Tourism in Laos, 10 Reasons to Visit Laos. Tourism is Laos’s fastest growing sector. In 2017, the country is visited by 3.9 million tourists. Laos is most visited by Thailand. Countries that follow Thailand in turn; Vietnam, China, South Korea, United States, France, Japan, United Kingdom, Germany, Australia, Malaysia, and Canada.
The Democratic People’s Republic of Laos is a mountainous country with no coastline. To the west of the country is Thailand and Burma, to the east of Vietnam, to the People’s Republic of China in the north, and to Cambodia in the south. Here are 10 reasons to go to Laos.
1. Patuxai
Patuxai, located in Vientiane, the capital city of Laos and the largest city, is a war monument opened between 1957 and 1968. This monument is one of the symbols of Laos. This structure resembles the Arch of Victory in Paris, the capital city of France.
2. Vat Phou
Located about 6 kilometers from the Mekong in Champasak Province, Vat Phou is an ancient city. There are many ruins from the 11th to the 13th centuries. This structure was protected by UNESCO in 2001.
3. Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a region established in the 14th century, located 4 hours away from the capital city of Laos and the largest city Vientiane. This town on the Nam Song River is definitely a good place to visit, especially for mountain walks.
4. Phonsavan
Situated on the border of Laos, Phonsavan is a city where people live in the Wild West style. Phonsavan means heavenly hills as a word. This is where bullfighting is hosted in the New Year celebrations. Here, Siam, Tai and French co-culture are seen.
5. Si Phan Don
Situated on the Mekong River, Si Phan Don is a beautifully landscaped area. There are wonderful waterfalls here. The transportation to the area where the Khone waterfall is located can not be done because it is very fast. You can come here and watch great scenes.
6. Mount Phou Si
Situated in the old city center of Luang Prabang, Mount Phou Si is a 100-meter high hill. This hill is regarded as sacred at the same time. Because there are many religious buildings on the hill.
7. Bolaven Plateau
Located within the Champasak city limits, the Bolaven Plateau is a natural area along the country border with the capital city. The plateau, which ranges from 1,000 to 1,350 meters in height, has many rivers and waterfalls. You can come here and visit these natural beauties and take lots of pictures.
8. Pha That Luang
Pha That Luang, located in the Ban Nong Bone area of Vientiane, the capital city of Laos and the largest city, is a temple built in the 3rd century. This temple is a large and immaculate Buddhist temple with a height of 44 meters and covered with gold.
9. Luang Prabang
Located in north central Laos, Luang Prabang is a very visited historical city. This city, which was the capital city during the Laos Kingdom, is located at the junction of Mekong and Nam Khan rivers. In this city, there are many natural beauty areas including waterfalls and parks besides historical buildings. You can travel here with elephants.
10. Lao National Museum
The Lao National Museum, located in Vientiane, capital city of Laos and the largest city, is a museum opened in 1925. Dinosaur bones, pottery shards and many statues from the Khmer period are exhibited in the museum. Visit this museum to learn about the history and culture of the country.
