patuxai victory monument in Vientiane is dedicated to the lives lost in the war with France as well as Japan. The interior of the monument is breathtaking with painted walls and ceilings. Black Stupa (That Dam) has many mythological stories attached to it and is regarded as the city’s guiding spirit.

Laos offers a number of family-friendly activities are available, making it a great relaxed place to travel with children. Jungle treks are offered by many tour companies. Elephant rides are always fascinating for kids. When in LuangPrabang, a visit to Tad Sae waterfall is a must. For teens, kayaking, climbing and zip-lining in VangVieng are among the many things to do there that can fill a few action-packed days.

Vientiane boasts of several beautiful temples or wats, but one of the most impressive and interesting of them is WatHoPhraKeo though it is more of a museum now. Even without the Emerald Buddha, it is well worth a visit. Wat Si Muang is one of Vientiane’s most popular sites. The temple is named after Si Muang, who sacrificed herself in the pit that holds the central pillar of the structure. Wat Si Saket is the oldest temple in Vientiane. HoPraKeo -a small, quiet temple has scenic beauty with some good photo opportunities. LuangPrabang is home to many ancient Buddhist temples, WatXiengToung and WatWisunarat are the oldest and probably most atmospheric in LuangPrabang. Wat Mai is the largest and most richly decorated Buddhist temple in LuangPrabang. WatPhu is a Buddhist temple considered to be one of the oldest sites.

Laos Nationa lMuseum is a great way to learn about the history of Laos, its people and the culture. It has in its collection fascinating ancient items. Laos is the most heavily bombed country in the history of warfare. Visiting the COPE visitor centre is run by an NGO and is a small museum where you can buy and donate for the cause and support for the rehabilitation of survivors and other people with disabilities across Laos. RoyalPalace museum(Haw Kham) was built for King Sisavangvong exhibits royal religious objects, weapons, statues, screens and paintings from centuries past.

The Boun That Luang Festival is held every November in Vientiane and is considered the most important Buddhist celebration in Laos with activities going on for three days and three nights that include parades, live music and religious ceremonies. The main event is held at That Luang and people come to pay respect to the stupa. If you are travelling during mid –February do not miss the elephant festival in Sayaboury, a great experience for the whole family. If you visit WatPhuon the full moon of the third lunar month in February, you would be able to be a part of the temple’s biggest annual festival that lasts week-long. The events held through the week include elephant racing, monk-blessing ceremonies, buffalo and cock fights among others, as well as a trade fair.