Tham Lot Se Bang Fai
The most impressive, and yet least-visited cave in Khammuan, is the amazing Tham Lot Se Bang Fai. Located at the edge of Hin Namno NPA, the cave is the result of Se Bang Fai river plunging 6.5km through a limestone mountain, leaving an underground trail of immense caverns, impressi
Upper Level
On the uppermost level is the sanctuary itself, which once enclosed a Shiva lingam that was bathed – via a system of sandstone pipes – with waters from the sacred spring that still flows above and behind the complex. The sanctuary now contains a set of unsophisticated-looking Budd
Wat Si Muang
The most frequently used grounds in Vientiane are those of Wat Si Muang, the site of the lák meuang (city pillar), which is considered the home of the guardian spirit of Vientiane.The large sǐm (destroyed in 1828 and rebuilt in 1915) was constructed around the lák meuang, and consi
Hintang Archaeological Park
Almost as mysterious as Xieng Khuangs more famous jars, this unique, unfenced collection of standing stones is thought to be at least 1500 years old. Spindly stones up to 3m tall are interspersed with disks that formerly covered funerary sites. Some are over a metre in diameter. It
Middle Level
The middle section features two exquisitely carved quadrangular pavilions built of sandstone and laterite. Believed to date from the mid-10th or early 11th century, the style resembles Koh Ker in Cambodia. Wat Phu was converted into a Buddhist site in later centuries but much of t
Tham Sang Triangle
A popular half-day trip thats easy to do on your own takes in Tham Sang plus three other caves within a short walk. Begin this caving odyssey by riding a motorcycle or taking a jumbo 13km north along Rte 13, turning left a few hundred metres beyond the barely readable Km 169 stone.
Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial
Opened in 1995 to celebrate the late presidents 75th birthday, the Kaysone Phomvihane Memorial near Km 6 on Rte 13 south serves as a tribute to Indochinas most pragmatic communist leader. Kaysones former house is a model of modesty, while in contrast, the museum is a vast Vietnames
Xieng Khouang UXO
The insightful Xieng Khouang UXO-Survivors Information Centre displays prosthetic limbs, wheelchairs and bomb parts and gives harrowing insight into the UXO problem.
TAEC
Visiting this professionally presented three-room museum is a must to learn about northern Laos various hill-tribe cultures, especially if planning a trek. Theres just enough to inform without overloading a beginner. TAEC is within a former French judges mansion that was among the
UXO Laos Information Centre
Behind a manicured new park lies the sobering UXO Laos Information Centre. Visiting here helps to get a grip on the devastation Laos suffered in the Second Indochina War and how nearly 40 years later death or injury from unexploded ordnance remains an everyday reality in several pr
Shadow Puppet Theatre & Cinéma Tuktuk
Run by Frenchman Yves Bernard, this magical theatre tells the story of the epic Ramyana using the ancient art of shadow puppets. On alternate nights it screens the enchanting silent film Chang (1924), made here in Laos by the director of Hollywoods original King Kong . What makes i
Vieng Xai Caves
Joining a truly fascinating 18-point tour is the only way to see Vieng Xais seven most important war-shelter cave complexes, set in beautiful gardens backed by fabulous karst scenery. A local guide unlocks each site while, an audioguide gives a wealth of first-hand background infor
COPE Visitor Centre
COPE (Cooperative Orthotic & Prosthetic Enterprise) is the main source of artificial limbs, walking aids and wheelchairs in Laos. Its excellent Visitor Centre, part of the organisations National Rehabilitation Centre, offers myriad interesting and informative multimedia exhibit
Wat Xieng Thong
Luang Prabangs best-known monastery is centred on a 1560 sǐm . Its roofs sweep low to the ground and theres a stunning tree of life mosaic set on its west exterior wall. Close by are several stupas and three compact little chapel halls called hŏr . Hŏr Ɖąi , shaped like a tall tomb
Royal Palace Museum
Evoking traditional Lao and French beaux-arts styles, the former Royal Palace was built in 1904 and was home to King Sisavang Vong (r 1905–59), whose statue stands outside. Within are tasteful, decidedly sober residential quarters, with some rooms preserved much as they were when t
Phu Si
Dominating the old city centre and a favourite with sunset junkies, the abrupt 100m-tall hill of Phu Si is crowned by a 24m gilded stupa called That Chomsi . Viewed from a distance, especially when floodlit at night, the structure seems to float in the hazy air. From the summit, ho
Doing business & staying in touch while in Laos
Laos: Doing business & staying in touch
Laos Weather, Climate and Geography
Laos Weather, climate and geography
Laos History, Language and Culture
Laos History, Language and Culture
Laos Travel Guide and Travel Information
Laos Travel Guide
