Located at the country’s southernmost point, the Si Phan Done region – literally “the region of the four thousand islands” – is a series of islets on the Mekong River. The river is more than 14 km side at this point, forming a river archipelago and branches, before flowing over the border into Cambodia. Most of the islands are uninhabited and rarely, if ever, visited. When the Mekong floods, half are submerged. The region is renowned for its natural beauty and some of the best sunsets in Laos. Si Phan Don has three principal inhabited islands: Don Khong, Don Det and Don Khone, each with its own distinct culture and character. Don Det and Don Khon are the main tourist islands, and they are connected by an old stone bridge built in the French period. Don Khong is the largest and northern-most of the 4,000 islands, and the capital of Khong District and as such, the logical base for trips to the rest of the islands. Cycling trips are very popular due to mainly flat terrain and the short time it takes to get from place to place. The best-known natural landmark in Si Phan Don is the Khone Phapheng waterfalls, the ‘Niagara of Southeast Asia’, said to be the widest in the region. Another favorite activity is to take a longtail boat in search of Irrawaddy dolphins. Critically endangered, there is only a handful of them thought to still live in the waterways of Si Phan Don, but a pod can still sometimes spotted.

Huay Xai is a border town in Laos, a popular entry point from Thailand into Laos and the starting point of a two-day boat trip to Luang Prabang. Huay Xai boasts scenic landscapes, limestone formations, and rural villages, making it an ideal destination for outdoor activities such as trekking, cycling, and river-related activities. From Huay Xai, take a 3-hour-drive to Nam Kan National Park for the Gibbon Experience, a unique eco-tourism adventure and a chance to explore lush jungles while zipping through the trees. The experience also includes trekking, camping, and wildlife watching. Most people who join the Gibbon Experience don’t actually come to see gibbons, as its about more than wildlife spotting. Hike or zip line through Nam Kan National Park and  sleep in magical treehouses are favorite ones.

Luang Prabang is a small but vibrant town in the heart of northern Laos. It is adorably picturesque with glittering temples, a mix of traditional Lao wooden houses and hints of European architecture, colorful markets and quaint streets famous for the daily sunrise alms giving ritual where food is offered to the monks. Luang Prabang’s picture postcard image includes French-style cafés, bakeries, restaurants and former French villas with green shutters, the town is a fascinating legacy to when Laos was part of French Indochina. This town is one of the most favorite destinations in Laos, this place has a lot to offer, from dozens of temples, stunning waterfalls, French colonial architecture, bustling night markets to river cruises. On the outskirts are vibrant rice fields and traditional local villages. Luang Prabang was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1995, and it is also the birthplace of numerous Laotian rituals.

As Laos's second-largest city, Pakse lies in the south in Champasak Province, far from Luang Prabang and Vientiane. It is known for its proximity to the Bolaven Plateau, one of Southeast Asia’s most distinctive coffee-growing areas, graced with a remarkable mountainous terrain and stunning waterfalls. Travel another 46 km south of Pakse to Vat Phou, one of the most important sights in Laos. Literally meaning “Mountain Temple,” Vat Phou is a multi-level structure built on the slopes of the adjacent mountain, dating back to the Angkor period from the 9th to 13th centuries CE. The upper platform of the temple affords a wonderful view of the Mekong. Much like southern Laos itself, Pakse is characterized by a feeling that time has passed it by. This compact small town is easy to explore on foot. A visit to the famous Dao Heuang market and a sunset view on the Mekong River should not be missed.

Vang Vieng, in central Laos, is midway between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. The small town is located in a truly beautiful area, surrounded by limestone karsts and rice fields, a river, and some nearby caves. What was once a party town, is now the adventure capital of Laos. From rock climbing to kayaking, hiking and mountain biking, as well as the blue lagoons, this is a town with tons to offer the adventure-seeking travelers. Vang Vieng is home to some of the most scenic motorbike routes in Asia which is one of the best ways to see all the sights. Rent a motorbike and drive the loop snaking past blue lagoons 1, 2 and 3, through local villages, past rice fields and stunning scenery, as well as many photo viewpoints. The road is tarmacked until it becomes a dirt track. The best time to visit Vang Vieng is between October to February, when the weather is not hot, and the humidity is manageable. The Nam Song River, lakes and small waterfalls will be in full flow after the rainfall.

Vientiane is one of the most laid-back capital cities in Southeast Asia. Unlike the bustling streets and concrete jungles of other capital cities like Bangkok and Hanoi, Vientiane feels more like a small quiet town than a capital city. Since it appears relatively untouched by modernisation, with distinctly low-rise architecture and modest urbanization, numerous tree-lined boulevards, the city receives far fewer tourists than its neighboring counterparts. Situated in the bend of the Mekong River, close to the Thai border, Vientiane was virtually destroyed by the Siamese army in the 1820s after an unsuccessful rebellion. When Laos was incorporated into French Indochina (the Indochinese Union) in 1893, the French colonists redesigned Vientiane; hence the French influences around every corner, such as with tree-lined streets, wide boulevards and quaint cafes ideal for people watching. Despite the city having less famous sights to see, Vientiane is best appreciated for its laidback atmosphere, French colonial architecture and smattering of revered Buddhist temples.

Located on the Nam Ou River, Nong Khiaw is an explorer’s paradise offering incredible scenery and outdoor activities. It is considered one of the most picturesque spots in Laos due to its outstanding natural beauty. The surrounding mountains are riddled with caves where villagers sheltered from American bombing in the 1960s and 1970s, and the area is now ideal for hiking, exploring to waterfalls, biking, kayaking, caving, and visiting local Khmer minority villages famous for bamboo and rattan weaving. For a more gentle and relaxing time, opt to stroll around the visit its historic temple in the center, or have a blissful massage or herbal steam bath at one of the small local spas.

Sitting on the banks of Nam Ou River, Muang Ngoy (Muang Ngoi Neua) is an idyllic village. Only reachable by boat since 2013, this village, against a backdrop of majestic karst limestone mountains, has witnessed some rapid development due to the influx of tourism, yet has managed to retain its rural quaintness. There is plenty to do in and around Muang Ngoi, from hiking to admiring great panoramic views, enchanting caves, beautiful waterfalls and local villages to kayaking on Nam Ou River, exploring beaches and small islands downstream. For a more in depth understanding of local Lao culture and agritourism, a visit to Yensabai Organic Farm is highly recommended. Located on the way to Tad Mook waterfalls, hidden between beautiful rice fields, this farm focuses on sustainable living in all its forms. The best time to visit Muang Ngoi Neau is from November to March. Outside these months, it can get very hot and wet. Northern Laos can receive up to 600 ml of water per square meter in July and August every year.