5 Picture-Perfect Cities to Visit in Laos: A Travel Guide

The charm of exploring Laos lies in visiting aesthetically beautiful cities in the country. The five Laotian towns listed in this article not only offer a visual feast but also share an importance in the nation's history. Moreover, they offer stunning scenery of the surrounding countryside while representing the pace and style of different regions of Laos. Traveling to these cities during your holidays to laos promises a blend of scenic allure, cultural enhancement, and warmly greeting locals. Let's dive in to learn more about the five picturesque cities in Laos.

Here’s the list of the must-visit cities in Laos 

Luang Prabang

Famous for its well-preserved architectural, cultural, and religious heritage, Luang Prabang allows travelers to explore authentic Laotian life, amidst a backdrop of natural wonder. Named a UNESCO World Heritage Site, you shouldn't expect to find a large museum when visiting this riverside city. Instead, you will discover a breathtakingly charming and picturesque city boasting beautiful flowers and tropical plants-lined alleys and quaint cafes.

Moreover, Laotian is surrounded by lush mountains with famous attractions such as the Pak Ou Caves, the Tat Sae, and the Kuang Si Waterfalls. You can go for a hike or rent a motorbike to explore the hills that surround Luang Prabang.

Pakse

Remember to visit Pakse during your holidays to laos, especially when desiring to travel to the aesthetically beautiful cities in the country. Pakse boasts many architecturally stunning French colonial buildings. The French founded the city as an administrative outpost in 1905. Later, it served as the capital of Champasak Kingdom until it was united into Laos in 1946.

Moreover, Pakse is the small city where the Mekong Rivers and Xe Don converge. Most tourists love spending time at the riverfront as it offers the best food and attractions. If you visit Pakse at the end of October, you can enjoy the lively and competitive long, multi-paddler boat races for three days. The surrounding area's natural beauty is enhanced by the Bolaven Plateau, which features rivers and cascading waterfalls amid lush green jungles.

Vientiane

The only options to reach this picturesque Laotian city are by bus or minivan. Vientiane retains a quiet charm, with its ancient temples and stupas, while offering the vibrant life of the capital. Moreover, this charming city boasts beautifully preserved French colonial architecture.

You can spend at least 3-4 days in Vientiane strolling along the waterfront and visiting the Night Market to pick up some local souvenirs, bars, and restaurants. After exploring the city, you can also check into the city's best hotel for much-needed pampering.

Vang Vieng

For lovers of landscapes, Vang Vieng is the must-added Laotian city in the Laos travel package. The small riverside town presents a canvas with paddy fields and dramatic karst hills, creating a picture-perfect setting. The town is located along the Nam Song River, where you can enjoy kayaking, tubing, and other water activities.

Moreover, Vang Vieng bars organize adventurous activities for travelers, including sampling the zip lines, rope swings, etc. Onshore activities include trekking through the vast landscape of the surrounding mountains and rock climbing on the limestone karsts.

Muang Ngoi

Located in the north of Luang Prabang, Muang Ngoi is a small, quiet village along the shore of the Nam Ou River. The main attraction of this small town is the dramatic limestone karsts. Moreover, Muang Ngoi is the famous starting point for eco-tourism treks into the hills that are a habitat to many caves, including Tham Pha Kaew and Tham Kang caves.

Bottom Line

Laos is a peaceful, landlocked Southeast Asian country. Despite being overlooked by its neighboring nations, Laos has enough beautiful places to offer. The above-listed picturesque Laotian cities boast beautiful undulating mountains, flowing rivers, dramatic limestone karsts, and cascading waterfalls. When planning to travel to these cities in Laos, book your tour package with the Vietnam Travel Agency, experienced in planning tours for Laos.