Enigmatic LAOS

The official tourism slogan is "Simply Beautiful". The main attractions for tourists include Buddhist culture and colonial architecture in Luang Prabang; gastronomy and ancient temples in the capital of Vientiane; backpacking in Muang Ngoi Neua and Vang Vieng; ancient and modern culture and history in The Plain of Jars region; Laos Civil War history in Sam Neua; trekking and visiting hill tribes in a number of areas including Phongsaly and Luang Namtha; spotting tigers and other wildlife in Nam Et-Phou Louey; caves and waterfalls near Thakhek; relaxation, the Irrawaddy dolphin and Khone Phapheng Falls at Si Phan Don or, as they are known in English, the Four Thousand Islands; Wat Phu, an ancient Khmer temple complex; and the Bolaven Plateau for waterfalls and coffee. The European Council on Trade and Tourism awarded the country the "World Best Tourist Destination" designation for 2013 for this combination of architecture and history.

Luang Prabang and Wat Phu are both UNESCO World Heritage sites, with the Plain of Jars expected to join them once more work to clear UXO has been completed. Major festivals include Lao New Year which is celebrated around 13–15 April and involves a water festival similar, but more subdued than that of Thailand and other Southeast Asian countries.

Places to go

Vientiane Capital

Vientiane Capital is the home to the most significant national monument in Laos. Of the many beautiful Wats in Vientiane, a visit to Wat Sisaket is a must which is one of the oldest temples in Vientiane. Other Buddhist holy places are Wat Ong Teu Mahavihan, known for its 16th century bronze Buddha sheltered by a carved wooden masterpiece, and Wat Si Meuang or pillar-stone of Vientiane. Wat Si Meuang is also home to the guardian spirit of the city.



Luang Prabang

Situateed in the centre of northern Laos, Lunag Praband is classified as a UNESCO World Heritge site for its outstanding  cultural, historic and architectural values and its harmonious relationship between the natural and built environment. In the  14th century, the King Fa Ngum founded the first Lao Kingdom, Lane Xane, and here in Luand Prabang. The town itself offers several unique insights into the history of the region, through excellently preserved Buddhist temples, museum and a variety of Lao, Tai-Lue, Burmese, Chinese and Thai architecture at the Night Market.



Vang Vieng

The small town of Vang Vieng is located 150 kilometre north of the Vientiane Capital. This is  a place of a dreamlike landscape of bizarre limestone mountain peaks and scenic cliffs with the Nam Song (Song River) bisecting the town. At the base of the town's limestone mountains are a network of caves. There are a variety ofwell developed tourism services in Vang Vieng and a wie range of accommodations. Water sports such as kayaking and tubing are popular and rock climbing is also a growing pastime.



Thakhaek

Khammouane is located in central Laos bordering Bolikhamxay and Savannakhet provinces. Khammouane covers about 16,000 square kilometres and has a population of approximately 330,000, mostly engaged in agriculture. The Mekong River Valley in the west is framed by the Annamite Mountain Range which separates Khammouane from Vietnam to the east. The Limestone Mountains are honeycombed with countless caves, some of which for years concealed forgotten treasures. The Buddha Cave was discovered in 2004 and houses 229 priceless Buddha images.

Savannakhet

Savannakhet Province is situated in the middle of the country and is the largest porvince, bordered by Vietnam to the East, Thailand to the West, Khammouane Province to the North and Salavanh Province to the South. The province consists of 15 districts with a wide variety of ethnic groups such as Lowland Lao, Phoutak, Thai Dam, Katang, Mangkong, Vali, Lava, Soui, Kapo, Kaleung and Ta-Oi.



Pakse

In the Pakse area, there are about 62 tourist sites: 32 natural, seven historical and 27 cultural. There are many French colonial style buildings remaining in the city. From Sedon Bridge, often called 'old bridge' by the people of Champasak, you can walk around to see the old French style quarter. Wat Poratana Sadsadaram is located in the centre of Pakse district.


Luang Namtha

Famous for trekking and ecotourism opportunities in the Nam Ha National Protected Area and home to over 30 distinct ethnic groups, Luang Namtha is perhaps the most diverse province in the entire country. Akha villages are located in the hills and some are easily accessible. You can also take one to three days trip for kayaking and rafting. Motorized boat trips on the Namtha River are a popular activity, as is renting a bycycle to explore the lush countryside and rice fields surrounding the town.

Xieng Khouang 

Xieng Khouand is home to the Plain of Jars, the prehistoric stone megaliths which attracts thousands of tourists to the province each year. The area is of significant archaeological importance on account also of the standing stones in nearby Houaphanh Province. Phonsavanh, the new provincial capital, is located in Paek district and caters to increasing numbers of national and international tourists, eager to experience Xieng Khouang's natural, historical and archaeological attractions.

See also

• Drug policy in Laos
• Laos Memorial