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The land of a million elephants, Laos, not only attracts tourists with its unique culture or peaceful, enchanting atmosphere, but also catches the eye with its majestic nature and poetic scenery. Popular tourist destinations in Laos easily climb to the top of social media trends. If you are a photography enthusiast, Laos is a perfect paradise for you to unleash your creativity with breathtakingly beautiful photos.
Let's take a look at the places not to be missed for "lifetime" photos in Laos!
Laos is a perfect paradise to unleash your creativity. (Source: Voyage au Laos)
Opening hours: 9 AM to 5.30 PM
Entrance fee: 20.000 kip (prices may vary depending on time).
The Nam Xay viewpoint is one of Laos’s most iconic viewpoints. This is about 8 kilometers from Vang Vieng town center. To get to Nam Xay Viewpoint, visitors have to climb about 300 meters for about 45 minutes on a steep and rocky road.
Nam Xay Viewpoint, Vang Vieng. (Source: BucketListLy Blog)
With a viewing platform and a curiously placed motorbike at the summit, the viewpoint is a fantastic place to take in the best of Laos’ beauty and capture some epic photographs. Nam Xay Viewpoint is also one of the beautiful sunset viewing spots in Vang Vieng.
How to get there: The easiest way to get from Vang Vieng to the Nam Xay viewpoint is by road. You can rent a motorcycle or get a tuk-tuk in Vang Vieng, then go across the Namsong Bridge exiting Vang Vieng, which costs a fee of 12.000 kip (prices are subject to change).
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One of Laos’s most iconic viewpoints. (Source: Discover Laos)
Opening hours: 6 AM to 4 PM
Vieng Tara Villa is an ideal retreat when visiting Vang Vieng, thanks to its convenient location, just a 10-minute walk from the city center. This luxurious resort impresses with its traditional villas amidst rice paddies, offering a peaceful and unique rural experience in Laos. Each room boasts a view of the lush green fields. Guests can capture the most beautiful photos when the rice fields are lush green or golden, especially in August and September, when the rains bring nature to life.
This unique scene has earned the nickname "inland Maldives". (Source:View Retreats)
However, you will have to be a guest of Vieng Tara Villa to check-in at this location. Nevertheless, besides accommodation services, this villa also has a restaurant and a cafe within its premises. To minimize costs, you can opt for a cup of coffee here and enjoy the most poetic and peaceful scenery.
How to get there: You can easily get here by any means of transportation, as Vieng Tara Villa is very close to the center of Vang Vieng.
For the most Instagram-worthy photos, plan your trip during rice season. (Source: We Dream of Travel)
Read more: UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5 PM
Entrance fee: 40.000 kip (prices may vary depending on time).
Wat Xieng Khuan is the largest and most unique Buddha statue park in the “Land of a Million Elephants," Laos. It displays hundreds of Buddha statues with unique and creative designs. This is an ideal space for you to admire unique works of art as well as find peace and relaxation in your soul.
The largest Buddha Park in Laos. (Source: Newway Travel)
The best spot for photography here is on top of the giant pumpkin structure, which stands about three stories high. The entrance is crafted to look like a demon’s mouth (about three meters high), with a stone ladder inside leading to a bird's-eye view of the entire Xieng Khuan Park. However, every corner of the park is attractive and eye-catching.
How to get there: Wat Xieng Khuan is 25 kilometers southeast from Vientiane. From Vientiane, you can catch the number 14 bus to Buddha Park or hire a tuk tuk.
Travelers can enter through the giant mouth and explore its religious significance. (Source: Kensho Quest)
Opening hours: 8 AM to 7 PM
Entrance fee: from 663.000 kip (prices may vary depending on time).
Rock Viewpoint is a new tourist destination in Laos, attracting many adventurous tourists. This hidden gem is a project of Green Discovery Lao. Here, travelers will experience the feeling of hanging on limestone cliffs and admiring the breathtaking scenery. You will also experience trekking, climbing, and zip-lining.
The Rock Viewpoint. (Source: Discover Laos)
As one of the top tourist attractions in Khammouane Province, Laos, The Rock Viewpoint helps tourists immerse themselves in nature. This is definitely a destination for all outdoor enthusiasts.
How to get there: The Rock Viewpoint is located in Phou Hin Boun National Protected Area, Khammouane Province, Laos. From Vientiane, it takes tourists about 4-5 hours by bus or car to get here. If you are in Khammouane Province, it only takes about 2-3 hours.
The Rock Viewpoint will satisfy both explorers and photography enthusiasts. (Source: Discover Laos)
Opening hours: 6 AM to 4 PM
Entrance fee: 20.000 kip (prices may vary depending on time).
Pha Deang Peak, also known as the Nong Khiaw Viewpoint, should be on the must-visit places in Luang Prabang or Laos, as this is the most scenic one of all the viewpoints in Nong Khiaw. This photogenic place is located in the town of Nong Khiaw, a small tranquil village on the banks of Nam Ou River in northern Laos.
If you're researching a trip to Laos, you've probably seen this photo more than once. (Source: Trace Directe)
It takes about 2 hours to climb to the top of Pha Daeng Peak via the trail, however, this area is warned to have unexploded bombs left from the war. But don't miss this place because when you arrive, you will be greeted by majestic mountains covered in a sea of clouds and the town slowly coming into view. This stunning scenery will be an unforgettable highlight of your journey.
How to get there: Pha Deang Peak can be reached from Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, Sam Neua, or Muang Khua. Travelers can consider hiring a taxi as it is about 150 kilometers (3-hour drive) from Luang Prabang.
Have a panoramic view of the entire town from this viewpoint. (Source: Brunette at Sunset)
Opening hours: 8 AM to 5.30 PM
Entrance fee: 20.000 - 60.000 kip (prices may vary depending on time).
Kuang Si Falls is considered a green pearl in the country of a million elephants, Laos. This place captivates visitors with its beautiful natural swimming pool, with layered stone steps and clear jade green water at the bottom, hidden in the middle of the wild and majestic jungle.
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Kuang Si Falls, the green pearl in Laos. (Source: The Common Wanderer)
Beyond the main falls, adventurous travelers can venture along small wooden bridges for breathtaking views. A moderate 15-minute climb up the wooden steps on the left side will lead you to the top of the falls. Following the left side of the wooden stairs, you will be led to the top of the waterfall. It will take about 15 minutes to reach the top, but the panoramic view will leave you in awe.
How to get there: You can reach the falls either by private transport, tuk-tuk, motorcycle, or even a bicycle. However, as Kuang Si Falls is approximately 30 kilometers from Luang Prabang, private transport would be the most comfortable option.
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Admiring the serene green falls. (Source: ManifaTravel)
Many of the places on this list require trekking or climbing, so the best time to visit is from November to March. This is also the dry season in Laos, when the weather is coolest and there is less rain. Outside of these months, it can be very hot and especially humid, making exploration difficult. You'll also enjoy taking photos more if you don't feel exhausted after the trip.
For viewpoints like Nam Xay or Pha Deang, the best time of day to visit is early morning. If you get up early, you'll be rewarded with a foggy scene at the summit that will gradually disappear as the sun rises. The morning light is also softer and warmer in tone, creating images with beautiful and vibrant colors. This softer light also helps to reduce harsh shadows. The fresh morning air also contributes to clearer and sharper images.
For those who want to admire the sunset, be very careful, as the trip down will be more difficult in the dark.
Each moment offers a unique beauty. (Source: Brunette at Sunset)
With these photogenic locations in mind, let's explore some tips for a flawless trip:
Dress appropriately: While it's tempting to wear your best outfit for Instagram photos, consider the practicality of your clothing for trekking, especially at viewpoints. Sturdy hiking shoes or shoes with good grip are recommended. For religious sites like Buddha Park, dress modestly and respectfully.
Bring plenty of water: Exploring for 1-2 hours can be tiring, so make sure to stay hydrated by carrying water.
Do your research: It would be a shame to visit these Instagram-worthy locations without capturing great photos. Check out social media for inspiration and ideas on how to pose and frame your shots.
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Don't miss these things if you want to get beautiful shots. (Source: Mog and Dog Travels)
Laos is a stunning destination for your next vacation, with countless breathtaking spots to capture those perfect moments. Beyond the places mentioned, there's still so much more to discover in this enchanting land. Hopefully, this article will inspire you to pack your bags and embark on an unforgettable adventure.
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