Top 20 Best Things to Do in Laos
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Top 20 Best Things to Do in Laos

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  • Kuang Si Waterfalltop_1
    󰺂5.7
    Luang Prabang
    trip best TravelHotspot logoKuang Si Waterfall selected as one of the world's most beautiful waterfalls
    Highlights:
    󰀆Natural & free fish therapy
    󱨜Unique diving & natural pool
    󱨠Saved by 547 users󱨠190 positive reviews
    4.7/5
    _TI***0v_TI***0v

    Kuang Si Waterfall – A Must-See Natural WonderKuang Si Waterfall is a stunning destination, perfect for photography and cooling off in its refreshing, turquoise pools. There are several natural basins where you can take a dip, making it a great spot to relax and enjoy nature.The location is a bit of a walk from the parking lot, but electric shuttles are available to take you close to the base of the waterfall. From there, it’s just a short hike. The trail is a dirt path, which can get slippery when it rains, so be cautious.The waterfall itself is quite unique—I’ve never seen anything like it anywhere else in the world. Its vibrant turquoise water and tiered cascades make it a truly memorable sight and a once-in-a-lifetime experience.The hike is easy for most, but it’s not accessible for wheelchairs. As for the viewpoint at the top, it’s hit or miss—some may find it scenic, but the real magic is definitely at the base of the falls.Entrance and parking fees are affordable, making it even more worth the visit.

  • Patuxaitop_2
    󰺂5.5
    Vientiane.Vientiane City Center
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Night Attractions in Laos
    Highlights:
    360° view of Paris skyline
    󱓊Panoramic view from 150 steps
    󱨠Saved by 358 users󱨠161 positive reviews
    4.6/5
    NeverStopExploringNeverStopExploring

    Patuxay, the Victory Monument, offers a delightful experience for an evening stroll with loved ones. The serene atmosphere is complemented by a captivating music fountain, creating a perfect setting for quality time with family and friends. The monument's architectural grandeur adds a touch of historical charm to the surroundings, making it a must-visit destination. Whether you're seeking relaxation or a cultural outing, Patuxay provides a memorable and enjoyable outing in the heart of the city.

  • Royal Palace & National Museumtop_3
    󰺂5.2
    Luang Prabang.Luang Prabang City Center
    Highlights:
    Sunset view from Phousi Hill
    󱨜Sunrise & sunset by Mekong
    󱨠Saved by 100 users󱨠33% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    TimentoDiverTimentoDiver

    The Laos Royal Palace, also known as the Haw Kham or Golden Hall, is a cultural gem nestled in Luang Prabang, Laos. Constructed in 1904 during the French colonial era as a royal residence, it reflects a blend of traditional Lao motifs and French Beaux-Arts architecture. The palace served as the residence of the Laotian royal family until the monarchy's dissolution in 1975. Today, it stands as a museum showcasing regal artifacts, including the revered Phra Bang Buddha statue.Adjacent to the Royal Palace, the National Museum further enriches Luang Prabang's cultural tapestry. Originally the Royal Palace's annex, it houses a diverse collection of religious art, royal possessions, and historical artifacts, offering visitors a captivating journey through Laos' rich heritage. These sites collectively symbolize Luang Prabang's UNESCO World Heritage status, inviting exploration into the kingdom's storied past and artistic traditions.

  • Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang)
    4
    󰺂5.2
    Vientiane
    trip best TravelHotspot logoVientiane Buddha Park Fantasy Experience
    Highlights:
    󰋄View Thailand from Mekong River
    󰋄Experience Buddhist reincarnation culture
    󱨠Saved by 219 users󱨠39% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    PL_PL_

    very nice place showing a variety of Buddha statues and can be reached by bus

  • Phousi Hill
    5
    󰺂5.0
    Luang Prabang.Luang Prabang City Center
    Highlights:
    󰋄Sunset view over Luang Prabang
    󰀆16th-century temple & mysterious statue
    󱨠Saved by 155 users󱨠35% positive reviews
    4.4/5
    一直在路上的猫一直在路上的猫

    🌈 Mount Phousi is located at the highest point in Luang Prabang's old town, 100 meters above sea level. The climb to the top, with 329 steps, takes just over ten minutes. From the summit, you can overlook the Mekong River and the entire old town, making it a perfect spot for watching the sunrise and sunset. Admission is 30,000 local currency. The entrance is just off Foreigner Street. Climbing to the top, you'll find a temple and a prime photo spot. From the summit, you can enjoy the sunset and experience the tranquility and beauty of the town.

  • Wat Xieng Thong
    6
    󰺂4.9
    Luang Prabang
    Highlights:
    󰀆Monk life & religious rituals
    Peep test & Buddhist affinity
    󱨠Saved by 138 users󱨠34% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    Shahin Alom - RUShahin Alom - RU

    Wat Xieng Thong in Luang Prabang, Laos, is one of the country’s most important and beautiful temples. Built in the 16th century, it reflects classic Lao architecture with its sweeping, multi-tiered roofs that nearly touch the ground. The temple grounds are adorned with intricate mosaics, golden carvings, and serene Buddha statues, offering a sense of both artistry and spirituality. The famous “Tree of Life” mosaic on the rear wall is a highlight, symbolizing growth and harmony. Nestled along the Mekong River, Wat Xieng Thong is not only a sacred site but also a cultural treasure, showcasing the elegance of traditional Lao craftsmanship.

  • Alms giving ceremony view
    7
    󰺂4.8
    Luang Prabang.Luang Prabang City Center
    Highlights:
    󰋄Experience serene & sacred almsgiving
    󱨜Experience Laotian boys' monkhood tradition
    󱨠Saved by 113 users󱨠37% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    prachid nprachid n

    Life time experience, must visit one time in your life. We enjoyed Luang Prabang very much and plan to visit again in near future. Thanks to Trip.com that made my booking very very easy both flights & Hotels.

  • VLT Tour
    8
    󰺂4.8
    4677.62
    Vang Vieng
    Highlights:
    󰋄Hot air balloon over Vang Vieng
    󱨜Panoramic view of Vang Vieng
    󱨠Saved by 114 users󱨠44% positive reviews
    4.5/5
    E47***57E47***57

    The service staff was good. The service staff on the hot air balloon that day was very friendly. It was a great experience. Vangrong in the early morning was really beautiful, and you could see the sunrise. We chose to go early in the morning when it was not hot, the weather was very comfortable, and you could see the sunrise. It was really beautiful, and you could see the sea of ​​clouds.

  • Nam Song River
    9
    󰺂4.7
    Pakpo
    Highlights:
    󰋄600-year-old preserved architecture
    󱓊Relaxing tubing & thrilling kayaking
    󱨠52% positive reviews
    4.7/5
    Surya SreemanthulaSurya Sreemanthula

    it’s extremely fun activity but also has to be very careful as the current flow of the river rainy season is high.

  • Lao Art Museum
    10
    󰺂4.7
    425.8
    Vientiane
    trip best small logoNo. 1 of Family-friendly Attractions in Laos
    󱨠100% positive reviews
    4.9/5
    rob***anrob***an

    The Museum itself for us is worth the visit. Beautiful architecture, artwork/woodwork. Special mention to the carpark security. We visited 10/18, arrived around 12noon and when we're ready to leave around 13:30, our driver is nowhere to be found. When we called the hotel since they booked the car for us, we were advised that the driver left for lunch and we just wait. The security staff of the museum approached us and advised us that the car/driver we arrived with has already left with other passengers. He showed us a picture of the car with the new passenger. This helped us a lot and since we booked the car with the hotel, hotel staff booked a new car for us and dealt with the driver separately for his horrible service.

Best things to do in Laos (2025)

Looking for the ultimate experiences in Laos? From iconic landmarks to hidden gems, Laos offers an exceptional collection of activities and attractions that cater to every type of traveler.

Whether you’re here for sightseeing, adventure, or cultural exploration, these top-rated activities promise unforgettable memories.

Top-rated things to do in Laos

If you want to make the most of your trip, these activities deliver the full Laos experience. Expect popular attractions, unique local experiences, and must-see spots that capture the essence of the city.

Kuang Si Waterfall

• Luang Prabang | undefined

• : Natural & free fish therapy,Unique diving & natural pool

Patuxai

• Vientiane.Vientiane City Center | undefined

• : 360° view of Paris skyline,Panoramic view from 150 steps

Royal Palace & National Museum

• Luang Prabang.Luang Prabang City Center | undefined

• : Sunset view from Phousi Hill,Sunrise & sunset by Mekong

Things to do for unique experiences

These activities provide memorable experiences beyond the ordinary. Enjoy cultural tours, adventure sports, guided excursions, and immersive local experiences designed for all interests.

Things to do near Laos

If you want to explore attractions just outside Laos, there are plenty of activities that combine scenic surroundings with convenient access to the city, perfect for day trips or short excursions.

Each of these activities offers a unique escape within 1–3 hours of Laos, ideal for travelers who want to combine sightseeing with local experiences.

What makes things to do in Laos special

• Iconic landmarks: Visit must-see sights that define the city.
• Local experiences: Engage in culture, crafts, and unique activities.
• Accessible adventures: Easily reachable attractions for all travelers.
• Diverse options: From relaxing experiences to adventurous outings.

Tips for booking things to do in Laos

1. Plan ahead for popular attractions to avoid long queues.
2. Book early for guided tours or seasonal events.
3. Compare prices and packages on Trip.com for exclusive deals and bundled experiences.
4. Consider weekday visits for a quieter and more personalized experience.

Experience the best things to do in Laos

Ready to explore the best of Laos? Discover Trip.Best's curated list of things to do and experience adventure, culture, and unforgettable memories.

Book your perfect activities on Trip.com today, where excitement and discovery awaits.

What Best Things to Do are there in Laos?
These are all Best Things to Do in Laos:Kuang Si Waterfall, Patuxai, Royal Palace & National Museum, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang), Phousi Hill
What are some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Laos?
Some highly-rated Best Things to Do in Laos include:Kuang Si Waterfall:4.7, Patuxai:4.6, Royal Palace & National Museum:4.5, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang):4.4, Phousi Hill:4.4
At what locations in Laos can Best Things to Do in Laos be found?
The Best Things to Do in Laos are mainly located in:Kuang Si Waterfall:Luang Prabang, Patuxai:Vientiane, Royal Palace & National Museum:Luang Prabang, Buddha Park (Wat Xieng Khouane Luang):Vientiane, Phousi Hill:Luang Prabang
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