Introduction
Laos offers travelers an unparalleled glimpse of traditional Southeast Asian life. From the fertile lowlands of the Mekong River valley to the rugged Annamite highlands, Laos is the new tourist destination of South-East Asia. For the adventurous, the hilly nature of the country makes it perfect trekking territory. Mountain biking is the next best way to take advantage of the terrain; there are bikes for hire in Vientiane and Luang Prabang. On Don Khon, an island in the Mekong River, go for an interesting walk across the southern tip of the island, if you are lucky you might see Irrawaddy dolphins in the late afternoon between December and May.

Tourist Attractions of Laos
Vientiane
Located on a bend in the Mekong River this capital city sits amid fertile alluvial plains. Vientiane (pronounced 'Wieng Chan' by the locals) is a laid-back city with a number of interesting wats and lively markets. The most important national monument in Laos is Pha That Luang (the Great Sacred Stupa), symbol of both Buddhism and Lao sovereignty. Also, visit Wat Pha Kaew, a former royal temple now a museum, and Wat Si Saket, the oldest temple in Vientiane. A collection of compelling Buddhist and Hindu sculptures Xieng Khuan is located in a meadow, 24km south of Vientiane. You can eat at cafes, street stalls, beer halls or restaurants that offer everything from rice noodles to filet mignon. For good Lao meals, try the Dong Palan Night Market on the east bank of the Nong Chan ponds. Entertainment ranges from live music and discos usually electrified Lao folk music or Western pop to Thai, Chinese, Indian and even Bulgarian films. Go for Tribal crafts, fabrics, jewellery and furniture in Vientiane.

Luang Prabang
This city's main tourist attractions are its historic temples - 32 of the original 66 built before French colonization with lovely surroundings encircled by mountains at the confluence of the Khan and Mekong rivers. Sights include the Royal Palace Museum, Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Wisunlat. Explore the Famous Pak Ou caves just 25km along the Mekong River. Some of them are filled with Buddha images, while 29km south of the town are the beautiful Kuang Si waterfalls.

Bolaven Plateau
Bolaven Plateau a highly fertile area and home to Laven tribespeople who grow coffee, fruit, cardamom and rattan here. The plateau also displays the culture of Mon-Khmer in Alak, Katu, Ta-oy and Suay villages. Katu and Alak groups live in circles of thatched houses and are known for their yearly buffalo sacrifice, the centerpiece of some spectacular ceremonies. The plateau also has some lovely waterfalls Tat Lo plunges into a large pool that is gorgeous for swimming.

Ho Chi Minh Trail
For those interested in war history, the Ho Chi Minh Trail is a network of dirt paths and gravel roads running parallel to the Laos-Vietnam border. The trail was used by the North Vietnamese in the Vietnam War and by the Viet Minh against the French in the 1950s. The trail is remote but you will see helicopters, fighter planes and a whole heap of other war junk. The closest town is Sepon, about 600km southeast of Vientiane.

Plain of Jars
The mysterious Plain of Jars is an undeveloped area near Phonsavan in Xieng Khuang Province where huge jars of unknown origin are scattered, the biggest weighing as much as six tonnes (6.6 tons). The jars have been fashioned from solid stone, which doesn't seem to have come from the area. Collectors have taken many of the smaller jars away, but there are still several hundred in the five major groups. Thong Hai Hin, the biggest and most accessible site, has two pavilions and toilets, as well as the largest jar on the plain.

Ecotourism in Laos
Laos has one of the pristine ecological systems in south East Asia. An estimated half of its woodland consists of primary forests particularly the tropical rain forests. Laos intends to position itself a unique travel destination for Eco-Tourism. Phongsaly Travel by boat and on foot from village to village to see its hill tribe people lives and landscape.Luang Namtha Namtha protected forest area contains dense forested land rich with wildlife such as guar, banteng, Asian wild dog, bear, gibbon and clouded leopard.Bokeo The most popular soft adventure trip is boating to Luang Prabang along Mekong River. You can explore the region along the Mekong River as there are villages and hills offering walking tours.Oudomsay Near Muang Say district, there are fine waterfalls. Oudomsay offers hiking to hill tribe villages, forest covered hills, river boating, etc.Sayabouri This is the land of agriculture and timer extraction. In the north and west Sayabouri has un-discovered hills higher than 1000 meters with thick forests.Luang Prabang famous for boating, excursion to waterfalls, caves and hill tribe villages.Huaphanh is famous for the Limestone Mountains and caves which were homes to the Lao people's revolution. Huaphanh offers travel to such historical places, hiking into its dense forests and visiting villages. Home to the three highest peaks in Laos, Xieng Khouang offer a great opportunity of outdoor traveling. Nam Ngum bio-diversity protected area surrounding the Nam Ngum Dam Lake has significant amount of flora and fauna. High mountain peaks and rich rain forest offer good hiking and camping. Borikhamsay Nam Thuen protected forest area to the south of Lak Xao district contains rich forests and wildlife. A very good place for jungle hiking.Khammouane is famous for its fine caves. Some are deep and never been explored. Boating into the caves is one wonderful activity.Champassack This areas offer dense forest and animal life. There are remains of ancient Khmer stone temples there. Irrawaddy dolphins can be viewed in Mekong River near Khong Island. River boating, excursion to waterfalls, etc. are popular. Tad Lo area offers trekking, river rafting and boating, elephant riding, etc. There are a few good guesthouses there. There are waterfalls, jungles to explore, etc.

Sekong and Attapeu provinces have rich rain forests which are mostly untouched.