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

Watch the alms-giving ceremony at dawn (observe respectfully from a distance; do not touch monks or use flash photography)

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

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

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