Attractions of Laos

Luang Prabang, which had been the monarchical capital for centuries, is one of the most charming and best preserved cities in southeast Asia. Set amongst forested hills, it combines traditional Lao architecture, in particular numerous temples, with European colonial buildings. In early morning the mists from the Mekong shroud the city before the town's saffron-clad monks begin their procession through the town collecting alms. Among the temples of note is the magnificent Wat Xieng Thong, the Golden Temple built in 1559 which is decorated in red, green and golden designs and filled with extravagant mosaics and decorations. The Royal Palace, whose design blends European and Lao influences, now houses the National Museum which has artefacts describing Lao culture over many centuries. In the evening the views over the town from Mount Phousi are excellent as the sunset illuminates the golden temple towers. Also worth checking out are the beautiful Kuang Si Waterfalls, located about 30 kilometres from Luang Prabang .

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Town of Luang Prabang

The Tam Ting Caves at Pak Ou, near the confluence of the Mekong and Ou rivers, are a Buddhist holy site which contain thousands of Buddha statues of all shapes and sizes, many brought here over 400 years ago when Luang Prabang was under threat from the Chinese.

Vang Vieng is a town located between Vientiane and Luang Prabeng. Set amidst a karst landscape and on a bend on the Song River, it's a great spot for exploring the limestone karst caves (notably the Tham Jang caves) on the west bank or the surrounding countryside on foot or bicycle.

Vientiane, the capital of Laos, is a relaxed and laid-back city. Its attractions include the Patuxai (or Victory) Monument - Vientiane's Arc de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket - the oldest temple in the city packed with silver and ceramic Buddhas, Wat Prakeo - the temple which used to house the Emerald Buddha, and the That Luang stupa - Laos's most famous religious and national monument, said to contain a bone of the Buddha.

The Plain of Jars is a fascinating archaeological site where hundreds of large stone jars are scattered across a wide area. The jars origins and purpose remain shrouded in mystery, but they are thought to be at least 2,000 years old and may have been used as urns or to transport Lao Lao, a rice whiskey. The province of Xieng Khuang where the jars are located, home to Hmong and Black Thai peoples, was heavily bombed by the Americans causing huge destruction to the region's towns.

Luang Namtha is a town in northern Laos near the border with China and is the main market town for minority tribes who live in this area. The surrounding mountainous countryside is great for exploring on foot or bicycle and visiting the ethnic villages to learn about the lives of these tribes.

Sam Nua is the capital of the Hua Phan province in northeast Laos. Rebuilt in the 1970s after being devastated by American bombing, the town serves as a focal point and market place for tribes of surrounding villages. Southwest of Sam Nua lie the standing stones of Hintang, thought to mark the graves of an ancient civilisation. Further east lie the Vieng Xai Caves, a network of limestone tunnels and chambers used by Communist revolutionaries as a base and shelter from the bombings. Today you can view the living quarters and command centres and learn more about the Secret War.

The Wat Phou Temple complex dates back to the 6th century when it was built to express the Hindu vision of the relationship between nature and humanity. It subsequently became a Buddhist temple during the Khmer Empire which dominated the region between the 10th and 14th centuries and contains some of the best examples of Khmer art in southeast Asia. One of the most impressive archaeological structures in Laos, it's the focal point for pilgrims from Thailand and Laos every February who travel here for the full moon festival.

UNESCO World Heritage Site: Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape

Si Phan Don, or Four Thousand Islands, is a region in southern Laos near the border with Cambodia where the Mekong River reaches its widest point and splits to create a maze of channels and islands. The area can be explored on boat, passing numerous islands, villages of the Lao Loum people and the many waterfalls in the region, including the Khong Phapheng Waterfalls, reputedly the widest in southeast Asia. The island of Don Det contains the remnants of the Old French Railway, built in the early 20th century to bypass the waterfalls and carry goods inland.

The Bolaven Plateau in the south of Laos is an area of temperate climate and fertile lands, with many coffee and tea plantations. The region has some spectacular scenery, including the Tad Lo Waterfalls, and is ideal for trekking through the forested landscapes. Several Mon-Khmer ethnic groups live in this area.