Luang Prabang
This vital office advises on how new developments must adhere to strict architectural guidelines in order to maintain the historical authenticity of the…
Must-see attractions in Laos
Northern Laos
The most distinctive of the old Lao-French buildings is home to the two-room Tribal Museum, which boasts costume displays downstairs and six cases of…
Northern Laos
By far Namtha's most striking landmark, this large golden stupa sits on a steep ridge directly northwest of town. It gleams majestically when viewed from…
Luang Prabang
The modern Vietnamese–Lao temple of Wat Phabaht is fronted by a distinctive, if kitschy, array of spires. Behind is a shady Mekong-fronting terrace from…
Southern Laos
Next to the boat pier, several weavers have their looms here and locally woven textiles and other crafts are on sale. Some people here can speak a little…
Northern Laos
The Luang Nam Tha Museum contains a collection of local anthropological artefacts, such as ethnic clothing, Khamu bronze drums and ceramics. There are…
Savannakhet
The rather dusty Savannakhet Museum houses old photos, war relics, artillery pieces and inactive examples of the deadly unexploded ordnance (UXO) that has…
Bolaven Plateau Region
Tat Hang is the waterfall you see from the bridge in town and some guesthouses. It's about 6m tall and wide, with several steps making it quite beautiful…
Luang Prabang
The garden around the little Wat Choumkhong is particularly attractive when its poinsettia trees blush red. Built in 1843, the monastery takes its name…
Northern Laos
These atmospheric one-storey wooden houses make you feel, as you peer into their Chinese-decorated interiors, that you are no longer in Laos but already…
Northern Laos
Pretty little Phu That Stupa, a historic structure that was totally rebuilt after wartime destruction, is accessed via stairways from the main road…
Central Laos
Famous for its stalagmite ‘elephant head’, which is found along a small passage behind the large golden Buddha, this is one of the closest caves to Tha…
Luang Prabang
The most prominent building of Wat Souvannakhili looks more like a colonial-era mansion than a monastery, but the small sǐm (ordination hall) is a classic…
Pakse
The riverside Wat Luang is one of Pakse's largest temples and is notable for its old monastic school built in 1935, which has recently had a roof…
Bolaven Plateau Region
Many women come in to this market from the surrounding villages to sell foods they've collected or caught in the forest, such as mushrooms, bamboo shoots,…
Vientiane
Wat In Paeng is famed for the artistry displayed in the stucco relief of the sǐm (ordination hall), but sees fewer visitors than its neighbouring temples…
Vientiane
One of a cluster of temples on the main drag, known for its Bangkok-style sǐm (ordination hall) and heavy gates, which are flanked by two nyak (guardian…
Northern Laos
This attractive hilltop temple is one of the best spots to head to for cooler air and fabulous sunset views of the valley below. The 15m-tall gold Buddha…
Savannakhet
One of the oldest and largest monasteries in southern Laos and an important centre of local Buddhism. The sprawling grounds include some centuries-old…
Northern Laos
This Chinese temple, with its red roofs animated with myriad green and blue dragons, enjoys pretty views over a nearby pond crowded with old Yunnan houses.
Vientiane
Also known as Vientiane Cathedral, this is the spiritual home of Catholicism in Laos, built during the French colonial period in 1928.
Luang Prabang
This monastery close to That Chomsi features a number of gold Buddhas nestled into rocky clefts and niches.
Vientiane
Huge government building that occasionally plays host to government-approved dance or musical performances.
Northern Laos
Wat Sisavang sports some older monks' quarters as well as a gaudily ornate new bell tower and gateway.
Si Phan Don
This little morning market, full of both farmed and foraged foods, is a vibrant slice of island life.
Don Det & Don Khon
Near the old French port in Ban Hang Khon, 150 steps take you up to a good viewpoint of the Mekong.
Luang Prabang
Riverside Wat Xienleck has an Angkorian-style brick stupa that looks like it's about to fall over.
Vientiane
This centrally located temple has a convenient entrance on Rue Fa Ngoum, the riverfront road.
Northern Laos
This peaceful temple is worth a visit given the limited sightseeing options in town.
Vang Vieng
Located at the northern end of town, Wat Si Vieng Song is an active Buddhist temple.
Southern Laos
The Khmer temple ruin of Uo Moung, beside a small tributary of the Mekong, is believed to have been built late in the 9th century during the reign of the…
Northern Laos
A real treat for the early bird, here you can find all manner of things from quail eggs to freshly butchered meat, seasonal produce to utensils, and even…
Southern Laos
Where the road to Wat Phu turns away from the Mekong, the remains of the Champasak's ancient city ('Muang Kao') begin. Founded in the mid-5th century by…
Si Phan Don
About 6.5km northeast of Muang Saen, Wat Phu Khao Kaew was built on the site of some presumed pre-Khmer ruins, making it a holy spot for locals. Nothing…
Don Det & Don Khon
Rusting locomotives sit near each end of the main cross-island road, which follows the old railway route. Surrounding them are placards detailing the…
