The most beautiful natural sites to discover Laos

One of the most visited caves of the circuit and also the largest. The largest room reaches 30 m high! The site is perfectly (too much?) arranged with stairs, restaurants, shops, but also toilets. Colourful lighting spoils the natural aspect of the cave. It is possible to hire the services of a guide for a boat tour of the cave. Some parts of the route are very dark, a flashlight is essential. At weekends, many locals come to picnic here.

Or "cave of the Elephant" (Tham Kitsch). This cave houses a large statue of golden Buddha. She is famous for her elephant head who formed in the stalagmites (behind the golden buddha) in 1956. It is a place of worship for the villagers. Provide a torch lamp.

The "Buddha Cave" was discovered in April 2004 by a villager named Boun Nong, who had observed bats entering the cave. Nestled in the hollow of a cliff, it is located in Ban Na Khan Sarng, and takes its name from Lake Nong Pa Fa, "the lake of soft-shelled turtles". There are two caves one above the other. The upper cave houses 229 bronze Buddha statues whose age is yet to be determined, but they are believed to be over 300 years old. These statues measure from 15 cm to 1 m high. Historians agree that some date from the Sikhottabong and Lane Xang periods, while others are of Khmer and Vietnamese origin. It also contains manuscripts on palm leaves. These manuscripts are religious texts. Today it is a true sanctuary where the faithful come to deposit offerings. It is accessed by a large concrete staircase. It is unfortunately forbidden to take pictures... It is a sacred place, so ladies it is necessary to cover oneself (possibility to rent sarongs at the entrance). Inside the lower cave which extends over 500 m there is the Nong Pa Fa lake which you can cross by dugout canoe to observe stalactites and stalagmites. Please bring a headlamp. At the entrance of the cave there are stalls selling snacks, fruits, drinks and also incense from the village of Na Khang Xang. Namely: the tourist office of Thakhek organizes a day trip to these caves (with swimming).

In dry season, from November to April, take 2 hours to reach this island by following the track. Alternatively, you can rent a canoe.

This mountain culminates at 1,625 metres with a stupa at its summit. Before the ascent, you will have to pay the entrance fee at the toll booth located at the picnic area. The climb is quite tough, with hundreds of steps in the shade of tree branches, but you will be rewarded with a superb view! To take pictures, you have to pay a small additional fee. Allow about an hour and a half for the visit. Possibility to go down by another path that will take you 2 km east of the town.

Six kilometers west of Vieng Xai. To get there, take a songtheo and ask the driver to stop you at the bridge. Then walk a good 10 minutes to reach the waterfall, almost a hundred meters high, located in the heart of a site whose biodiversity is perfectly preserved. Possibility to swim in the natural pools at the foot of the falls, when the water level is high enough (after the rainy season). Beware of leeches! Before 3:30 pm, it is possible to take a songtheo to Vieng Xai or Sam Neua.

Nam Oung's hot water source is a nice ride if you have a bike.

14 km from there, on the left, is the waterfall of Phone Xai.

During the war, this cave served as a refuge for the population of a whole village, to escape the incessant bombing. Hot springs are nearby. Water possèderait therapeutic effects. To visit Tham Piou and its surroundings, negotiate with local taxis (package on the basis of US $ 30 to US $ 40).

This lake is located 18 km east of Saravane. It is possible to go to touk touk but the road is quite bad. The place has a reputation for four crocodiles: but, curiously they are hard to see. In any case, it is a good opportunity to transport tourists through finance!

The Khone Phapheng Falls, a few kilometres from Don Khone, are the widest in Southeast Asia. They form a set of rapids, more or less violent, over 13 km and separate the two main Mekong diversion bays. The flow of these falls is one of the most powerful in the world! On site: gargotes, craft shops, and café. It's nice to get there early in the morning and have lunch at The View. Beautiful light on the bubbling waters at the end of the afternoon.

The waterfall is formed by water runoff on the slopes of Phu Luang Mountain, located 15 km from Sanam Xai. This waterfall is part of the Sanam Xai district. The best way to get there is to take a songteo to Ban Mai, 35 km from Attapeu, then a boat. The second option is to go there on a fairly easy trek from Ban Lanyao, a small community of the Oy ethnic group. Don't forget your camera! Not far away, the lake of Nong Lom is a perfect place for a picnic.

48 km from Attapeu is the Samanxai district. A superb guided tour to discover the waterfalls of the region is possible, either by trek or by boat. Departure from Attapeu with a qualified guide. You will make a stopover around the small Nonglom lake before reaching Ban Mai, on the banks of the Xe Pian river. This village is inhabited by the Oy ethnic community. You are in the heart of the protected area of Xe Pian (more easily accessible from the Champassak province) which contains beautiful waterfalls. Indeed, 10 km from Ban Mai, the Huay Samong River forms a waterfall about twenty meters wide that flows into the Xe Pian River on 10 meters high, it is Tad Samongphak. It will be necessary to cross the river (2,000 kips per person, 3,000 kips per motorcycle, but it is preferable to go on foot).

Not far from it, Tad Saepha (6 km from Ban Saepha) is 23 m high and 120 m wide. It is also accessible by boat or on foot from Ban Mai. Tad Phaphong is another waterfall formed by the Xe Xou River. Finally, Tad Saeponglai is another beautiful waterfall located 6 km north of Tad Saepha (by boat count 40 000 kips per person).

The best way to discover these falls is to go on a trek with a local guide. Information and reservations at the tourist office or Attapeu Travel. You can opt for an excursion of 1 to 5 days. Ecotourism is developing in the region and it is possible to stay with local people in a village.

After That Xieng Tung, you can continue your walk to the Nam Keo falls, 2 km from the sacred stupa. Located in the forest, the falls are narrow and steep, and form a small basin surrounded by rocks. If it is possible to venture there alone, please bring a map. If not, you can hire a local guide. Treks are organized to visit both sites, with a traditional Akha picnic. Ask around town at the tourist office or at one of the many agencies.

This lake is located 8 km southwest of the city. It can be the object of a day trip outside Sayaboury. Picnicking and canoeing are possible on site. There is also a restaurant on the site, above the dam. It is also possible to stay on site. From there, you can take a boat (10 minutes) to the Elephant Conservation Center. The opportunity to see the elephants bathing and to walk beside them (not on them).

48 km from Oudomxay, in karst mountains, caves extend over 15 km and can reach up to 40 m high. Two passages are possible: one with a river, the other drier. They contain stalactites. You will have to be accompanied by a guide. The nearest village is Ban Chom Ong, an hour's walk away. The best is to schedule the visit from Oudomxay, because there you will certainly have communication problems, as the villagers do not speak English. Bring a flashlight.

A visit to this cave located 35 km south of the city is a good idea for a walk. Take the road to Pak Lai and then turn left at the junction at Ban Houaykeng. Stop for lunch in Ban Nathang and embark on a two-hour walk through rice fields, wooded hills, and rock formations. On the way, visit the cave with its impressive karst formations and, for the more adventurous, follow the stream that runs for several kilometres through the vast cave system.

To reach the Tad Jao Falls, drive one hour to Tha Deua and then turn left just before the new bridge leading to Luang Prabang. These beautiful 20 meters high falls attracted the royalty of Lane Xang and the Thai princess Prathep! Legend has it that bathing or drinking in these waters is supposed to bring good health and counteract bad luck. Steps built for the Thai princess' visit in 1990 lead to a picnic area on the Mekong River and a view of the waterfall.

This cave is located 3 km from Nong Tang, near the Nong Tang Lake. It shelters hundreds of statues of Buddha hidden there at the time of the Chinese invasions, during the second half of the 19th century. At the entrance, a large Buddha is said to be over 1,200 years old. During the Vietnam War, the upper cave was used by the Vietnamese army as a dispensary. The cave is illuminated, so it is possible to take a guide for the visit. A short distance away is the Water Cave, and the Stupa Cave which contains the ruins of an old stupa.

Also called Tham Sa Pha In, it is one of the smallest and least visited caves in the loop. The place exudes calm and serenity, and was once a retreat for hermits. Surrounded by mountains, it is difficult to spot. Inside there is an altar dedicated to Buddha and a vast pond. Its sacred water is said to have healing properties, but unfortunately bathing is forbidden. This cave is conducive to meditation, do not hesitate to stop there for a little introspection!

This national park is a must for nature lovers. It has an incredible biodiversity. Bears, gibbons, leopards... It is also the last place in Laos where tigers can be observed. The Vieng Thong Visitors Centre organises overnight hikes in huts in the middle of nature for an immersive experience. Some stays will take the visitor to meet the Khmu ethnic group to learn more about their way of life.

In the heart of a luxuriant forest, the Yuang waterfalls, also called Tad Gneuang, are less dizzying than those of Tad Fane, but the site is better developed and they are more easily accessible. Shops, restaurants and craft shops are set up after the entrance portico. From there, a staircase leads to the foot of Tad Yuang Falls. A small promontory makes it possible to appreciate its splendour. They are formed by two torrents that flow more than 40 m high. It is possible to swim at the foot of the falls, but be careful with the current!

These waterfalls, also called Tad Faed, are easily accessible from Sekong. They are located just after the Tad Hua Khon Falls. To get there, take road 11 south and turn off at km 14 (a sign indicates the falls: 2 km away). The falls are 5 m high and have their source in the Se Nam Noi River, not far from the Sekong River. It is strongly advised against swimming in the natural pools at the foot of the waterfalls. Small restaurants, open until 5pm, offer drinks and meals.

This cave is covered by large trees and procedurally. The artisans of Ban Taad's village manufacture traditional musical instruments for their quality.

To reach this cave you will have to cross rice fields and villages, the road leading to it is worth the trip alone! Tham Pha Tok was used as a military base by the Pathet Lao during the civil war, you can even see craters caused by bombs and bullet impacts on the walls on your way to the second cave. This excursion is not recommended for people with reduced mobility as the interior is very dark and some parts are quite difficult to access. A historical site in the area.

These beautiful 7 m high (and 100 m wide) falls are also called Tad Se Noy. Tad Hua Khon means "falls of human heads" because during the war, the Japanese threw the heads of Lao resistance fighters into the falls and beheaded them. Laotians now come there at weekends to picnic and bathe. The water is sometimes up to 10 meters deep, ideal for good swimmers, a little less for others... To get there, take road 16 to km 16 and cross the bridge... The waterfalls are close by.

This easily accessible cave is located southwest of the city, just after the second bridge. Its particularity is that it was used as a bunker during the Chinese invasion at the beginning of the 19th century. The gallery extends over 4 km but it is only illuminated for 800 m. A spring is located about 50 meters after the entrance. Outside, it is possible to swim in the lake, from where you can access another cave. Nearby is another small cave with a sitting Buddha.

This mountain offers different climbing circuits to be reserved for the most adventurous. To reach the summit and the Lusi cave, you will have to climb many walls with the help of rocks or frail bamboo ladders... It is a high-risk climb that we strongly advise against. If you want to do it with full knowledge of the facts, you should check out the climbing clubs in the town, which offer professional supervision and adequate equipment.