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In Laos, explore the UNESCO World Heritage town of Luang Prabang with its temples and waterfalls, visit the Plain of Jars in Xieng Khouang, experience the vibrant night markets, and take a boat cruise on the Mekong River. The capital Vientiane offers the iconic Pha That Luang stupa and Buddha Park. Trekking in the Nam Ha National Protected Area is also highly recommended.
Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia, Laos, 80% of which is mountainous and forested, is known as the "Roof of Indochina." Its beautiful natural scenery and simple, impoverished lifestyle make it resemble a lost paradise.
The city of Luang Prabang and Wat Phra That Phra That Phra Phut in Laos have been listed as World Cultural Heritage. Other famous attractions include That Luang in Vientiane, Wat Phra Kaew, the Khwang Si Waterfall in Champasak, and the Kuang Si Waterfall in Luang Prabang.
November to March is the best time to travel to Laos, when the weather is coolest. December is the coolest, with an average high of 24°C and a low of 18°C. Laos' fresh air and minimal pollution provide stunning views in both cities and suburbs. Before a rainstorm, multiple lightning bolts can flash simultaneously across the distant plains, while beautiful rainbows are often seen after the rain.
Kuangsi Waterfall
The multi-layered and wide waterfalls clear away the heat of Laos
Morning Almsgiving
Devout believers knelt on straw mats along the street, and monks in orange robes lined up to receive food. The scene was very shocking.
Mount Phousi
The highest point in Luang Prabang Old Town, where you can enjoy the entire city view and the sunrise and sunset viewing point
Arc de Triomphe in Vientiane
Built to commemorate the liberation and independence of the Lao people, this is a new gate-shaped building that combines Western architecture with Southeast Asian religious elements.
Xiang Thong Temple
The mosaic-paved "Tree of Life" side wall is stunning, and the temple's architecture is remarkable.
Recommended travel time: 4-7 days
Laos is a landlocked country in Southeast Asia with a history shaped by its royal past and French colonial influences. The ancient kingdom of Lan Xang (Kingdom of a Million Elephants) once ruled the region. Laos is known for its Buddhist traditions, rich cultural heritage, and pristine landscapes, including the Mekong River, which has been central to its development. Vientiane is the capital, while Luang Prabang is an ancient royal city with Buddhist temples and colonial architecture.
Laos is located in Southeast Asia, bordered by China, Vietnam, Cambodia, Thailand, and Myanmar. The main airport, Wattay International Airport, is in Vientiane. From there, taxis or buses are the primary modes of transportation within cities. In larger cities like Luang Prabang, walking is a popular option for exploring, as it allows you to take in the scenery.
The best time to visit Laos is between November and February when the weather is cooler and drier. Most attractions open from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM, but some may vary depending on the site. For example, temples and museums may close for lunch breaks around midday.
Entrance fees vary by attraction. For example, a visit to the Plain of Jars costs around 20,000 LAK, and entrance to the Kuang Si Waterfall near Luang Prabang is 20,000 LAK. Tickets are generally purchased on-site, although some tour operators offer packages that can be booked online.
Booking tickets in advance is recommended for popular tours or trekking activities, especially in peak season (November to February). For most individual attractions, tickets can be bought on-site, and advance booking is not necessary.
Laos can be explored in 5-7 days. Spend a couple of days in Luang Prabang, a day or two in Vientiane, and if you're interested in history or nature, visit Xieng Khouang or the 4000 Islands for at least 3 days.
In Luang Prabang, visit the Kuang Si Waterfall, Wat Xieng Thong, and the Royal Palace Museum. In Vientiane, see Pha That Luang, Patuxai, and the Buddha Park. Don’t miss the Plain of Jars, a mysterious site in Xieng Khouang.
Guided tours are available for most attractions in Laos, especially in cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane. English-speaking guides are common, but some tours also offer French-speaking guides. Audio guides are available in a few attractions like the Royal Palace Museum in Luang Prabang.
For photography, head to Mount Phousi in Luang Prabang for panoramic views of the city, the Mekong River, and surrounding hills. The Buddha Park near Vientiane also offers unique photo opportunities with hundreds of large, fascinating sculptures.
A recommended route in Luang Prabang: start with the morning alms giving ceremony, then visit the Royal Palace Museum and nearby temples. In the afternoon, take a boat trip on the Mekong River to Pak Ou Caves and finish with a visit to Kuang Si Waterfalls. In Vientiane, visit Pha That Luang and Patuxai in the morning, and explore Buddha Park in the afternoon.
Night visits and light shows are not common in Laos, but the night market in Luang Prabang is a must-see for local crafts and street food. Some tour operators offer evening boat cruises along the Mekong, providing a scenic view of the city at night.
Laos is less crowded compared to other Southeast Asian destinations. However, it can get busy during the dry season (November to February), especially around New Year and major festivals. The least crowded times are during the rainy season (May to October), but some attractions may be less accessible due to weather conditions.
Most tourist areas in Laos, especially in Luang Prabang and Vientiane, have basic facilities like public toilets, food stalls, water refill stations, and souvenir shops. Larger attractions may offer more amenities like restaurants and cafes.
Some attractions in Laos, like temples and waterfalls, involve stairs or hiking, which may not be suitable for elderly or disabled visitors. However, many areas in Vientiane and Luang Prabang are accessible by car, making it possible for families and elderly travelers to enjoy the sights with ease.
Cash is widely used in Laos, particularly in rural areas. In cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane, credit cards are accepted at major hotels, restaurants, and stores. Mobile payments (such as Alipay or WeChat Pay) are growing in popularity but not universally accepted.
In Luang Prabang, popular spots include Le Trio, Tamarind Restaurant, and Cafe Ban Vat Sene. In Vientiane, try Kualao Restaurant for Lao cuisine or JoMa Bakery Cafe for coffee and pastries. Street food is also abundant, offering delicious options like sticky rice and grilled meats.
Vegetarian and vegan options are widely available, especially in larger cities like Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Halal food options are also available in some restaurants catering to the Muslim community in Vientiane.
In Luang Prabang, you can stay at the luxury Luang Prabang View Hotel or the more budget-friendly Villa Santi Hotel. In Vientiane, the Settha Palace Hotel is a popular choice, as well as the Vientiane Plaza Hotel for a more affordable option.
From Luang Prabang, you can take a day trip to the Pak Ou Caves or the Kuang Si Waterfalls. From Vientiane, consider visiting the Buddha Park or the nearby Vang Vien, known for its beautiful karst landscapes and outdoor activities like tubing and hiking.
In Laos, typical souvenirs include hand-woven textiles, wooden carvings, Lao tea, and silver jewelry. Luang Prabang’s night market is an excellent place to pick up unique handcrafted items.
After visiting Laos, you can travel to neighboring countries like Thailand, Vietnam, and Cambodia by bus or flight. Vientiane and Luang Prabang both have international airports with connections to these countries. Buses and trains are also available for overland travel.
