Laos’ spectacular natural beauty is so often a backdrop to its stunning temples and timeless towns and villages. Venture beyond the country’s cultural treasures, though, and you’ll find a wealth of captivating landscapes waiting to be explored. Trek through the Laotian jungle in search of towering waterfalls, marvel at some of the country’s most spectacular panoramas in the dramatic northern hills, or cruise the winding bends of the Mekong River on a luxury Mekong River cruise. Discover our top five nature experiences in Laos below.
1. RAINFORESTS, WATERFALLS & ORCHIDS IN OUDOMXAY PROVINCE
Steep, forested mountains with cloud-piercing peaks and deep valleys carved by meandering rivers, Oudomxay Province is home to some of Laos’ most breathtaking topography. The region is home to almost 60 rivers – including Nam Ou, Nam Beng, and Nam Tha – and vast hardwood forests of teak and mahogany trees. As such, Oudomxay Province is a haven for birdlife, and is even part of Laos’ protected Important Bird Area (IBA). This makes it ideal for spotting black-bellied tern, great cormorant, river lapwing, and swan goose.
Suggested activities in Oudomxay Province:
- Full day hiking to Ban Phavie – Begin your trek following a twisting mountain stream. On the way, you’ll get the opportunity to meet local farmers working the rice fields, learning how they cultivate their land, hunt for small game, and fish in the mountain stream. Continue your trek into a verdant tropical rainforest, before eventually reaching the village of Ban Phavie. Stop for a well-deserved lunch here, taking in the hilltop views, before journeying onwards to visit the region’s secluded waterfalls. Here, you can reward yourself after the day’s journey by soaking your muscles in the refreshing water.
- Nam Kat Forest trek – The climate of Oudomxay Province is perfectly suited to the growth of orchids, which thrive in the region’s forests. Alongside a biodiversity-specialist guide, trek through the Nam Kat Forest in search of these beautiful flowers, learning about the region’s unique climate and plant life along the way.
- Adventure activities – The incredible geography of the Oudomxay Province lends itself to thrilling adventure activities. Cycling or mountain trekking offers the chance to explore the landscape at a pace that suits you. For those looking for a more adrenaline-fuelled adventure, ziplining over the rainforest canopy or abseiling down a cascading waterfall offer a glimpse of the arresting landscape from the fast lane.
2. DISCOVER THE BOLAVEN PLATEAU’S WATERFALL CIRCUIT
The lush, fertile highlands of the Bolaven Plateau conceal some of Laos’ most pristine landscapes. Formidable waterfalls tucked away in the dense Laotian jungle make it a must-visit for nature lovers. Since the French colonisation of Laos in the 20th century, coffee bean farming has also become an important part of the way of life here.
Suggested activities in the Bolaven Plateau
- Visit the Bolaven Plateau’s waterfalls – One of Laos’ most famous waterfalls – Tad Fane – is located in the Bolaven Plateau. The twin 120-metre falls are simply breathtaking and offer possibly one of the best photo opportunities Laos has to offer. Additionally, the 40-metre Tad Yuang cascades down a rocky, mossy terrace and into a glimmering pool below – making it another must-visit natural site in the area.
- Taste Laos’ finest Arabica beans – The climate of the Bolaven Plateau is ideal for the growing and harvesting of Arabica beans. Sample some of Laos’ finest exports and discover why the region is so renowned for its coffee production during an intriguing coffee plantation tour.
- 4x4 Jeep Tour – Experience the Bolaven Plateau in style as you zip around the jungle roads in a supremely comfortable 4x4. Accompanied by an expert private guide, you’ll learn all about the region’s fascinating ethnic groups – notably the Laven – as well as the distinct geography found here.
3. CRUISE THE MEKONG THROUGH JUNGLE-CLAD LANDSCAPES
A luxury Mekong River cruise is slow travel at its finest. Cruising the peaceful Mekong River banks aboard a boutique vessel is the ultimate way to witness rural Laotian life unfold. Stopping at small villages, remote temples, and striking waterfalls, a Mekong River cruise showcases the best of both Laos’ culture and nature. Equipped with lecture theatres or presentation spaces, Mekong River cruisers also offer an educational insight into the country’s rich heritage and bountiful nature. The ever-changing scenery is also certain to entice photographers, or those simply looking to discover Laos’ nature in the slow lane.
Suggested activities on a Mekong River Cruise
- Traverse rapids & gorges – The RV Laos Pandaw’s own mini vessels offer guests a truly intimate, though adventurous, way to explore the Laotian landscape. Zip across the Mekong’s thrilling rapids before returning to the boat for a well-deserved cocktail.
- Elephant sanctuary visit – The national animal of Laos, Asian elephants can be found in sanctuaries along the Mekong. Visit the Mekong Elephant Park Sanctuary in Pak Beng to learn about these fascinating creatures and their cultural significance.
- Tuk-tuk jungle tour – Whizz through the Laotian jungle that hugs the banks of the Mekong in a tuk-tuk, as you make your way to the mesmerising Khao Cave. Punctuated with unearthly stalagmites and stalactites, the cave showcases a different side to Laos’ incredible nature. Return to your cruiser, the Anouvong, to decompress at the spa or in the jacuzzi.
4. HIKE TO THE VIEWPOINT OF NONG KHIAW
The mountainous region of Northern Laos, Luang Prabang Province is a place of hidden hill tribe communities and spectacular panoramas. Tear yourself from the fascinating history of Luang Prabang’s temples to enjoy the region’s wilder side, which is perfect for keen trekkers.
Suggested activities in Luang Prabang Province
- Hike to Nong Khiaw viewpoint – Taking between one and two hours, the winding path flanked by tall, swaying bamboo shoots richly rewards anyone who makes the journey to the top. The commanding views across Luang Prabang Province showcase the region’s snaking Nam Ou river, verdant mountain peaks, tranquil rice paddies, and views of Nong Khiaw itself, nestled between the riverbanks and foothills.
5. 4,000 ISLANDS CRUISE IN CHAMPASAK
Southern Laos’ Champasak Province is well worth the effort to get to. Downriver, the Mekong fans out into thousands of islets, known as Si Phan Don – or the 4,000 Islands. This tranquil archipelago is home to the powerful Khone Phapheng Falls, the widest waterfall in the world at over 10 kilometres across, and nearby Li Phi rapids.
Suggested activities in Champasak
- Full day 4,000 Islands tour – Cruise from island to island and keep your eyes peeled for the elusive Irrawaddy dolphins as you go. There is also a network of winding bicycle trails that loop their way around the islands, passing through paddy fields and colonial villas left behind by the French colonialists. You’ll also witness the thundering rapids of Khone Phapheng, showcasing the true might of Laos’ beautiful natural landscapes.
