If a picture is worth a 1000 words, then I bet panoramic shots are worth a lot more. I absolutely love panoramic shots, especially of picturesque landscapes. Sometimes you just can’t see the full beauty of the place with a single shot. In our recent trip to Southern Laos, I couldn’t help but take lots of panoramic photos, thanks to the feature on our iPhone. While I wish I took a lot more, here are a few panoramic photos that might persuade you to visit Southern Laos.
Enjoy!
Wat Phu / Vat Phou
This is a photo of the lake just at the base of Wat Phu, which is a ruined Khmer temple complex and a UNESCO world heritage site.
Walking along the causeway path and up the stairs, we turned back and saw this view of the Wat Phu complex. If you look closely, you can see the temple ruins on either side of the tree in the middle.
Phou Salao viewpoint
Perched on top of a hill, overlooking the Mekong river, the Lao-Nippon Bridge and town of Pakse is Wat Phou Salao. Over here you’ll find a giant Buddha statue and numerous smaller ones. There is also a beautiful temple. The view up here is pretty fascinating as you can see.
The viewpoint is easily accessible from town. You can either take a car, a motorbike or if you are fit enough, hike up the mountain.
Khone Phapheng Falls
If there is one thing you need to see while in southern Laos, it’s the Khone Phapheng waterfall. It is the largest waterfall in all of Southeast Asia. That was a surprising fact for us at first but once you are there and witness the monstrous raging rapids of the Mekong river, it’s easy to see why that is.
Don Det
Don Det is one of the 4000 archipelago islands in the Mekong river. We stayed one night a beautiful hotel with a sunset view, overlooking the river and other islands.
Li Phi / Tat Somphamit Waterfalls
After crossing over to Don Khon from Don Det, we explored the Li Phi aka Somphamit waterfalls. It is one of the highlights of the 4000 islands.
You may not be able to tell from the photos, but the roaring rapids from the Mekong river coming down the inlets and through the rocks makes it a magnificent sight to behold.
Tad Gneuang waterfall
This was probably one of the most epic and awe-inspiring spots we visited on our trip through Southern Laos. It felt like we were in a scene from Lord of the Rings or Game of Thrones. The sheer natural beauty is just amazing.
I have to break my panoramic shots to show you how beautiful and majestic the waterfall here really is.
Sinouk Coffee Resort
Did you know Laos is also known for its production of coffee? Neither did we. They mainly produce Robusta and Arabica, usually at high altitudes like the Bolaven Plateau. It is the country’s fifth largest export product.
Here we visited the Sinouk coffee resort where you can stay and discover how they make their coffee.
Tad Hang Waterfall
Another gorgeous waterfall worth visiting in southern Laos. This one is part of a total of 3 waterfalls in Salavanh province.
In this area, you’ll find guesthouses and resorts in traditional-style architecture. There’s also a very cute village around the corner across a small bridge.
Have questions or comments about any of these places, feel free to leave them below.
These panoramic shots are amazing! You’ve really captured the beauty of Southern Laos.
Thanks Gary! Wish we took a lot more. Did you notice you were in one of them btw? hahaha
We absolutely love this idea of telling your story with panoramas! Also, great writing – you indeed captured Southern Laos perfectly, in both imagery as written word!
awww guys you’re too kind. I felt it was a bit lazy writing though but yes, soon as I saw the beautiful landscapes, I knew I had to show it all in pano mode. I might make it a thing for all the destinations I visit.
Amazing! Panorama shots really do much more justice to a moment you might have experienced, than a regular snap. Plus, anywhere that can be compared to Middle Earth is a place worth experiencing.
For sure man. Thanks for making our trip more memorable also. See you soon in Bangkok!
oh wow so beautiful beta.