4 Best Sights in Laos

Ban Muang Ngoi

The village, populated by Lao Lum and surrounded by unusual limestone peaks, has become a popular traveler hangout, with friendly locals, gorgeous scenery, and plenty of treks and river-touring options. All-day electricity has only recently arrived in Muang Ngoi, but Wi-Fi is now available and several fancy restaurants line its one street. With these upgrades the village looks poised to roll into the future, but accommodations remain pretty basic and may lack amenities travelers desire.

There is no ATM here, so make sure to bring all the cash you need.

As of 2018, Lao Youth Travel is the only tour operator based in Muang Ngoi. They can organize hiking trips to nearby villages (210,000 kip per day/two persons) and kayaking expeditions (150,000 kip per person). Their office is near the boat landing

[email protected].

Muang Sing

In the late 19th century this mountain-ringed town on the Sing Mountain River was the seat of a Tai Lue prince, Chao Fa Silino. Muang Sing lost its regional prominence, however, when French colonial forces occupied the town and established a garrison here. These days, it's known for its morning market, which draws throngs of traditional ethnic hill tribes. Shoppers from among the 20 different tribes living in the area, and even traders from China, visit the market to buy locally produced goods and handicrafts. The market is open daily throughout the day, but it is best to go from 6 to 8 before the minority groups return to their villages.

Tha Kaek

Parts of the ancient city wall in this port in Khammuan Province are still intact. Stunning countryside and karst (limestone caverns and sinkholes) surround Tha Kaek, and the area contains dramatic limestone caves, most notably Tham Khong Lor. More than 6½ km (4 miles) long, this cave is so large that the Nam Hin Bun River runs through it. Thailand's provincial capital of Nakhon Phanom sits across the Mekong River from Tha Kaek. Ferries connect the two cities.

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Vang Vieng

Some of the most attractive scenery and countryside in Laos, including the Nam Song River and a dramatic range of jagged limestone mountains, surrounds this convenient stopover between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. These days the town center is jam-packed with bars and backpacker hangouts, but you can escape the noise and the crowds by making for the river, which is lined with guesthouses and restaurants catering to both backpackers and those on a more flexible budget. The river is clean and good for swimming and kayaking, and the mountains beyond are riddled with caves and small, pleasant swimming holes. River trips and caving expeditions are organized by every guesthouse and hotel. Treks to the caves can be fairly arduous, and some are only accessible by motorbike or bicycle, a popular alternative. Go via the toll bridge next to Riverside Boutique Hotel (4,000 kip on foot; 6,000 kip by bicycle; 10,000 kip by motorbike) and expect to pay between 10,000/20,000 kip to enter most caves. Less adventurous types can rent an inner tube for 55,000 kip and float down the river for a few hours.
Town/Village
Along Hwy. 13, Vangviang, Vientiane Province, Laos