Laos in Pictures: 23 Free Photos of Luang Prabang and Vientiane

Laos in 23 free photos: the temples of Luang Prabang with their sweeping roofs, gilded carvings and naga dragons, boats on the Mekong, and in the capital Vientiane the golden stupa of Pha That Luang, the Patuxai victory gate, temples, monks and tuk-tuks. Each set of photos has a short note on the place.

Laos at a glance

• Getting there: flights to Vientiane and Luang Prabang, often via Bangkok or Hanoi; a bridge over the Mekong links Vientiane with Thailand.
• Getting around: the high-speed railway links Vientiane, Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang in a few hours; tuk-tuks in the towns.
• Money: Lao kip. Carry cash; US dollars and Thai baht are also often taken.
• When to go: November to February is dry and pleasant. March to May is hot and hazy, and the rains come from June to October.

How to download: click a photo to see it large, then use Download. The originals are about 1200 × 800 pixels: right for blog posts, slides, social media, school projects and video call backgrounds.

Luang Prabang

Luang Prabang, the old royal capital where the Nam Khan river meets the Mekong, is on the UNESCO World Heritage list for its temples and colonial houses. Wat Xieng Thong, from 1560, has roofs that sweep almost to the ground and walls of glass mosaic. At dawn, monks walk the streets to receive sticky rice; watch quietly, from a distance.

Vientiane

Vientiane is one of the calmest capitals in Asia, spread along the Mekong. Pha That Luang, the great golden stupa, is the national symbol of Laos. The Patuxai, a victory gate built in the 1960s, is often called the vertical runway, as it is said to be built with cement meant for an airport; climb it for the view down the avenue.

People of Laos

Children in a village and on the street.

Tips for a first visit

• Climb Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang for the sunset over the Mekong.
• Take a day for the Kuang Si waterfalls near Luang Prabang.
• Cover shoulders and knees in the temples, and never touch a monk if you are a woman.

More about Laos

Laos, officially known as the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, has an area of around 236,000 sq km, (92,000 sq miles) and is located in Southeast Asia. Laos is a landlocked, mountainous country with a population of around 6.5 million. After many years of war and isolation, Laos has become stable and now welcomes foreign visitors.

The capital of Laos is Vientiane, which has a population of around 300,000. The Laos economy has been based on its exports of rice, tobacco and coffee, but in recent years the country has been discovered as a tourist destination. The country’s oldest town is the historic royal city of Luang Prabang, around 500km up river from the capital, and with about 20,0000 inhabitants. Here you will experience a scene of centuries-old monasteries and monks in saffron-coloured robes. The people of Laos are open, friendly and courteous, and visitors receive a warm welcome. The country enjoys a tropical climate and thus most of the year is hot and humid. Laos is well worth exploring with the best time to visit being from November to March. April and May should be avoided as that is the very dry hot season.

What to see in Vientiane: the most prominent sight in the capital is the Patuxai (the arch), a monument with four “gates” reminiscent of European triumphal arches such as the Arc de Triomphe in Paris, the Brandenburg Gate in Berlin, or Marble Arch in London. However this version in Laos was only built in the 1960s using American money. You can go inside and from the top you get excellent views of the city.

Most sights in Laos are to do with Buddhism and are either “stupas” (spiritual monuments, often containing holy relics) built as symbols of enlightenment, usually in the form of a hemisphere, or temples. The most important national monument in Laos is Pha That Luang in Vientiane, a stupa which, according to tradition, is said to contain a piece of the Buddha’s breastbone. Pha That Luang is a well known symbol of the Lao nation. The oldest temple in Vientiane is Wat Si Saket, built in the 1820s on the corner of Th Lan Xang and Th Setthathirat; you can go inside for a fee. You probably won’t be able to miss the stupa called That Dam, as it is situated on a roundabout near the city centre. Once covered in gold, That Dam is believed to be the home of a seven-headed dragon that protects the citizens of the capital.

What to see in the rest of Laos: The UNESCO World Heritage listed town of Luang Prabang in the north of Laos is picturesque and full of beautiful, photogenic golden temples. You can visit the Pac Ou Caves and photograph the Kuang Sii waterfalls.

In the south of Laos there are 4,000 islands and Asia’s biggest waterfall, Khone Phapheng.

Until recently Buddhist monks outnumbered tourists in Laos, and the country is still relatively difficult for travellers, most of which are either backpackers or on organised tours. The majority of roads are still unpaved and travel is mostly by minibus, converted truck or elderly bus. Breakdowns and delays are common, but the journey through quiet and remote villages may be more interesting than official tourist sights, and the laid-back ambience can be appealing. One word of warning: the government of Laos is authoritarian and increasingly oppressive, so you might want to check the political situation before planning a trip.

Discover the Spiritual Heart of Laos in Luang Prabang

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its well-preserved architecture and cultural significance, Luang Prabang exudes a timeless charm that captivates visitors. Here, you can:

• Explore Temples: Wander through the city’s tranquil streets and discover a treasure trove of gilded temples and monasteries, including the iconic Wat Xieng Thong and Wat Mai Suwannaphumaham.
• Alms Giving Ceremony: Rise early to witness the sacred alms-giving ceremony, where Buddhist monks collect offerings of food from devout locals along the streets of Luang Prabang.
• Kuang Si Waterfalls: Embark on a scenic excursion to the breathtaking Kuang Si Waterfalls, where turquoise pools cascade amidst lush tropical forest, providing the perfect setting for a refreshing swim.

Cruise the Mighty Mekong River

The Mekong River, one of Asia’s longest and most legendary waterways, weaves its way through Laos, offering a unique perspective of the country’s rural life and natural beauty. Consider:

• Mekong River Cruises: Embark on a leisurely river cruise along the Mekong, where you can observe traditional villages, limestone cliffs, and verdant landscapes unfold along the riverbanks.
• Pak Ou Caves: Journey upstream to the Pak Ou Caves, a sacred site adorned with thousands of Buddha statues nestled within limestone caverns, offering a glimpse into Laos’ spiritual heritage.
• Don Khone Island: Explore the tranquil island of Don Khone in the picturesque 4,000 Islands region, where time seems to stand still amidst verdant rice paddies and lazy riverine scenery.

Immerse Yourself in Laotian Culture in Vientiane

As the capital city of Laos, Vientiane offers a captivating blend of colonial architecture, vibrant markets, and ancient temples. Here, you can:

• Visit Pha That Luang: Marvel at the grandeur of Pha That Luang, Laos’ national symbol and a magnificent golden stupa that represents Buddhist sovereignty and prosperity.
• Patuxai Monument: Ascend the Patuxai Monument, also known as the “Arc de Triomphe of Vientiane,” for panoramic views of the city and its surroundings.
• Buddha Park: Explore the surreal Buddha Park, located just outside Vientiane, where a collection of eclectic Buddhist and Hindu sculptures awaits amid serene parkland.

Trek Through the Pristine Landscapes of Northern Laos

For adventurous travelers seeking rugged terrain and authentic cultural encounters, Northern Laos beckons with its pristine forests, ethnic hill tribes, and remote villages. Consider:

• Luang Namtha: Embark on a trekking adventure in Luang Namtha Province, where you can hike through dense jungles, interact with ethnic minority communities, and stay in traditional homestays.
• Muang Ngoi Neua: Journey to the remote village of Muang Ngoi Neua, accessible only by boat, where you can experience traditional Lao village life and embark on scenic hikes to nearby caves and waterfalls.
• Nam Ha National Protected Area: Explore the biodiverse landscapes of Nam Ha National Protected Area, a haven for eco-tourism activities such as trekking, kayaking, and wildlife watching.

More free photos

• Vietnam pictures
• Bangkok and Thailand pictures
• Malaysia pictures
• Singapore pictures
• Free temple pictures
• Free tropical backgrounds
• Chiang Mai pictures
• Asia pictures
• Free Buddha pictures

Questions about these Laos photos

Can I use these Laos pictures for free?

Yes, for personal and commercial projects. All we ask is a link back to BigFoto.com; the box at the top of the page has a credit link you can copy.

Can you watch the alms giving in Luang Prabang?

Yes, at dawn along the main street. Stand back and stay quiet, do not use flash, and only take part if you mean it, with rice bought from a proper source.