Must See

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is Laos' cultural and religious centre, located between the Mekong and Khan River. It is set in a pretty upland valley, panoramic views of which can be enjoyed from nearby Mount Phousi. This historic northern city, a former royal capital, is home to 32 dramatic temple complexes and also to around 1,000 resident monks. It was awarded a UNESCO World Heritage status in 1995.

Wat Xieng Thong, built in 1560 and decorated with coloured glass and gold, is one of Laos' most impressive temples. The royal palace contains fine artwork and gifts made for former kings.

Just 30 km (19 miles) from Luang Prabang are the Kuang Si Waterfalls, the lower pools of which are excellent for bathing in. Also nearby (2 hours by speedboat) are the Pak Ou Caves, which are full of Buddhist and Lao style sculptures carved into the cave walls, and hundreds of discarded Buddhist figures laid out over the floors and wall shelves that have been left there by worshippers over hundreds of years.

Mekong Valley and River

Take a boat trip along the mighty Mekong River, a major transport network along which chug slow ferries and speed noisy motor boats. Some of the country's best wildlife can be spotted along its banks, among them primates and birds. Freshwater irrawaddy dolphins can be seen swimming near its murky surface. Travelling to the south, you'll find the Si Phan Don (Four Thousand Islands), and the spectacular Khone Phapheng, which is the largest waterfall in South-East Asia.

Some breathtaking views across the Mekong Valley can be seen from the Wat Phu temple, which was built a mountain top by the Khmer Hindus, before they went on to settle their empire at Angkor Wat (Cambodia).

Plain of Jars

Located in the Laotian Highlands at the northern end of the Annamese Cordillera is the Plain of Jars. This mysterious site contains hundreds of stone jars, some weighing up to 13 tonnes, scattered over the landscape. The jars are made of sedimentary rock, usually sandstone, and range from 1-3 metres (3 to 10 feet) in height. The jars lay in clusters across over 400 sites. The largest one near the town of Phonsavan, known as Site 1, contains over 250 jars of varying sizes. However, many of the other sites are located amidst thousands of unexploded bombs left behind by the Secret War in Laos in the 1960s. The large quantity of UXOs (unexploded ordnances) means that theses other sites are considered too dangerous, and so only Sites 1, 2 and 3 are open to visitors.

Vientiane

Situated in fertile plains on the banks of the Mekong River, Vientiane is one of Asia's most quiet and relaxed capital cities. Many of Vientiane's buildings reflect the country's colonial links with France - such as the Arc de Triomphe-esque Victory Monument. However, it is the historic local buildings that most impress, in particular the 16th century Pha That Luang stupa, the country's most holy site and a symbol of the Buddhist and Lao union. There are also several beautiful temples, known as wats, such as Wat Is Saket, which features a cloister wall with more than 2,000 ceramic and silver Buddha images.

The city has some good outlets for French and Lao cuisine. After hours, you can listen to live Lao bands in the city's discos.

Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) is a sculpture park located 25 km southeast from Vientiane, in a meadow by the Mekong River. The park contains over 200 Hindu and Buddhist statues. One notable sculpture resembles a giant pumpkin dotted with numerous small windows. Visitors can enter the sculpture through the mouth of a 10 ft tall demon head and climb the maze of staircases to the three stories that represent Hell, Earth and Heaven. At the top, there is a vantage point where the entire park is visible. Another sculpture, a enormous 40 m high reclining buddha, is also a park attraction.

Hill Tribes

Laos is home to a number of ethnic tribal groups, dotted throughout the country. Hiking trips to villages can be arranged and provide an insight into their lives and customs.