Vientiane.
Vientiane is one of the quietest and most peaceful Asian capitals. Many buildings in the city are reminiscent of the country’s close ties with Europe, such as the old colonial French mansions or the triumphal arch of Patusai, built in a style close to rococo.
The main temple of the capital and all of Laos is That Luang, built in the 16th century. Excavations carried out directly at the temple show that in this place in the XI-XIII centuries. n. e. was an ancient Khmer monastery. The temple symbolizes the unity of Laos and Buddhism. Other attractions include the Museum of the Laotian Revolution, the former royal temple of Wat Ho Prakeo, the oldest temple in Vientiane Wat Sisaket, famous for the fact that a covered gallery stretches around it, all the walls of which are dotted with niches with statues of the Buddha.
In Vientiane, it is worth stopping by the Tolacao morning market, where everything that Laos is famous for is presented: tablecloths, scarves, national men’s and women’s clothing.
According to Top-mba-universities, 23 km south of the capital is Xieng Khuan Buddha Park – a park with many statues from both the Buddhist and Hindu religions. On the territory of the park there is a building in the shape of a ball, inside it is hollow and there are also many small statues there. From the top of this structure, you can see the entire park and the giant reclining Buddha statue.
Phonsavan.
Phonsavan (Phonsavan) is the capital of Xiang Khouang Province in northeastern Laos. The city is located at an altitude of 1200 m and pleases its visitors with a mild climate. The main attraction of this area is the Valley of Pitchers. It is located on the Xiangkhuang Plateau and is easily accessible from Phonsavan. The valley belongs to the megalithic era and is one of the most mysterious monuments in the culture of the ancient peoples of Indochina. More than 300 stone vessels, as if grown into the ground, are scattered in groups across the plain among tropical greenery. Some vessels weigh up to 6 tons. There are two hot springs, Bo Noi and Bo Yai, 52 km north of Phonsavan, where you can bathe.
Pakse.
Pakse is the capital of the Champasak province, where a large number of ethnic groups live, there is a significant part of the Bolaven Plateau and the ruins of the temple of Pu Champasak (Wat Phu Champasak). The Bolaven Plateau is famous for trekking enthusiasts, here you can also ride elephants. There are many beautiful waterfalls on the plateau, there are interesting villages in which the traditional way of life has been preserved, there are coffee and tea plantations.
The ruins of Pu Champasak Temple are one of the most impressive places in Laos. The temple is located near the town of Champasak. It was built in the 5th century. on the slope of the mountain and consists of two parts – upper and lower, connected by stairs. From the top platform of the temple offers stunning views of the Mekong Valley.
In the very south of Laos in the province of Champasak there is an area called Sipandong (Si Phang Don) or 4 thousand islands. The name is not accidental, in this place the Mekong floods and forms many small and large islands, the number of which increases greatly during the dry season, when the river becomes shallow. The largest of the permanently existing islands are inhabited all year round and provide an opportunity to get up close and personal with the life of the coastal villages. The French left here several colonial villas on the islands of Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khon. On the island of Don Khon, the remains of a railway and a pier built by the French have been preserved. Other attractions of this island are waterfalls and a rare species of river dolphin. Khone Phapheng Falls, the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia, is located 15 kilometers from Don Khon Island.
Luang Namtha
Luang Namtha is a province in northwestern Laos. Under the auspices of UNESCO, ecotourism began to develop here. In the province, you can see mountains and tropical forests that are under state protection. Luang Namtha is also home to 39 minor ethnic groups.
Ho Chi Minh Trail
For those interested in military history, it is worth visiting the Ho Chi Minh Trail located on the border of Vietnam and Laos. The trail is a network of dirt and gravel roads that were used during the Vietnam War by guerrillas to provide troops with ammunition and food.
Mekong travel
The Mekong is the main river of the country, which was once the main transport artery. Currently, with the advent of roads, the Mekong is less and less used to move between settlements, but tourists should make this trip. On the way, you can admire the rich nature and get acquainted with the life of the Laotians.
