21 Awesome Photos to Inspire You to Visit Laos

Related: Things You Should Know Before Traveling to Laos 

Pha That Luang

If your eyeballs popped out a little after looking at this amazing temple, fear not because I had a similar experience. You’ll have visual hangovers for days after gazing upon this golden temple.

Patuxay Park

Victory Monument is named after a revolution where Laos took back their country from France in a not so distant past. A park is next to this monument where you can enjoy the views, people watch or troll. Whatever your flavor is.

Haw Phra Kaew

Once upon a time the king brought an emerald Buddha inside this breathtaking temple. As is repeated many times in the history of men, a Siamese general said to the Lao King, “Move over, homie, I’m taking your shit and your temple and your country.” The temple lay in ruins for a long time and that was the end of that story.

Related: The Perfect Vientiane Itinerary

The Blue Lagoon

The name truly reflects how sensational this place is. You can jump off the tree and swing on a rope swing. You’d best enjoy this in the morning where loads of Koreans flock but are unable to swim because they’ll sink like a rock. Brownie points for almost having this amazing place to yourself? #trollolololololol

Blue Lagoon 3

If you’re more of an adventure seeker and love to jump off things, may I suggest this lagoon? You’ll escape with a few scrapes and bruises, but it’s totally worth it, am I right?

Related: Ten Things to do in Vang Vieng

Golden City Temple

One of the most detailed Buddhist temples you’ve ever laid eyes on is located in Luang Prabang. Not only is this place awesome, but it has a Tripadvisor certificate to boot, in case you were questioning my authority.

Aerial View of Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang is charming during the day and night. It’s also wonderful to behold from above. The quaint atmosphere of the buildings gives it a Europe in the tropics atmosphere or like you’re stepping into Port Royal from Pirates of the Caribbean.

French Quarters of Laos

You’ll fall into a time warp when walking the streets of Asia meets Europe. The inspiration of France or New Orleans is in the air with the smells of fresh baguettes baking and the plethora of European tourists.

Wat Xieng Thong

This photo got me jamming to what a sunset in the rhythm of “What a Man”. What a jolly good sunset indeed. If this view makes you tingle in all the right places, I’ll settle for an amen. Okay, I’ll have to stop that now.

Related: Things to do in Luang Prabang 

Sunset at Mount Phousi

Grab a lover or get down with your bad self because this popular sunset destination is packed. Grab some drinks, snacks and mosquito spray when you get there quickly to watch this stunning site.

Kuang Si Waterfall

You know how couscous is a food so nice they named it twice? I wish I could name Kuang Si Waterfall twice, but alas, two photos will suffice. Man, am I on a roll today with my shitty rhymes or what?

The Sunrise over the Don Det Bungalows

We had an unfortunate toilet clogging while in our bungalow which forced me to rise early and seek a toilet elsewhere. Despite this misadventure, it was totally worth it to watch the sunrise over the river and enjoy the peacefulness.

Blessings from a Monk

Before you all bring your pitchforks and torches to burn me down for this photo, let me explain. I was temple wandering when the monk inside gestured for me to come in. I was outside with no intention of going in due to the way I was dressed. (I was dressed in a romper and I know you have to be covered up.) I was at a moment where I was like, “Is it rude to refuse a monk?” Deciding it was, I went in and he blessed me and allowed the photo. Monks are seriously amazing.

Pakse Temples and Golden Buddhas

If you hike up the Golden Buddha like we did, you’ll be treated to an incredibly view of Pakse and the Lao-Nippon Bridge. If you wander a bit up, you’ll see columns of golden Buddhas lined up and this awesome temple. Tip: If you go in the morning/early afternoon, you won’t find people here.

Vat Phou

This is one of the oldest temples I’ve been in to date as it was built in the 5th century. Of course people didn’t have anything better to do with their time back then so constructing this temple took a lot of care and there were even amazing carvings of topless lady Buddhas. I guess the monks had to get their kicks somehow.

Local Kids at the Bolaven Plateau

These adorable pipsqueaks were entertaining to watch as they ran around barefoot playing games and laughing without a care in the world. There aren’t many local tribes of Laos left, but it was good to see the local cultures still alive and kicking.

Local Weavers of the Bolaven Plateau

Many local tribes take up residence here and spend their days working on their handicrafts. They weave intricate things and their fine motor skills are definitely better than mine. These table adornments make exotic and wonderful gifts for family members.

Beautiful Waterfalls on the Bolaven Plateau

TLC always said, “Don’t go chasing waterfalls” but I don’t think they’ve ever chased as many gorgeous ones as I have. When the waterfalls captivate you, go for the gold and follow your aspirations.

Doors to Buddhist Temples

What’s behind door number 1? Easy, stupid. It’s a temple and you better have your ele-pants and your shoulders covered to avoid being called a baboon for not respecting the culture. Anyway, you’ll be most impressed by all the temples in Laos because of how unique they are. Every temple has a different design in mind and is breathtaking.

Have you been inspired to take the plunge into this largely untouched and gorgeous country? Laos offers jaw dropping, eyeball popping, panty creaming (did I go to far with this one?) scenery and you shouldn’t skip really exploring the country. If you’re having trouble packing, check out my guide on What to Pack for Southeast Asia.