Wats, Waterfalls and World Heritage Sites in Laos

Wats, Waterfalls and World Heritage Sites in Laos. Laos is an up and coming destination on the South East Asian tourist trail with many travellers attracted to this landlocked country due to its laidback lifestyle and stunning mountainous landscapes. From saffron-robed monks receiving alms to golden stupas, explore the best sites and attractions that Laos has to offer.

Luang Prabang

 The delightful city of Luang Prabang (once the capital of Laos) is considered to be the spiritual heart of the country. Blending a rich meld of French and Indochina architecture, the area is an outstanding example of the fusion between traditional architecture and Lao urban structures; especially those built by the European colonial authorities in the 19th and 20th centuries. The incredibly well preserved townscape illustrates a key combination of two distinct cultural traditions, and earned its reputation as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1995.

Patuxai Victory Monument

 Patuxai or Victory Monument is one of the most recognisable landmarks in Laos and a distinctive figure on the Vientiane skyline. Situated at the end of one of the capital’s grandest avenues, the large square arch is very much reminiscent of the Arc de Triomphe in Paris. Forming the centrepiece of Patuxai Park, the monument is dedicated to the Laos people who were killed in the fight to gain independence from France, as well as the nation’s earlier occupiers, Japan And Siam. Patuxai serves as a monument to honour Laos’ resilience and eventual independence, paying homage to its national culture and traditions.

Pha That Luang

Pha That Luang is a huge gold-covered Buddhist stupa in the centre of Vientiane, and is generally considered as the most important national monument in Laos. Since it’s initial establishment the stupa has undergone several reconstructions, especially since the invasions of the area in the 1930s. Built in the shape of a grand pyramid, the stupa measures approximately 69 metres long and 45 metres high, and is encrusted with thousands of pounds worth of gold leaf. The Buddhist temple is located next to the Laotian Parliament, and is clearly seen from the top of the Patuxai Arc in downtown Vientiane.

Si Phan Don

Si Phan Don roughly translates from Laotian as ‘Four Thousand Islands’. This scenic 50-kilometre stretch along the Mekong River is located just north of the Cambodian border. During the rainy season, the river reaches a colossal breadth of 14 kilometres (the widest width of the Mekong along its length from China to Vietnam); and in the dry season, the waters recede and leave behind thousands of islands and islets.

The lush scenery, vast waterfalls and untouched natural ambience makes Si Phan Don a destination for travellers and locals alike. Many stop off at the collection of islands before journeying into Laos proper or down to Cambodia. If you find yourself in Si Phan Don, be sure to hire a boat to Lee Pi Waterfalls in order to catch a peek at the endangered Irrawady Dolphin. If you don’t manage to spot this elusive mammal, then the very impressive Khon Phapheng waterfall is nearby, offering a momentous view of the biggest cascade along the Mekong River.

Plain of Jars

 Located in central Laos, the Plain of Jars is one of Southeast Asia’s most mysterious and misunderstood prehistoric places. Approximately ninety sites scattered across many miles of rolling landscape contain thousands of large stone jars, each weighing several tons. The archaeologist Julie Van Den Bergh has counted over 3,000 jars scattered across 90 sites thus far. Each jar is up to 3 metres tall and weighs several tons, often made of sandstone, but also of harder granite and limestone. Despite great investigation and efforts from many archaeologists, the reason and origin of the Plain of Jars remains a mystery. A sombre and sobering experience, standing amongst the jars questions the limits of human endeavour.

Vat Phou

Vat Phou or Wat Phu is a ruined Khmer temple complex spread over the lower slopes of Phu Pasak in southern Laos. It is considered to be one of the oldest archaeological sites in Laos. One temple in the site was constructed around the 5th century but most buildings found in the complex are from the 11th to 13th centuries. Wat Phu is small in comparison with the monumental Angkor sites in Cambodia, but older, earning itself the title of a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 2002.