There are so many worthwhile things to see in Laos that we had to narrow our choices down to the capital city of Vientiane and two of the most beautiful towns in the country, Luang Prabang and the river town of Hauy Xai.  We chose these as the three best places to visit in Laos as they provide the traveler with the best of the natural world, the big city life, and the rural town life. 

As the usual place for foreigners to arrive in Laos is at the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, we’ll start our tour in the capital city of Laos. 

Vientiane

With modern high-rise hotels and charming French colonial buildings from the past providing architectural contrasts, the city of Vientiane is a lively and bustling metropolis right on the Mekong River. Simply riding around the city to see the sights provides you with a mini-history lesson of the town. 

Maybe the most famous landmark in the city is Patuxai, a memorial to the Lao soldiers who fought against the French occupation. Other worthwhile sights include Buddha Park, Wat Si Saket, and Pha That Luang. 

At night, stroll down along the riverfront and visit the Vientiane Night Market, where you can sample some delicious Lao street food and pick up some handicrafts and souvenirs as well. 

Luang Prabang

If you want to visit a town that typifies rural life, one of the best places to visit in Laos is Luang Prabang, one of the most idyllic towns you could choose. It lies at the confluence of the Mekong and Khan Rivers and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its rustic beauty and the careful preservation of the town’s buildings and temples. 

Strolling along the picturesque streets, you’ll find all sorts of charming European-style cafes and eateries where you can sip a cup of coffee and watch the daily life of Laos unfold. You can find small hotels and guesthouses that offer simple but clean, friendly and inexpensive accommodations. If you want to see some of the surrounding natural beauty, take a trek out to Kuang Si Waterfalls, but be sure to bring a camera along. 

Huay Xai

Huay Xai is located on the Mekong River along the border of Thailand and Laos, and it serves as a busy border town. The town has made the list of the best places to visit in Laos because of the river cruises offered by several boats based in Huay Xai, which will show you the sites along the waterways of Laos. 

But the other reason it made our list is because the town is near the world-famous Bokeo Nature Reserve. Book a couple of day’s stay in a treehouse in the nature reserve and get a chance to see some of the world’s rarest wildlife. The park was created specifically as a conservation area for the Black-cheeked gibbons that are among its inhabitants. But the reserve also is home to wild buffalo, bears, elephants and the elusive and endangered tiger, and exotic birds and reptiles. 

If you only have a limited time to travel in Laos, these three areas will provide you with a peek into the country’s culture, sights, and lifestyles. They will also pique your interest to see all the other beautiful sights in Laos.