Bolaven Plateau Region
Taking advantage of the Bolaven Plateau's cool climate and fertile soil, this newly opened flower garden 11km east of Paksong makes a nice break from…
Must-see attractions in Laos
Don Det & Don Khon
If a beach towel is more your style than a hammock, then this little stretch of sand will satisfy. Swimming is possible year-round, but you need to be…
Northern Laos
Make a dawn visit to the earthy wet market (camera in hand) and thread through the labyrinthine collection of rickety stalls, with all manner of…
Northern Laos
Overlooking the Mekong, archaic little Wat Sin Jong Jaeng dates back to the early colonial period. Although its eaves have been entirely repainted, an old…
Northern Laos
At the town's central junction stands the bizarre Suan Keo Lak Meung Monument. Four hooked concrete pincers hold aloft a glittery disco ball that is…
Don Det & Don Khon
Don Khon's main Buddhist temple was built on the site of an ancient Khmer shrine. Hidden behind the old ordination hall, which is itself tucked away…
Northern Laos
Stairways lead up from the main road to the town's two-storey museum, featuring colonial-style shutters and Asian gables. Inside, much of it is dedicated…
Northern Laos
Wander down to the river to discover Muang La's modest hot spring that bubbles into the river when water levels are high. When levels are low, a flimsy…
Northern Laos
Commanding the rise directly above the speedboat landing, 3km south of the central area, Wat Thadsuvanna Phakham is a colourful temple featuring a row of…
Luang Prabang
This mysterious footprint close to Phu Si is one of many scattered around Southeast Asia, and is said to be that of the Buddha after he reached…
Northern Laos
The old market is in a rather sorry state and feels all but abandoned, but a new market has been built behind the old structure. Head to the right side of…
Luang Prabang
The five-piece Royal Palace Car Collection includes two 1960s Lincoln Continentals, a rare wing-edged 1958 Edsel Citation and a dilapidated Citroën DS…
Northern Laos
The main market is predominantly stocked with Chinese and Vietnamese consumer goods. However, some fabric stalls here carry regional textiles, and…
Northern Laos
Wat Keophone Savanthanaram features murals of gruesome torture scenes on the north wall of the sǐm (ordination hall), while on the slope above a long…
Northern Laos
Enchanting river scenes are visible from this bike-and-pedestrian suspension bridge. To find it, turn right down the tiny lane in front of the jumbo-sized…
Ban Hang Khon Steam Locomotive
Don Det & Don Khon
The less intact of the two rusting locomotives sitting at opposite ends of the main cross-island road, which follows the old railway route. Placards…
Southern Laos
About 300m south of the fountain circle you'll find the large former home of Chao Boun Oum (the king's younger brother), built in 1952 in French colonial…
Central Laos
Tham Nang Aen, about 18km from Tha Khaek, has been disfigured by paint, lights, sculptures and other development. You can probably give it a miss.
Northern Laos
More central than the other wats in Sainyabuli, Wat Sisavangvong was reportedly built by King Sisavang Vong on an older temple site.
Luang Prabang
Following a path past this large monastery leads to a shrine protecting a Buddha footprint.
Bolaven Plateau Region
Fresh food offerings in this market include mushrooms, squirrels, herbs and other forest products. It's best in the late afternoon.
Northern Laos
Wat Khonekeo Xaiyaram, in Ban Khonekeo, has a lavish frontage with dazzling red, gold and green pillars and doors.
Northern Laos
One of the principal Buddhist temples in town; stairs lead up to its hilltop summit from the centre of town.
Kham District Handicrafts Group
Northern Laos
Showcasing colourful bags and scarves made by Tai Dam people; these items are also available for purchase.
Northern Laos
This modest Buddhist temple is more memorable for its petang-playing monks than its architecture.
Southern Laos
This faded 1926 French Colonial building was once the residence of Chao Ratsadanai, the king's father.
Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial Building
Bolaven Plateau Region
This imposing building is a useful landmark.
