Early morning on the river, when Laos reveals its calmest rhythm.
Among Southeast Asia’s destinations, Laos still feels quietly under the radar. The country has welcomed more visitors in recent years, but it remains far less travelled than many of its neighbours. In 2024, Laos recorded 4,120,832 visitors, while Singapore welcomed 16.5 million international visitor arrivals.
It’s no surprise that many Singaporeans still haven’t explored Laos yet.
A Brief Introduction to Laos
Laos first emerged as the kingdom of Lan Xang in 1353, when Prince Fa Ngum returned and established himself as king. In the late 18th century, Siamese forces took control over much of the area. France later asserted control in 1893, forming what became the French protectorate of Laos. Laos achieved full independence in 1953.
Geographically, Laos is mountainous and landlocked. Much of the country is forested highland terrain. Many communities cluster along the Mekong River, which runs for nearly 5,000 km from the Tibetan Plateau through Laos and onward to the sea in southern Vietnam.
The capital, Vientiane, sits on the Mekong’s banks. Buddhism and nature shape much of the country’s cultural landscape, so many major attractions reflect those two pillars.
Vientiane
Vientiane serves as Laos’ gateway city. From Singapore, you can reach it with direct flights depending on season and airline schedules. The city feels low-rise and relaxed, with many sights clustered near the centre, which makes it easy to explore.
Patuxai Monument
Start at Patuxai, the “Victory Gate,” a landmark often compared to Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Laos built it between 1957 and 1968 to honour those who fought for independence from France.
Look closely at the ornamentation near the top. Many descriptions highlight five towers and symbolic motifs that blend national identity with religious imagery.
Climb to the upper levels for panoramic views of the city.
Pha That Luang
Next, visit Pha That Luang, Laos’ national symbol and one of Vientiane’s most iconic landmarks. Tradition holds that it enshrines a relic of the Buddha.
The golden exterior glows in strong daylight, and the compound invites a slower pace. You’ll also find temples nearby, including Wat That Luang Tai and Wat That Luang Neua, which remain from the historic cluster around the stupa.
Golden Pha That Luang stupa illuminated at night in Vientiane, Laos.
Haw Phra Kaew and Wat Si Saket
If you want more heritage stops in the city centre, add Haw Phra Kaew (now a museum of religious arts) and Wat Si Saket, one of Vientiane’s best-known historic temples.
Eat your way through Vientiane
Laotian cuisine surprises many first-timers. Try:
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Khao Niao (sticky rice)
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Laab (minced salad with herbs; meat/fish/tofu versions)
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Sai Oua (herbed sausage)
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Mok Pa (fish steamed in banana leaf with aromatics)
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Tam Mak Hoong (papaya salad)
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Khao Poon / Khao Piak Sen (noodles)
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Oor Lam (hearty stew)
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Ping Gai (grilled chicken)
For street food sampling, Ban Anou Night Market is a convenient option near the riverside area. Seating can be limited, so plan for takeaway. Vientiane Night Market (around Chao Anouvong Park) leans more toward shopping and souvenirs, with fewer food stalls.
Getting around
Tuk-tuks remain common, but fares vary. Agree on the price before you start the ride. If you prefer fewer negotiations, ask your hotel to help you contact a driver for a half-day or full-day arrangement. If you stay centrally, many riverside areas are walkable.
Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang may be small, but it is Laos’ best-known destination. UNESCO recognised it as a World Heritage Site in 1995.
You can travel from Vientiane by bus/van, train, or domestic flight, depending on your budget and comfort.
Wat Xieng Thong
Begin with Wat Xieng Thong, one of the city’s most celebrated temples. Its sweeping rooflines and richly decorated halls make a strong introduction to Luang Prabang architecture.
Wat Wisunarat
Then visit Wat Wisunarat, often described as the city’s oldest temple. It feels quieter than some of the headline stops and offers an easy, unhurried visit.
Royal Palace Museum
Make time for the Royal Palace Museum, built in 1904 and later converted into a museum. The rooms, objects, and ceremonial spaces offer a window into the royal era. Dress codes apply, so cover shoulders and knees.
A woman wearing traditional Lao attire stands in front of green rice fields.
Nature highlights: Phousi, Pak Ou, Kuang Si
When you’re ready for scenery, Luang Prabang delivers.
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Phousi Mountain offers a 360-degree view over town and the rivers. It gets crowded at sunset, so arrive early.
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Pak Ou Caves sit in a cliff overlooking the Mekong. Visitors come for the thousands of Buddha images and for the river journey itself.
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Kuang Si Waterfall remains one of the country’s most famous nature sites. The tiered cascade and turquoise pools make it ideal for a full day trip. If you hike upward, watch your footing—parts of the trail can be uneven.
Luang Prabang Night Market
In the evenings, the Luang Prabang Night Market fills the town centre with stalls selling textiles, crafts, and souvenirs. In the evenings, the Luang Prabang Night Market fills the town centre with stalls run by local artisans and vendors, selling textiles, crafts, and souvenirs.
Hot air balloons drift over a cloud-filled mountain landscape at dawn, while a person sits on a balcony overlooking the view.
Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars spreads across the Xieng Khouang plateau and features thousands of ancient stone jars. UNESCO listed the site in 2019.
Archaeologists still debate their original purpose, with theories ranging from burial practices to storage.
A crucial safety note
This region was heavily bombed during past conflicts, and unexploded ordnance remains a risk. Follow warning signs and stay within cleared areas. Tourist access typically focuses on a limited set of cleared sites, including Sites 1, 2, 3, 16, 23, 25 and 52, with Site 1 the most visited.
After Site 1, you can detour to Ban Napia (“Spoon Village”), where residents repurpose scrap metal from wartime remnants into household items. It’s an eye-opening stop, but it also highlights how conflict still shapes daily life.
Vat Phou
In southern Laos, Vat Phou stands as a remarkable Khmer-era temple complex and a UNESCO World Heritage Site (inscribed in 2001).
The site climbs in terraces toward the sanctuary, with long axial approaches, stone details, and expansive views across plains toward the Mekong.
Vat Phou also remains an active religious site. If you visit during important Buddhist dates, you may see ceremonies and festive activity on-site.
Woman in traditional Lao attire.
Discover Laos
If you want a fresh alternative to the usual regional routes, Laos offers something different: slower streets, deep heritage, and dramatic nature. Start with Vientiane for orientation, let Luang Prabang win you over, then add the Plain of Jars or Vat Phou if you have time. Laos rewards travellers who move at a gentler pace. PRIME
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