Browse the night market along Sisavangvong Road for textiles, crafts, and $1 buffet dinners

Take the 2-day slow boat from/to the Thai border — one of Southeast Asia's great journeys

Swim in the turquoise pools at Kuang Si Falls ($3 entry, 30 km from town)

Visit Wat Xieng Thong, the most ornate temple in Laos

Explore Pak Ou Caves by boat (Buddhist caves filled with thousands of Buddha statues)