Fun Things to Do in Laos with Kids

Laos with kids delivers a lot of adventure at an affordable price. As one of Asia’s least populated countries, Laos offers plenty of wide open spaces as well as beautiful scenery and a laid-back populace. Lao people love children, so families will feel quite welcome here. Let’s explore six fun things to do on family vacation in Laos.

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1. Climb and play at Buddha Park.

Buddha Park was built in 1958 by an imaginative monk named Bunleua Sulilat. It includes several impressive, large sculptures of both Hindu and Buddhist deities. The central attraction is a large concrete dome that can be entered from the bottom. Once inside, you can spiral up to the top, viewing various sculptures depicting aspects of creation, heaven and hell. The highest point is a bit harrowing, far above the ground with no guard rails, but the view of the park is breathtaking.

There is a lot of space for children to run around at the park, and an outdoor restaurant for a snack break. Entrance to the park is extremely affordable. Buddha Park is on the outer edge of Vientiane, close to the Laos/Thailand border crossing. 

2. Shop markets in Laos.

Wandering through markets in Laos will give your family a glimpse into the Lao way of life. Fresh markets, like the Morning Market in Luang Prabang, are bursting with all sorts of colorful fruits, vegetables, spices, fish, and other foods. Shop for souvenirs of your Laos family vacation at Luang Prabang’s Night Market, where you’ll find toys, jewelry, handicrafts, clothing and more. For a taste of traditional Lao cuisine, head to Vangthong Evening Food Market in Vientiane to get your fill of goodies like gayoor toort (deep-fried spring rolls) and khao lam (sticky rice and coconut cream grilled inside bamboo).

3. Visit an elephant sanctuary.

Elephants are considered the National Animal of Laos. The Lao people revere elephants as a symbol of luck and strength. While you can find places to ride elephants in Laos, this practice is considered unethical and should be avoided. Instead, view and interact with elephants at one of the elephant sanctuaries in Laos.

Elephant Conservation Center

View the world’s largest land mammals from 12 different observation stations in a natural forest near a lake at the Elephant Conservation Center in Sayaboury. Find this sanctuary about two hours from Luang Prabang.

Mekong Elephant Park

Choose from a variety of experiences with rescued elephants at the Mekong Elephant Park in the remote village of Pakbeng. You can view their playful bath time in the Mekong River, or walk alongside the animals during a forest trek.

Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary

You can touch, feed, and even help bathe elephants at the Vang Vieng Elephant Sanctuary. Half-day and full-day tours are available at this wildlife center, located about two hours from Vientiane.

4. Learn important lessons at the COPE Visitor Centre.

For a thought-provoking experience, bring your kids to the COPE Visitor Centre to learn about Lao history and effects of war on the country. The COPE Center (Cooperative Orthotic and Prosthetic Enterprise) provides prosthetics and mobility devices for those in need, on a “pay what you can” basis. 

Laos was the most heavily bombed country in the history of warfare. Its unfortunate geography left Laos stuck in the middle of the Vietnam-U.S. War. Unexploded Ordinances, or UXO, continue to be a problem in Laos even today. 

At COPE Museum, you will see deactivated UXO on display in artful arrangements and learn about the programs offered by the non-profit organization. Your family can also explore a replica of a typical Lao house and try out some wheelchairs and tricycles designed specifically for developing countries.

The gift shop offers handicrafts and COPE t-shirts and books, the proceeds all going to the cause. Visit the ice cream stand before leaving!

5. Go fishing in Laos with kids.

Fishing is an important part of life in Laos. In fact, fish makes up 48 percent of the population’s protein intake. Learn the art of net and rod fishing like a local during a half-day guided tour in Luang Prabang on Nam Ou River. You’ll learn about the importance of fishing to the Lao culture and economy. And, you will feast on your own fresh caught fish, which is grilled and served with traditional sticky rice. (Participants must be aged 6+.) Sign up for your Laos fishing tour via Viator now! 

6. Explore Patuxay Victory Monument.

Modeled after the Arch de Triumph in France, Patuxay Victory Monument in Vientiane, was built in the 1960s. It was purportedly built out of cement donated by the U.S. for the intended use of building an airport. This legend has earned Patuxay the snarky nickname, “The Vertical Runway.”

The admission price is minimal, and the climb to the top of the monument gives you an excellent birds-eye view of downtown Vientiane. As you climb, you can leisurely shop for souvenirs like t-shirts and handicrafts, displayed on three different levels of the structure. Afterwards, explore the surrounding park where many locals come to exercise in the evenings.

Why visit Laos with kids?

Aside from the cost of airfare, the rest of your trip to Laos with kids will typically be extremely affordable. Although the destination may seem very exotic to Western families, the welcoming Lao people will make you feel right at home.

Explore more of Asia!

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Would you like to visit Laos with kids? Let us know in the comments below!

Candice Kilpatrick Brathwaite is a world traveling mother of three. Previously a teacher, she now works as a writer, marketer, community manager, social media consultant, and social asset manager. Before moving to New York City, she lived in Asia for 10 years, including several years in Laos. Candice writes about her family travel adventures at MomMostTraveled.com.

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