Laos Travel Guide

A landlocked Asian country of mountainous wilderness in the north, dense jungle in the east and the mighty Mekong River in the west and south, Laos is an unspoiled, largely rural country. Although this communist land remains among the world's poorest nations, Laos offers a glimpse into a timeless and forgotten Asia.

What’s Cool

Floating down the Mekong on an inner tube, Luang Prabang's hundreds of temples, the mysterious Plain of Jars, French style baguettes and Lao coffee, boating around the 4,000 Island, Vientiane's Morning Market, the lush forests of the Bolaven Plateau, the slow pace of life.

 

What’s Not

Old and unreliable buses, pot holes the size of a car, towns that seemingly go to bed at sunset, dust, scorching temperatures in the hot season, unexploded ordinance, poor food hygiene.

When to Go

Best: October-February
High season: November to February, April
Low season: June to October

Visas

US/Can: on-arrival (15 day)
EU: on-arrival (15 days)
Aus/NZ: on-arrival (15 days)

Essential Info

Time: GMT+7
Electricity: 220V 50Hz
2 prong round or flat pins
Money: Lao Kip
1US$ = 8,400 Kip
Phone: ICC (+856) Outgoing: 00

Precious hidden gems including temple-clad Luang Prabang and the old-fashioned capital city of Vientiane as well as many historical and natural wonders make Laos a cheap and newly popular destination for adventurers. The busiest tourist hotspots have seen old colonial mansions come back to life as boutique hotels while restaurants have cashed in on the French connection.

Travelers wishing to get off the beaten track of this slow-moving country can head for the mysterious Plain of Jars, a protected landscape dotted with huge jars carved out of stone, the origin of which is debated. Adventurous travelers should think twice about straying too far off the tourist track however, as unexploded ordinance from the Vietnam War era still plagues the nation.

Travel to Laos - Getting There

There are flights connecting Vientiane's Wattay Airport to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Yangon and Kunming . Alternatively there is a service from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Vientiene is also easily accessible by bus and train from Bangkok via Udon Thani. Catching the boat down the Mekhong from Northern Thailand is a popular adventure. Within the country buses are the only transport options, they are slow and hardly comfortable but usually make it over the mountainous terrain.

Laos Things to Do

Luang Prabang

Charming former capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting many beautiful Buddhist temples, French-era colonial houses and must-visit spots such as Phusi - a steep hill overlooking scenic views of the town - the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, a fine example of Lao architecture.

Vientiane

Low-key capital city features an array of historic buildings including That Luang chedi and temple complex, (the national symbol of Laos), the Pataxi - a neo-Arch de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket and Wat Haw Pra Keo.

Champasak Province

Cruise down the Mekong and explore the 'four thousand islands' at the river's widest point, or hire a three-wheeled tuk-tuk to explore the town which was once a part of the Khmer Angkor Empire.

Vang Vieng

Cool stopover en-route south to Vientiene, popular with backpackers for its free-spirited atmosphere, impressive hilly backdrop, lazy river and exciting caving.

Muang Sing

Home to Laos' most colorful hill tribe people as well as several opium dens.

Plain of Jars

In the country's centre is scattered with bizarre massive ancient jars, the origin of which has baffled many.

The Bolaven Plateau

In Saravan, boasts gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests, the small market here is worth a visit.