Laos

Hidden gems in Laos

Beyond the primary tourist hubs, Laos contains unique archaeological and natural landmarks. This selection features the megalithic Plain of Jars, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of ancient stone vessels, and the 7-kilometer underground river at Konglor Cave. In Vientiane, the COPE Visitor Centre provides insight into the country’s history with unexploded ordnance, while temples like Wat Mixay showcase traditional Lao architecture. Natural sites include the multi-tiered Tad Sae Waterfall and the 40-meter drop of Tad Yuang on the Bolaven Plateau.

Hidden Gems in Laos — Map

Mattun0211 / Public domain

A

Plain of Jars - Site 1

The Plain of Jars is a megalithic archaeological landscape in Laos. It consists of thousands of stone jars scattered around the upland…

all 449 pictures / CC BY-SA 4.0

B

Konglor Cave

Tham Kong Lo or Kong Lor Cave is a karst limestone cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park, in Khammouane Province, Laos.

C

COPE Visitor Centre

An educational center focused on the history of unexploded ordnance in Laos and the rehabilitation of survivors. It features documentaries, prosthetic displays, and information on ongoing clearance efforts across the country.

Tisloafp / CC BY-SA 3.0

D

Tad Sae Waterfall

The Tat Sae Waterfalls, also referred to as the Tad Sae Waterfalls are waterfalls located along a tributary of the Nam Khan River in Luang…

neajjean / CC BY-SA 2.0

E

Laos National Museum

The Lao National Museum is located in Vientiane, Laos. It was founded as the national museum highlighting the revolution of the 1970s and is…

Aleksey Gnilenkov / CC BY 2.0

F

Tad Yuang waterfall

A 40-meter-high double waterfall located on the Bolaven Plateau. The site includes multiple viewing platforms and paths leading to the base of the falls through landscaped gardens.

Tango7174 / CC BY-SA 4.0

G

Wat Xieng Chai

A traditional Buddhist temple located in Muang Sing, serving as a local religious center. It features architectural styles characteristic of the Luang Namtha province.

Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0

H

Inpeng Temple

A historic Vientiane temple known for its intricate wood carvings on the facade and detailed ceiling murals depicting the life of Buddha.

Gerd Eichmann / CC BY-SA 4.0

I

Wat Mixay

Located in central Vientiane, this temple features Central Thai-style architecture with a surrounding colonnade and an active school for young monks.

Zizzi / Public domain

J

World Peace Gong

A large bronze monument located in Vientiane, gifted by the World Peace Committee. It is embossed with the flags of all nations and symbols representing major world religions.

Gonzo Gooner / CC BY 3.0

K

Blue Lagoon

A natural spring-fed swimming pool near Vang Vieng characterized by turquoise water. The site includes a large tree used for diving and provides access to the adjacent Tham Phu Kham cave.

Other Lists

Laos Essentials Editor's Choice: Laos Sacred Buddhist Sites of Laos Natural Wonders of Laos Historical Heritage