Sights, what to see, sightseeing Laos, laos cities, sights laos

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Laos - Sights

Sights in Vientiane | Sights in Luang Prabang | Sights in Vang Vieng | Sights in Huay Xai | Sights in Phonsavan

Many places should not missed:

Khone Phapheng

Address: Ban Thakho, Si Phan Don

Keyword: waterfall

Khone Phapheng is considered the largest waterfall (by volume) in Southeast Asia and is therefore a boast-worthy sight to visit. It's located at the southern end of Si Phan Don, an intricate network of islets where the Mekong fans out. Phan Don is also home to the rare Irrawaddy dolphins, which can be seen at the southern tip of Don Khon.

The falls are often included on the itinerary of dolphin-viewing day trips.

Pak Ou Caves
Transport boat: from Ban Pak Ou

Keyword: religious/spiritual, cave

The spectacular Pak Ou caves are justifiably lauded for their striking setting carved into a limestone cliff facing the river. The caves are crammed with Buddha images of all styles and sizes, but most represent the classic Luang Prabang standing Buddha. Trips can be arranged through guesthouses and tour operators.

Pha That Luang (read more)
Address Muang Saisettha, Vientiane

Hours: Tue-Sun 08:00 - 16:00

Keyword: monument, religious/spiritual

The Pha That Luang is the most important national monument in Laos, a symbol of both the Buddhist religion and Lao sovereignty. The monument looks almost like a gilded missile cluster from a distance. Surrounding it is a high-walled cloister with tiny windows, added by King Anouvong in the early 19th century as a defense against invaders.

The temple is the site of a major festival held in early November.

Plain of Jars
Address Phonsavan

Transport guided tour only: from Kong Keo Guest House

Keyword archaeological site

The Plain of Jars is a large area extending around Phonsavan from the southwest to the northeast where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered about in over a dozen groupings. There are three main sites available to visit, with site 1 the closest and containing the most jars.

The purpose of these possibly 2000-year-old jars remains a mystery and without any organic material - such as bones or food remains - there is no reliable way to date them. Archaeological theories and local myth suggest the enigmatic jars were used for burial purposes.

The jars weigh as much as six tonnes (6.6 tons) and have been fashioned from solid stone, which doesn't seem to have come from the area. Many of the smaller jars have been taken away by collectors, but there are still several hundred in the five major groups. Thong Hai Hin, the biggest and most accessible site, has two pavilions and toilets, as well as the largest jar on the plain.

Wat Phu Champasak
Keyword: monument, religious/spiritual

Spread over the lower slopes of Phu Pasak (also known more colloquially as Phu Khuai), Wat Phu is small compared with the monumental Angkor-era sites in Cambodia or Thailand. But the tumbledown pavilions, ornate shiva-lingam sanctuary, enigmatic crocodile stone and tall trees that shroud much of the site in soothing shade give Wat Phu a mystical atmosphere.

This town cranks it up every year when pilgrims from near and far amass for Bun Wat Phu Champasak. During this three-day Buddhist festival (usually held in February) worshippers wind their way up and around Wat Phu Champasak, praying and leaving offerings; bands play traditional and modern music; young and old dance together; and Thai boxing, comedy shows and cockfights all add to the entertainment. Stands selling food and drink do a roaring trade along the road from town to Wat Phu and accommodation in town is booked out weeks in advance.

Sights in Vientiane | Sights in Luang Prabang | Sights in Vang Vieng | Sights in Huay Xai | Sights in Phonsavan

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