Laos, a peaceful and culturally diverse country, offers a lot, some of which is unique. On the Southeast Asian backpacking route, Laos may sometimes blend in with its less well-known neighbours, Vietnam and Thailand. There is a lot to see and do in the peaceful and culturally diverse Lao People's Democratic Republic, and a lot of it is unique. War, revolution, and other tragedies have scarred its past, yet this beautiful tropical paradise has seen it all. The stark contrast between Laos's turbulent history and its breathtaking natural beauty is what makes the country fascinating and worthwhile to visit. There are so many things to do in Laos, but we narrow it down to the best!
The best things to do in Laos!
The Park Ou Buddha Caves are like stepping into a time machine!
Within the Pak Ou Buddha Caves, a high rock wall droops like tobacco-stained fangs over the holy spot, which is primarily a religious site. Tourists and pilgrims alike may board boats at the foot of the zigzagging stairway that leads to the caverns, where they can explore the higher and lower levels. This is truly one of the best things to do in Laos! Upon entering, one is greeted with a multitude of thousands of Buddha sculptures. These effigies are all different in size, quality, and substance; the only thing that binds them together is their little flaws. Just keep walking and you'll see them all; some have missing hands or chipped faces, others droop to one side, and still others have been replaced with newer, less devoted copies.
Discover Pakse's breathtaking natural attractions
Pakse is an excellent base from which to explore the surrounding natural attractions if you are entering from the south, whether it is via Thailand, Vietnam, or Cambodia. The Bolaven Plateau is an intriguing historical site since it was a coffee-growing hub and a blanket bombing target in Vietnam. In modern times, its majestic waterfalls have contributed to its widespread fame. This attraction is one of the best offbeat things to do in Laos!
Stride gracefully along the Mekong River's breathtaking waves
Si Phan Don, located farther south, is an interior archipelago of river islands formed by the Mekong River, which has gorgeous and strong waterways. Champasak, a neighbouring tiny town, is a beautiful and historically significant cultural stop that offers a more relaxed pace of life. The revered Wat Phu, an Angkorian relic from the 11th century that lies buried in the forest like a plot twist in an adventure story, is the site's major draw. Truly, this is one of the most scenic things to do in Laos!
Take a guided tour of the Plain of Jars
Large stone jars dot the Laotian plain of Xieng Khouang, forming an area known as the Plain of Jars. The stone formations, which are mostly composed of sedimentary rock, may weigh as much as fourteen tonnes and have a height ranging from three to ten feet (one to three meters). Large bomb craters and groups of craters are visible on any tour of the jar locations. Houses and roadsides in the vicinity of Phonsavan, the provincial seat, are adorned with the many and diverse casings of these American bombs, which adds to the area's mystery. If you are looking for the most offbeat things to do, touring the Plain of Jars is the best thing to do in Laos!
But wait—what is the best thing to do in Laos? Bike up and explore!
There's no greater feeling than setting off on two wheels and discovering the world at your own pace. The natural beauty and unscripted opportunities you'll find in the countryside—like having lunch with some elderly grandmas or an impromptu tour of a hidden cave—more than compensate for the lack of tourist conveniences, even though communication can be tough when you're in the middle of nowhere and need to fill up your petrol tank. Get on your bike and ride east towards Vietnam along Route 12 from the border village of Tha Khaek. Tall limestone karsts will welcome you within minutes and continue to dazzle as you travel on. (There is a lot to take in, so it's important to maintain your focus on the road.)
To reach Lak Sao, go left on E1, then to Thalang for the night. Your derriere may be hurting a little by now, but that's no reason to quit. By winding your way between two sheer cliff sides and the settlements below, the breathtaking scenery of Kong Lor Cave will transport you to a world reminiscent of a Hitchcock film, making the side trip worthwhile.