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The Museum is housed in a historic building at the foot of Phousi Hill next to Dara Market.

Many Americans are aware of the devastation caused by the Vietnam War, but perhaps more harrowing was the U.S. involvement in Laos. In an effort to halt the spread of Communism in Southeast Asia, American forces carried out 580,000 bombing missions in Laos between 1964 and 1973, dropping more than 2 million ordnances—the equivalent of a planeload of bombs every eight minutes nonstop for nine years. According to some estimates, one third of the country is still plagued with UXO, or unexploded ordnances. At the UXO Laos Visitor Center, a little south of the heart of the city, guests can view weapons displays and learn more about the offensive, how Laos became the most heavily bombed country per capita in history, and how the country continues to deal with the effects of the bombings to this day.

The so-called “roof of Thailand”, Doi Inthanon National Park is dominated by its eponymous peak: At 8,400 feet, it’s the highest mountain in the country. Scaling it is a must for many visitors, and the view is well worth climbing for—and the nearly 300 square miles of national park are home to the largest variety of bird species in the country. Follow hiking trails through thick jungle to idyllic clearings and crystalline waterfalls. Highlights of the park include Wachirathan Falls, a beautiful cascade that flows down a granite escarpment, and Mae Klang Luang waterfall, which benefits from a relatively easy accessibility that makes it a big favorite for day trips.

The most popular natural attraction in the area around Luang Prabang, this three-tiered set of falls offers a picturesque outing, with trails meandering through the jungle and turquoise pools scattered about. While it’s indeed very touristy, the area is large enough that you can still enjoy moments of solitude away from the crowds, especially when floating in the water and listening to the falls. An entrance ticket also grants visitors access to the on-site bear sanctuary, which is home to black bears rescued from traffickers.

Like the more famous Buddha Park just over the Mekong River near Vientiane, this sculpture park is both weird and wonderful. Built over a period of 20 years by Luang Pu, a mystic, the part features an array of gigantic sculptures ablaze with Buddhist imagery. Also compelling is the central shrine building where Luang Pu’s body lies under a glass dome ringed by flashing lights.