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UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos
World Heritage Laos · UNESCO sites in Laos map · historical landmarks in Laos
Laos has 4 sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List — 3 cultural and 1 natural inscriptions, inscribed between 1995 and 2019. This map of UNESCO sites in Laos covers every listing, with a short description, the inscription year and the nearest airports — the fastest way to see the country's most important historical sites and landmarks in one place.
Town of Luang Prabang was the country's first inscription, added in 1995; Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars is the most recent, listed in 2019.
One inscription is transnational, shared with neighbouring countries: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park. Start with Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars, Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park and Town of Luang Prabang, then use the map above to plan a route between the rest.
- Sites
- 4
- Cultural
- 3
- Natural
- 1
- First inscribed
- 1995
Sites on the map
Flying in
Airports closest to the most sites in this country.
- LPQLuang Phabang2 sites
- VDHDong Hoi1 site
- PKZPakse1 site
Keep exploring
All 4 sites in Laos
List of UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Laos
Every inscription with its year and category. Open a site for its story, map location and nearest airports.
| Site | Year | Type | What it is |
|---|---|---|---|
| Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of JarsThe Plain of Jars, located on a plateau in central Laos, gets its name from more than 2,100 tubular-shaped megalithic… | 2019 | Cultural | The Plain of Jars, located on a plateau in central Laos, gets its name from more than 2,100 tubular-shaped megalithic stone jars used for funerary… |
| Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National ParkThis transboundary property, located along the border between Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, forms… | 2003 | Natural | This transboundary property, located along the border between Viet Nam and the Lao People’s Democratic Republic, forms one of the most exceptional… |
| Town of Luang PrabangLuang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those bu. | 1995 | Cultural | Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those bu. |
| Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural LandscapeThe Champasak cultural landscape, including the Vat Phou Temple complex, is a remarkably well-preserved planned landscap. | 2001 | Cultural | The Champasak cultural landscape, including the Vat Phou Temple complex, is a remarkably well-preserved planned landscap. |
Frequently asked questions about World Heritage in Laos
- How many UNESCO World Heritage Sites are there in Laos?
- Laos has 4 UNESCO World Heritage Sites: 3 cultural and 1 natural.
- What was the first World Heritage Site in Laos?
- Town of Luang Prabang was inscribed in 1995. Luang Prabang is an outstanding example of the fusion of traditional architecture and Lao urban structures with those bu.
- What is the newest World Heritage Site in Laos?
- Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars, inscribed in 2019. The Plain of Jars, located on a plateau in central Laos, gets its name from more than 2,100 tubular-shaped megalithic stone jars used for funerary practices in.
- Which sites in Laos are natural World Heritage Sites?
- 1 of the 4 listings is natural: Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park and Hin Nam No National Park.
- Which UNESCO sites in Laos are easiest to reach?
- Each site page lists the closest airports with distance, so you can pick the gateway city first and work outwards. The "Flying in" panel on this page shows the main gateways for Laos.
- What are the main historical sites and landmarks in Laos?
- The 4 UNESCO-listed sites above are Laos's internationally recognised historical sites and landmarks, starting with Town of Luang Prabang (1995). Each entry links to a full page with a map, photos and travel notes.