What to see in Laos and Myanmar? Hidden gems of Indochina

In the heart of Southeast Asia, far from the neon lights of Bangkok and the bustle of Saigon, lie two nations that seem to have stopped the clock. Laos, the land of a million elephants, and Myanmar (formerly Burma), the land of golden pagodas, represent the purest and most spiritual essence of old Indochina. If you are looking for a journey that not only fills your camera with photos but also transforms your perspective of the world, this itinerary for traveling to Laos and Myanmar is your destination. In this travel guide to Laos and Myanmar, we will explore what to see, what to do and how to navigate these hidden treasures.

Laos: The Refuge of Calm and Nature

Luang Prabang: The Most Beautiful City in Asia

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Luang Prabang is the spiritual heart of Laos. It is a perfect blend of French colonial architecture and Buddhist temples with golden roofs that sweep down to the ground.

• The Tak Bat (Alms-Giving Ceremony): Every morning at dawn, hundreds of monks in saffron robes walk silently through the streets to receive food from the faithful. It is one of the most moving experiences in Asia.
• Wat Xieng Thong: The most emblematic temple, famous for its “Tree of Life” mosaic on the rear façade.
• Kuang Si Waterfalls: Located about 45 minutes from the city, these turquoise waterfalls cascading over limestone tiers are simply heavenly and a must-stop on your holidays in Laos.

Vang Vieng: Adventure among Karst Peaks

Formerly known as a party spot, Vang Vieng has reinvented itself as the center of ecotourism and of excursions in Laos.

• Hot Air Balloon Flights: It is one of the cheapest places in the world to fly in a hot air balloon. Watching the sunrise over the limestone mountains and the Nam Song River is unforgettable.
• Blue Lagoons: There are several “Blue Lagoons” around the town, perfect for swimming in cool waters after exploring nearby caves such as Tham Phu Kham.

 

The Undiscovered South: Si Phan Don (4,000 Islands)

In the far south, the Mekong widens and creates a river archipelago. Here life passes by in hammocks.

• Irrawaddy Dolphins: One of the few places in the world where you can try to spot these rare freshwater dolphins.
• Khone Phapheng Falls: The largest in Southeast Asia by volume of water, a spectacle of the force of nature.

 

Myanmar: The Glow of the Golden Land

Myanmar is possibly the most authentic country in the region. After decades of isolation, traveling to Myanmar and tourism in Myanmar offer a vision of Asia that has disappeared elsewhere: men wearing the traditional longyi and women with their faces decorated with thanaka (a yellowish paste made from tree bark that protects against the sun).

 

Bagan: The Valley of 2,000 Temples

Imagine an endless plain where, wherever you look, there are domes of brick and gold. Bagan is one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the world, on a par with the pyramids of Egypt or Angkor Wat.

• Exploring by E-Bike: The best way to get lost among the temples is to rent an electric scooter. Don’t look only for the big temples (such as Ananda or Dhammayangyi); the small, nameless ones often hold the most beautiful frescoes.
• Mount Popa: An hour from Bagan, this temple built on an ancient volcano is home to the 37 “Nats” (spirits) of Burmese mythology.

Inle Lake: Floating Gardens and Standing Rowers

The Inle Lake is a unique ecosystem where the Intha people have built their houses, gardens and temples directly on the water.

• The Fishermen of Inle: Famous for their unique technique of rowing with one leg while holding a conical net with their hands.
• Indein Pagoda: A complex of hundreds of ancient stupas that seem to emerge from the jungle on the banks of a narrow canal.

Yangon and the Shwedagon Paya

To discover Myanmar, start with its former capital, Yangon: a mix of colonial decay and religious fervor.

• Shwedagon Pagoda: It is the holiest site in the country. A 99-meter-high stupa covered with gold plates and crowned with thousands of diamonds and rubies. Visit it at sunset, when the marble floor cools down and the gold shines with its own light.

Trips that include this destination

Design your trip with this destination

Master Tips for Traveling to Laos and Myanmar

As experts in the Indochina region and in trips through Laos and trips through Myanmar, these are the tips that make the difference between a tourist and a traveler:

Logistics and Connections

There are not many direct flights linking the secondary cities of Laos with those of Myanmar. The best strategy is to use Bangkok (Thailand) as your “hub” of operations. From Bangkok, there are daily, inexpensive flights to Luang Prabang, Yangon and Bagan.

Visas (2026 Update)

• Laos: Most Spanish-speaking countries can obtain the visa for Laos with the online E-visa or the Visa on Arrival upon arrival at the airport (approx. $30-$40 USD).
• Myanmar: The visa for Myanmar mandatorily requires a prior E-visa. It is a simple 3-day process through the official government website. Note: Always check the security situation in Myanmar before traveling, as some border areas may have restrictions.

Money and ATMs

• In Laos: The Kip is the official currency. Although ATMs work, sometimes the withdrawal limit is low. Bring dollars to pay for hotels or large tours.
• In Myanmar: The banking system is more complex. The US dollar is widely accepted, but bills must be new, with no folds, stamps or stains. If a bill is “used,” it will not be accepted.

Health and Food

• Water: If you are worried about food and drink in Laos and Myanmar, never drink tap water. Ice in hotels and restaurants in major cities is usually safe (made with purified water), but in rural areas, avoid it.
• Vaccines: There are no mandatory vaccines, but Hepatitis A and Typhoid are recommended. If you come from a South American country with a risk of yellow fever, you will be asked for the vaccination certificate.

Respect and Cultural Etiquette

Both Laos and Myanmar are deeply conservative and religious countries. By following these travel tips for Laos and Myanmar, you will earn the respect of the locals: to enter any temple, especially in Myanmar, you must cover your shoulders and knees, and in Myanmar you must enter completely barefoot, even without socks. The head is considered the most sacred part of the body, so never touch the head of a child or an adult. To hand over money or a gift, always use your right hand or both hands, since using only the left is considered rude. And have iron patience: in Laos, the concept of time is relative, so if your meal takes 40 minutes, don’t get angry; it is part of the charm of “Lao Time.”

Why Travel with an Expert like Nadova Tours?

Organizing a combined trip through Laos and Myanmar can be a logistical challenge. At Nadova Tours, we design your tailor-made trip to Laos and Myanmar and make sure your only concern is enjoying yourself: we have English-speaking guides who, in countries where English is scarce, are invaluable as local historians; we offer a selection of accommodation ranging from boutique hotels with colonial charm in Luang Prabang to resorts on Inle Lake; and we provide 24/7 support, since we are physically in the region, ready to assist you with any change of plans.

The Jewels Await You

Laos and Myanmar are destinations for those who seek the “Real Asia.” It is a journey that forces you to slow down, to breathe in the incense smoke and to marvel at the genuine smiles of people who, despite hardships, preserve a legendary hospitality. If you are ready to begin your trip to Myanmar and discover these hidden jewels of Indochina in 2026, don’t think twice: the glow of the pagodas’ gold and the turquoise blue of the waterfalls are waiting for you.

Design your trip → Tell us your idea