Laos is a small country in Southeast Asia. This long state is wedged between Thailand and Cambodia in the South. While in the north it shares its border with Vietnam, Burma, and China.
What are the largest cities in Laos?
1. Vientiane, the political capital
The population of Vientiane is estimated to be over 750,000. With an area of 130 square kilometers, its population density is close to 6000 inhabitants per square kilometer. The capital is located on the banks of the Mekong River, which is a real communication axis in this region of the world. This river also marks the border between Laos and Thailand. Opposite Vientiane, when crossing the Mekong River, is indeed Thai territory.
This Asian capital is characterized by its tropical climate with a wet season and a dry season. The rainy season corresponds to the monsoon which occurs between May and October. The rest of the country has the same weather system.
What to see and do in Vientiane?
There is no such thing as a capital without a triumphal arch. Vientiane has its own triumphal arch, it is Patouxai, the gate of Victory. Do not hesitate to go and admire the big golden stupa, it is one of the most famous religious buildings of Laos. Other temples to visit are the Haw Pha Kaeo temple, or the Si Saket temple. For those who wish, it is possible to visit the Buddha Park, an unusual place that is located about 20 kilometers from Vientiane. In Lao the Buddha Park is called Vat Xien Khouane. Beware the park has nearly two hundred statues representing Buddhas.
2. Savannakhet, one of the largest cities in Laos
This large Laotian city is located on the banks of the Mekong, one of the largest rivers in Asia. It has different names like “Kaysone Phomvihane” which is its official name since 2005. But it is also known under its old name which is “Muong Khantabouli”.
The city of Savannakhet has the particularity of being the capital of the most populated province of Laos (except for the prefecture of Vientiane the capital). It occupies a strategic point in the country, so much so that it is sometimes considered to be the gateway to the south of the country. The population of the city is estimated to be around 125,000.
This city was located on the famous Ho Chi Minh trail. So many areas were completely destroyed during the American-Vietnamese war. The American bombardments have permanently chemically polluted the grounds.
Last but not least, the city is located in the center of a region where paleontologists have made some very interesting discoveries. Indeed, during the XXth century, dinosaur skeletons have been found in the soil.
3. Paksé
This big city in the south of Laos is about 600 kilometers from the capital. Like the two largest cities in Laos, Pakse is also located on the banks of the Mekong River. However, Pakse has the particularity of being the only city where the Mekong River runs through the entire city. As a reminder, Vientiane and Savannakhet are on the left bank of the river (the other bank being part of the Thai territory).
It is difficult to have a precise idea of the number of inhabitants of this city, nevertheless one can estimate the population to be more than 75 000 inhabitants. It is the third most populated city in Laos.
What to do in Pakse?
You can start by visiting the provincial museum of Champasak. This a good opportunity to discover this region of the south of the country. Then you can go to the discovery of the great temple Wat Phu and prolong it by the discovery of Si Phan Don.
4. Luang Prabang
With an estimated population of 70,000, the city of Luang Prabang is located in northern Laos.
What to see in Luang Prabang?
The temple Vat Sen is one of the places not to be missed in the city. Indeed the temple is listed as a Unesco World Heritage Site. The other temples of the city are Wat Pa Phai, Wat Mai, Wat Visoun but also Wat Pak Kham or Wat Pa Phon Phao. Besides the temples of the city, the Royal Palace is also a place not to be missed.
For those who prefer nature, it is very pleasant to walk along the Nam Khan River. You can enjoy beautiful panoramic views with the mountains in the background.
Finally, for those who wish, it is possible to make a stop at the hotel of the 3 Nagas.
5. Phonsavan
Like Luang Prabang, the city of Phonsavan is located in the north of the country and in the center of the territory. This small town which is located at an altitude of 1000 meters has some 58,000 inhabitants. Phonsavan has the particularity to be a recent city. Indeed it was founded in the middle of the 70s. The new capital of the province of Xieng Khouang (in the North-East of the country) was built following the destruction of the historical city of Xieng Khouang.
6. Thakhek
The city of Thakhek has about 45,000 inhabitants. Like most large cities in Laos, this town has developed on the western side of the country along the Mekong River. A strategic commercial axis whose importance has never been denied.
7. Muang Xay
Muang Xay has a population of about 39,500. This city is located in the extreme north of the country in the province of Oudomxay. Despite its low population density compared to other cities in the country, Muang Xay is a city that plays an important role as a real logistical node between China and the rest of Laos.
8. Phiang
The city of Phiang also has 38,000 inhabitants. It is located in the northwestern province of the country. A steep territory crossed by the Mekong River and which serves as a natural border between Thailand and Laos.
9. Phon Hong
This city is actually in the district of Vientiane, the capital. It is therefore natural that this town grows as the Laotian capital develops. There are also about 30,000 people living in Phon Hong.
10. Sayaboury
This city, which is the chief town of the eponymous province, is located in the interior of the country, about 50 kilometers from the Thai border. There are about 30,000 inhabitants in this provincial town.