Situated in the Southeast part of Asia, Laos is one of the must-visit destinations in Asia, and while it’s among the most underrated countries on the continent, it has plenty of fun things to enjoy. Home to Buddha Park, one of the world’s most remarkable Buddhist Sculpture parks, the country is bordered by Cambodia on the east part and China and Myanmar to the northwest. Vietnam surrounds Laos to the south. Also referred to as the Land of One Million Elephants, this Asian nation is famous for its natural areas and abundant wildlife, especially elephants, which attract tourists from different corners of the globe. Here are the 10 reasons to visit this underrated country in Asia.

Accommodations recommended in this list were found through research regarding Laos. The hotels have been praised by previous guests for their wonderful services and amenities that make them stand out from the rest. Each accommodation has a rating of above 8.0 and guarantees an unforgettable stay and an authentic Asian travel experience. Before reserving a spot, it is advisable to call the hotel management to verify all the details provided here.

Related: Guide To Laos: What People Wish They Knew Before Visiting

10 Spend Time In Luang Prabang, Southeast Asia’s Most Enchanting City

Pak Ou caves or Tam-Ting, Luang Prabang, Laos
Shutterstock
Pak Ou caves or Tam-Ting, Luang Prabang, Laos

One of the top bucket list destinations to explore in Laos is Luang Prabang, arguably the most beautiful city in Southeast Asia. The city is one of the best UNESCO Sites one can visit in the fall or any other time of the year, and has something for everyone. From charming architectural features to amazing cultural heritage to stunning streets lined with bougainvillea, there are numerous options to choose from. Actually, Luang Prabang is one of the most romantic cities to explore in Asia and will never disappoint! Looking for affordable, luxurious accommodation in this gorgeous city? Book a room at Victoria Xiengthong Palace for a wonderful stay in Lung Prabang.

9 Laos Is One Of The Safest Countries In Asia

View of Buddha Park In Laos
Photo by Aaron Spray
View of Buddha Park In Laos

Laos is one of the safest countries in the world for solo travelers who must consider safety when visiting a place. One will always feel very comfortable exploring almost any part of the country, even at night. However, just like any other tourist spot, one will experience things like pickpocketing and being scammed. But it’s nothing to put off someone exploring this charming Asian nation. It is also advisable to walk with a trusted friend or other travelers to enhance safety. For accommodation, book a room at Salana Boutique Hotel, which centrally puts vacationers in Vientiane.

8 Laos Is Home To A Diverse Cultural Heritage And Breathtaking Natural Beauty

Demon Head At Buddha Park in Laos
Photo by Aaron Spray
Demon Head At Buddha Park in Laos

One of the top reasons to travel and spend some time in Laos is its rich cultural heritage and beautiful natural scenery, making it among the best destinations for eco-travel to add to a travel checklist. From gorgeous temples to delicious food, Laos’ culture always has something new to experience, and the fact that it’s undiscovered makes it even more interesting to explore. To the north side, vacationers will find some of the most stunning natural wonders, including lush forests, waterfalls, and rolling hills. One of the top hotels to book is Eastin Hotel Vientiane.

7 Laos’s Laid-Back Atmosphere Is Perfect For Relaxation

Inside The Pak Ou Caves In Laos
Photo By Aaron Spray
Inside The Pak Ou Caves In Laos

Laos’ incredibly laid-back atmosphere is one of the reasons it is a beloved destination among some tourists. The locals do their things slowly, which means no one rushes to bus schedules to open a hotel or a restaurant or even to serve. This is one of the things travelers must know before deciding to visit this beautiful country. While this may not be an interesting feature to some visitors, especially those from places like New York, who are used to doing their things on time, the laid-back atmosphere offers a relaxing vacation, which is exactly what other people need when they take a break from their usual routines. Located in the heart of the Laos Capital, SureStay Hotel by Best Western Vientiane offers an epic stay.

6 Laos Is Home To Some Of The Most Breathtaking Waterfalls In Asia

Laos, Asia
Photo by Simon Berger on Unsplash
A waterfall in Laos, Asia

Every adventure enthusiast loves chasing waterfalls, and Laos is one of the places to find some of the most impressive of these natural wonders. Kuang Si Falls is among the most stunning waterfalls in the country and is definitely a reason on its own to fly to Laos because it guarantees an unforgettable adventure. The waterfall is huge and makes a perfect spot for swimming, thanks to the availability of magnificent blue lagoons. Other waterfalls to check out in Laos include Tad Sae and Li Phi Waterfalls. Spend travel nights in Rosewood Luang Prabang, a charming resort with 23 stylish rooms to choose from.

Related: Swim In Kuang Si Falls, One Of Laos' Most scenic Natural Pools

5 Laos Is Home To A Bustling Art Scene

Vientiane, Laos
Photo by Rob te Braake on Unsplash
Gold Buddha statue in Vientiane, Laos

Laos is a beloved destination for its vibrant art scene, which tourists can explore in many forms. One can choose to visit its traditional temples to see some unique art or visit some of the best art venues in the country. For an unforgettable art experience, travelers should explore Luang Prabang, which is a good spot to shop for handicrafts, including fabrics and jewelry. Night markets are perfect spots to see some of the most impressive forms of art, with Night Market being one of the unmissable spots. Vientiane is another art destination to explore in Laos. One of the best art areas to visit in the city is the Vientiane Museum of Contemporary Arts. Enjoy a memorable stay in Sofitel Luang Prabang, one of the best luxury hotels in Laos.

4 Laos’ Locals Are Incredibly Friendly

Canoes on a beach in Laos
Via: Unsplash
Canoes on a beach in Laos

Laos residents are famous for being one of the warmest and most welcoming people in Asia. Whether one meets them at a beach, a hotel, or a restaurant, they are always friendly and easy to be around. The locals are quick to help strangers, and travelers will enjoy interacting with them. When strolling down some of its most charming streets, it is very easy to find the locals holding parties and inviting almost everyone to join and have a good time. Green Park Boutique Hotel puts visitors right in the heart of Vientiane, giving access to some of the city’s top tourist attractions.

3 Laos Is An Affordable Destination

Wat Phu, Champasak, Laos
Photo 27759517 © Jaume Juncadella | Dreamstime.com
Wat Phu, Champasak, Laos

Laos is one of the most affordable destinations in Asia, making it a wonderful option for budget tourists. While it is always overlooked because of the surrounding countries like Cambodia and Thailand, it is stunning and comes with a lot to offer guests, too. From breathtaking architecture to unique temples to amazing culture and fascinating history, vacationers can never fall short of things to see and do in Laos. Almost everything is cheaper, including transportation, food, accommodation, and activities and excursions. Hotel prices can be as low as $5 and sometimes below $2 if one is willing to share a dorm with other vacationers. Eating a sumptuous three-course meal can cost just over $7 in a good restaurant. Being one of the most green countries in the continent, Laos is one of the most affordable destinations to sustainably travel to. Book a room at the Riva Vientiane Hotel, which is only Laos National Museum.

2 Laos Has An Amazing Culinary Scene, Which Is Also Adventurous

 a cafe in Laos, Asia
Photo by Aor Chanthachak on Unsplash
A plate of food on a wooden table in a cafe in Laos, Asia

Thailand is always famous around the world for its incredible gastronomic scene, especially the street food in Bangkok. Cambodia, on the other hand, is known for being one of the most epic and adventurous places in Southeast Asia. Laos beats these destinations for offering an incredible blend of delicious and adventurous culinary experiences. The country offers a unique combination of delicious dishes that travelers may never get a chance to taste anywhere else in the world. Vang Vieng Diamond Resort is an amazing place to stay and offers access to some of the best points of interest, including Blue Lagoon.

Related: 10 Most Beautiful Countries In Southeast Asia You Should Visit

1 Laos Has Some Of The Most Spectacular Sunsets In Southeast Asia

Laos, Asia
Photo by Swapnil kulkarni on Unsplash
A person fishing for sunrays in Laos

Laos offers some of the most spectacular sunset views, and vacationers can enjoy the experience from many spots, including some of the most scenic rivers in Luang Prabang. Watching sunsets is one of the romantic things to do in Luang Prabang, and it gives couples a chance to create unforgettable memories. Apart from scenic rivers, visitors can enjoy breathtaking sunsets by taking a sunset cruise in some hotels and from mountains, such as Mount Phousi. Villa Maly Boutique Hotel places guests in the middle of the city.