Laos Travel Guide: Things to Do, Eat, Tour, Accommodation & Cost
Last Updated: July 14,2020Laos at A Glance
Name of the country | Lao People's Democratic Republic | Major Religion | Theravada Buddhist |
---|---|---|---|
Official languages | Lao, French (Recognised languages) | Area | 237,955 km2 |
Largest city | Vientiane | Population | 7,123,205 (2019) |
Capital city | Vientiane | Currency | Kip (₭) (LAK) |
Major cities | Vientiane, Luang Prabang, Vang Vieng, Pakse, Si Phan Don | Time zone | UTC+7 (ICT) |
Flag | ![]() | Calling Code | +856 |
State Seal | ![]() | Continent | Southeastern Asia |
UNESCO World Heritage Sites | Megalithic Jar Sites in Xiengkhuang – Plain of Jars (2019) Town of Luang Prabang (1995) Vat Phou and Associated Ancient Settlements within the Champasak Cultural Landscape (2001) | Temperature | 16 °C - 34 °C (i.e. 61 °F - 93 °F) |
Traditional festivals | Pi Mai(Lao New Year), Boun Suang Heua (Boat Racing Festival), Lai Heua Fai (Fire Boat Festival) | Mejor River | Mekong River |
Best Time to Visit
The best time to travel to Laos is from October to April. The weather in this country always keeps warm and dry all year round, although the annual temperature in the mountain areas are usually much lower than cities. These months are also the peak traveling season, so you can expect bigger crowds and surging prices.
April and May are the hottest months, with temperatures as high as 104°F (40°FC). During this time, the humidity will also be very uncomfortable.
Lao's rainy season starts from late May to October. It's still a relatively pleasant time for travelling. Rain usually come and go very fast, multi-times a day. Waterfall get heavier, wildlife gets more active and more clear air. Not to mention, there are fewer tourists.
Best Activities in Laos
Take a bicycle around Vientiane
Vientiane is a quiet and laid-back capital of Laos. Rent a motorbike or a bicycle and get around the city. There are a few temples worth checking out, such as the golden Pha That Luang, and the Wat Si Saket.
Visit UNESCO World Heritage Site in Luang Prabang
Luang Prabang is one of the most famous UNESCO World Heritage site in north Laos. This important charming town ranks very high, almost the must-see destination, in visitors' bucket list.
It features former royal palaces and more than 30 temples, ancient French colonial buildings and beautiful natural sites.
Early in every morning, attend the ceremony of alms to orange-robed monks, after that, enjoy a leisure breakfast in lovely local cafe, and spend time exploring ancient buildings.
Explore Tranquil Mountains and Rivers in Vang Vieng
Vang Vieng is a charming mountainous town, located about four hours bus ride north of the capital. It 's particular popular with backpackers who come to enjoy the rural beauty.
This small, scenic town is surrounded by mountains, rivers, caves, limestone cliffs and rice fields, offering a long list of interesting attractions. The Nam Song River is where you can enjoy the infamous "tubing" rides – a very popular event in Vang Vieng.
Must-see & Famous Attractions
Luang Prabang - well-preserved architecture that blends traditional Laos and French colonial styles
That Luang (the Great Stupa) - the most sacred monument in the country and is even on Laos' official seal
Wat Sisaket - 10,000 Buddha sculptures of varying sizes and styles.
Bolaven Plateau - trekking and biking trails through rural Laos
Bokeo - home to around 30 ethnic groups who still preserve their traditional lifestyles and culture
Buddha Park (Xieng Khuan) - huge 40-metre-long reclining Buddha image
The Plain of Jars - the most distinctive and enigmatic of all Laos' attractions
Vat Phou - ancient Khmer temple complex which honored by UNESCO World Heritage site
That Ing Hang Stupa - The 16th-century tower is believed to house a bone of Buddha.
Huay Xai - the border between Laos and Thailand where you can cross from one country to the other.
Bokeo Nature Reserve - conservation for black-cheeked gibbons, give you a bird's eye view of the forest canopy and varies jungle activities
Nong Khiaw - amazing trekking and hiking opportunities
Tham Kong Lo(Kong Lo Cave) - a 6.5 kilometers long cave in Phu Hin Bun National Park
Luang Namtha - go trekking or biking into the surrounding mountains and visit the villages of the ethnic hill tribes in Laos.
Phonsavan(Hills of Paradise) - see real life Lao cowboys here who dress in Stetsons and rear cattle on the lush plains