Tour Luang Prabang or tour Vientiane now! The ancient kingdom of Lan Xang is transforming itself into a country that has increasing amenities for the traveler, yet boasts delights that are still relatively untraveled.  Although increasingly popular, the royal capital of Luang Prabang remains one of the most beautiful towns in Southeast Asia, and an absolute must on any itinerary.   You’ll probably be passing through Vientiane, with its noteworthy temples and grand monument of PhaThat Luang.   

In the south, the ancient temple of Wat Phu Champasak is a majestic secret due to the dearth (thankfully) of organized tours, while the legendary Plain of Jars, in the north, bekons thousands of visitors year round. 

Laos Top 5 

1) Luang Prabang is one of Southeast Asia’s most beautiful towns, a hillside oasis with over thirty temples to visit in a serene setting. 

2) Vientiane’s traditions meld traditional Lao with colonial French, allowing you to have a baguette and coffee before seeing Buddhist temples, then finishing your day with superior French cuisine at a terrific price.

3)  Wat Phu Champasak, near the charming town of Pakse, requires a bit of ingenuity in getting there, but the reward, a wonderful temple just about to yourself, is well worth it. 

4)  The Plain of Jars, near Phonsavan, host a dozen or so sites containing hundreds dozens of mammoth stone jars of unknown origin, the largest of which weighs an estimated ton. 

5) Vang Vieng is a town located in the midst of a scernic Karst area, with dozens of caves to visit and explore. 

Getting to Laos by air is through the Wattay International Airport in Vientiane, or the Luang Prabang International airport.  International carriers are increasingly adding Laotian cities to their itineraries.  In-country, Lao Aviation flights connect most cities of note.  Laotian roads are not up to international standards, although superior to those of neighboring Cambodia.  

Rental cars are available in Laos, but relatively expensive (generally in excess of $100 per day) due the poor condition of the roads.  Locally, tuk-tuks and pedicabs are the norm, and motorbikes can be rented for roughly $10 USD per day.