Discovering Laos: A Hidden Gem
Although Laos may not attract as many visitors as its neighboring countries, it is a captivating and exotic destination that deserves a place on every traveler’s itinerary. This landlocked country is rich in natural beauty, culture, history, and spirituality. Laos boasts a stunning landscape of dramatic karst and limestone mountains, verdant jungles, hidden caves, terraced rice paddies, and charming hill tribe villages. Combine these with exceptional cuisine, majestic temples, and thrilling adventures such as cave tubing, trekking, rock climbing, and kayaking, and Laos emerges as one of Southeast Asia’s most enchanting and intriguing countries.
This guide will introduce you to the top attractions, transportation options, accommodation choices, culinary delights, and other essential travel tips to help you plan an unforgettable trip to this remarkable country.
Laos Quick Information
Language
Laos is home to over 80 languages due to its diverse ethnic groups, but Lao (also known as Laotian) is the official and most widely spoken language. If you know Thai, you’ll find Lao quite familiar, as the two languages are closely related. Many locals speak some English, and French is also commonly spoken, making it easier for travelers to get by. In fact, Laos hosts the second-largest Francophone population in Southeast Asia.
Laos Visa
Obtaining a visa for Laos is straightforward and convenient. You can secure a visa on arrival at the airport or at one of the land border posts. Simply fill out a form, make the payment, and receive a 30-day tourist visa. Nationals from ASEAN member states, Japan, South Korea, Russia, and Switzerland can enjoy a visa-free entry.
The cost of a tourist visa ranges from $30 to $42, depending on your nationality. The visa on arrival process is quick and typically takes less than 10 minutes. You will need a passport valid for at least six months, two passport-sized photos, and a completed visa application form available at the border.
Don’t forget to keep the slip provided as it acts as your exit form, which you’ll need to submit when leaving Laos. If you wish to extend your stay, visit an Immigration Office in Vientiane or Luang Prabang.
Laos has introduced an eVisa service for added convenience. You can apply online at Laos eVisa. The eVisa is available for entry through Wattay International Airport, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge I, Luang Prabang International Airport, Lao-Thai Friendship Bridge II, and Pakse International Airport. The visa is valid for a single visit and can be applied for a 30-day stay with payment made via credit card. Upload a copy of your passport bio page and a recent 4 x 6 cm photo in jpeg or png format, with both files not exceeding 2 MB.
After processing, you’ll receive a QR code approval via email. Print this code for presentation at immigration checkpoints. Ensure the QR code is clearly visible. Approval usually takes one to three days. Payments can be made using VISA, JCB, MasterCard, or UnionPay.
What to Pack for Your Trip
To ensure a comfortable and enjoyable journey through this captivating and rapidly developing country, here’s a packing list to cover all your essentials:
Getting to Laos
Laos is often included in broader Southeast Asian trips, and many visitors enter the country overland. With over a dozen international border crossings, you can travel from Cambodia (one crossing), Vietnam (six crossings), and Thailand (seven crossings).
As there are currently no direct flights from outside Asia, most travelers connect through Bangkok, with flights to Vientiane taking just over an hour and to Luang Prabang approximately two hours. Other connecting flights are available from cities like Kunming (China), Siem Reap (Cambodia), Kuala Lumpur (Malaysia), Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), and Chiang Mai and Udon Thani (Thailand).
Best Time to Visit
Laos offers year-round attractions, but the best time to visit for cooler weather and optimal outdoor experiences is from November to January. During this period, temperatures rarely exceed 26°C, and rain is minimal. The high water levels from the rainy season make river travel on the Mekong River easy, and it’s a great time for tubing, swimming, and exploring Laos’ Buddhist shrines and caves.
The cool season spans from October to February, with temperatures in Vientiane and Luang Prabang averaging around 24°C, while the southern regions may reach up to 30°C. The warmest months are March, April, and May, with temperatures peaking at 40°C. The rainy season typically begins in May and continues through June.
What to See and Do
Explore Vientiane Laos’ capital and largest city, Vientiane, is rich with national monuments and stunning temples such as Pha That Luang (Great Stupa), Haw Phra Kaew, and Wat Sisaket. Don’t miss Buddha Park, a fascinating garden adorned with enormous Buddha statues. As Laos’ most cosmopolitan city, Vientiane also boasts bustling markets and a vibrant food scene.
Go Tubing in Vang Vieng Nestled between Vientiane and Luang Prabang along the Nam Song River, Vang Vieng is renowned for its tubing experiences. Rent a tube for around 55,000 kip ($7) plus a 60,000 kip deposit ($7.50) and float through breathtaking scenery. Though tubing has evolved from its wild past, it remains a thrilling adventure with a focus on safety and enjoyment.
Relax in Luang Prabang Luang Prabang invites visitors to unwind and savor its serene atmosphere. A UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1995, it features peaceful Buddhist temples and monasteries. Essential experiences include watching sunsets over the Mekong River, shopping at the night market, swimming at Kuang Si Waterfalls, hiking Mount Phousi, cruising to Pak Ou Caves, and witnessing the Tak Bat (alms-giving ceremony).
Discover the 4,000 Islands Si Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands, is a captivating archipelago in southern Laos, nestled in the Mekong River near the Cambodian border. Most islands are uninhabited and flood during the Mekong’s high season. Highlights include the historic Don Det-Don Khon railway remnants, endangered Irrawaddy dolphins near Don Khon, and the impressive Khone Phapheng Falls, the widest waterfall in the world.
Experience the Gibbon Experience Regarded as one of Laos’ premier adventures, the Gibbon Experience offers zip-lining between the world’s highest treehouses—up to 40 meters above ground. Located in Nam Ka National Park, you’ll stay in tree huts and soar across 15 km of zip lines. Enjoy a digital detox with meals delivered via zipline and wake up to the sounds of gibbons in a breathtaking tropical rainforest setting. This unique experience offers unparalleled adventure and tranquility.
Attend the Almsgiving Ceremony in Luang Prabang
Sai Bat, or “Morning Alms,” is a revered 600-year-old tradition in Laos. Each morning around 5:30 am, saffron-robed monks and novices leave their temples carrying alms bowls (‘bat’). Local residents offer sticky rice and other treats in a silent, meditative ritual. The ceremony, held primarily in the old city center along Sakkaline Road, is a serene and culturally rich experience. Due to its popularity, this area can be crowded, so consider observing the ceremony in one of the quieter streets for a more intimate view.
Explore Laos’ Stunning Waterfalls
Laos is home to some of the most breathtaking waterfalls in Southeast Asia. Many of these falls also serve as natural swimming pools and are equipped with amenities like restaurants and picnic spots. Here are some must-visit waterfalls:
Hike Among Hill Tribes in Nam Ha Reserve
Nam Ha National Reserve in Luang Namtha Province, established in 1993, spans 222,400 hectares and is home to several ethnic villages. The reserve offers day trips and multi-day hikes with opportunities to stay with local tribes such as the Akha, Khmu, Lanten, Lao Huea, and Tai Dam. Engage in cultural exchanges and learn about traditional lifestyles. Besides hiking, you can kayak on the Nam Ha River or opt for a combined hiking and kayaking tour.
Discover the Night Market in Luang Prabang
The night market in Luang Prabang, located on Sisavangvong Road, operates from 4 pm to 11 pm. This bustling market stretches from the post office to the National Museum and transforms into a vibrant hub of activity as traffic is diverted. Around 300 vendors showcase hand-woven fabrics, silks, handicrafts, and unique local goods. Noteworthy finds include “lao-lao” rice liquor, which sometimes contains pickled scorpions or snakes, and recycled munitions turned into distinctive souvenirs. The market offers an array of affordable items, including paintings, jewelry, pottery, and local fabrics.
Float Down the Mekong River
A highlight of visiting Laos is taking a slow boat cruise on the Mekong River. The river, which flows from the Tibetan Plateau through China and Southeast Asia, is central to Lao life. The cruise typically begins at Huay Xai on the Thai-Laos border and lasts two days, ending in Luang Prabang. The journey offers stunning views of pristine forests and captivating landscapes. This scenic river cruise is an essential experience, providing a unique perspective of Laos’ natural beauty.
Popular Attractions
Laos, known as the Land of a Million Elephants, has recently begun to reveal its hidden wonders to the world. With ongoing improvements in infrastructure, its stunning tourist attractions are becoming increasingly accessible. Here are some highlights:
Plain of Jars
The Plain of Jars is one of Laos’ most enigmatic sites, featuring thousands of ancient stone urns scattered across the mountainous region near Phonsavan. Dating back to the Iron Age, these jars vary in size from 3 to 10 feet tall and weigh several tons. The purpose and origin of these massive jars remain a mystery, with human remains and stone lids found in the vicinity. Despite the uncertainty surrounding their use, the Plain of Jars offers a uniquely intriguing experience.
Wat Xieng Thong
Wat Xieng Thong, or the “Temple of the Golden City,” is a significant Buddhist shrine situated at the northern tip of Luang Prabang. Commissioned by King Setthathirath in 1559 along the Mekong River, it is one of Laos’ most beautiful and historically significant temples. Remarkably, it survived the Black Flag Army invasion of 1887. The temple is renowned for its ornate sim (congregation hall), adorned with intricate gold stenciling on black lacquer. Its distinctive Luang Prabang architectural style features a sweeping roof with a gilded “Dok so faa” and miniature stupas.
Khone Phapheng Falls
Khone Phapheng Falls, located on the Mekong River in southern Laos, is the widest waterfall in the world, spanning 10,783 meters. Known for its immense water volume, it is the largest waterfall in Southeast Asia. The falls and the surrounding area, Si Phan Don, or “the 4,000 islands,” are renowned for their numerous waterways and islands. The falls are particularly spectacular during the dry season when their full grandeur is on display, though their appearance changes with the rising water levels in the rainy season.
Wat Phu Champasak
Wat Phu, a Khmer Hindu temple complex at the base of Mount Phou Khao in southern Laos, offers a more intimate experience compared to the grandeur of Angkor in Cambodia. Although some structures are over a thousand years old, most date back to the 11th to 13th centuries. The temple complex is divided into terraces connected by a frangipani-fringed stairway leading to the main shrine at the summit. Visiting early in the morning provides cooler temperatures and optimal lighting for exploring these evocative ruins.
Mount Phou Si
Mount Phou Si, a 100-meter-high hill in the heart of Luang Prabang, is flanked by the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. This sacred hill is home to several Buddhist shrines. Halfway up, you’ll find Wat Tham Phou Si, a cave temple offering views of the River Khan. At the summit, Wat Chom Si provides panoramic views of Luang Prabang and the surrounding valley. The stunning vistas of the town, flowing rivers, and jungle-clad mountains make the ascent to Mount Phou Si a must-do experience.
Wat Si Saket
Built between 1819 and 1824 under the reign of King Anouvong, Wat Si Saket is Vientiane’s oldest surviving wat, retaining much of its original structure and playing a central role in local religious practices. It stands as a testament to the last dynasty of Laos’ monarchy and continues to be a significant site for daily offerings and special ceremonies.
Though constructed in Laos, Wat Si Saket showcases Siamese architectural style, featuring an impressive five-tiered roof and a surrounding colonnaded terrace. The temple’s true charm lies not only in its distinctive architecture but also in its rich ornamentation. It is renowned for its vast collection of silver and ceramic Buddha trinkets and houses 6,840 Buddha statues in the courtyard galleries, each representing different stages of Buddha’s life.
Tat Kuang Si
About 30 kilometers southwest of Luang Prabang, Tat Kuang Si is a breathtaking multi-tiered waterfall cascading over limestone formations into several turquoise blue pools. It is a popular spot for day trips among both locals and tourists, often bustling with visitors, especially on weekends and holidays.
The waterfall’s beauty is matched by its recreational appeal, as visitors can swim in the tiered pools. While some pools are open for swimming, others are designated as sacred by the local community, so be sure to observe the posted signs. After enjoying the falls, you can visit the Tat Kuang Rescue Centre, which provides sanctuary for over 20 Asiatic Black Bears rescued from poachers.
Pak Ou Caves
The Pak Ou Caves, located about 25 kilometers north of Luang Prabang, are comprised of two caves: Tham Ting (lower cave) and Tham Theung (upper cave). They are situated along the Mekong River, approximately two hours upstream from the town center, accessible by road or boat.
These caves are renowned for their extensive collection of miniature Buddha sculptures. The lower cave is filled with hundreds of Buddha figures set against a dramatic river backdrop. These revered statues vary in condition, with some showing signs of age and wear, while others have been replaced by newer versions. The figures depict various states of Buddha’s life, including meditation, peace, teaching, rain, and nirvana.
Ock Pop Tok
Ock Pop Tok, translating to “East Meets West,” was founded in Luang Prabang in 2000 through a collaboration between Lao weaver Veomanee Douangdala and British entrepreneur Joanna Smith. This initiative embodies the fusion of traditional Lao craftsmanship with contemporary design and fair trade principles.
Set along the Mekong River, the Living Crafts Centre of Ock Pop Tok features weaving studios, a dye garden, exhibits, and teaching spaces. It is a hub for producing high-quality fabrics and promoting Lao textiles globally. Visitors can explore workshops on Hmong batik, loom weaving, and natural dyeing. The riverside Silk Road Cafe offers delicious Lao cuisine and the unique worm-poo tea, a blend made from silk-worm droppings.
Living Farm Land Experience
In Luang Prabang, immerse yourself in the authentic world of a local rice farmer. Rice is central to life in Asia, and this hands-on experience offers a unique opportunity to delve into its cultivation. At a serene farm just 20 minutes from town, you’ll learn the entire rice farming process—plowing, selecting seeds, planting, harvesting, and cooking a traditional Lao meal. The farm, bustling with life, showcases a thriving ecosystem where various plants and animals coexist. Beyond farming, explore traditional trades like blacksmithing, bamboo weaving, and crafts such as bird traps and ethnic musical instruments.
The Elephant Village
Founded by Markus Peschke in 2001, the Elephant Village is a sanctuary and a must-visit destination in Luang Prabang. Upon arrival, you’ll be welcomed by the camp manager and receive a briefing about the elephants. Spend quality time with these majestic animals—observe, feed, and learn to communicate with them for a truly intimate experience. You’ll also undergo basic mahout training, learning elephant care and control. The Elephant Village is among the popular sanctuaries in Luang Prabang, along with MandaLao Elephant Conservation and Luang Prabang Elephant Camp.
Pha That Luang
A visit to Vientiane isn’t complete without seeing the magnificent Pha That Luang. This golden stupa, believed to have been constructed in the 3rd century, has undergone several renovations, most recently in the 1930s, due to regional conflicts. As Laos’ most significant national monument, Pha That Luang symbolizes Buddhist teachings through its three levels. Its cloister features intricate paintings, sculptures, and effigies of Buddha, alongside lush gardens, impressive monuments, and smaller stupas where monks continue their practices.
Haw Phra Kaew
Known as Ho Phra Keo, Haw Phra Kaew is one of Laos’ most venerated temples. Originally built in 1565 by King Setthathirath when the Lan Xang Kingdom’s capital was moved to Vientiane, the temple once housed the Emerald Buddha for over 200 years. Destroyed during the Siamese invasion in 1827, it has since been restored and now serves as a premier museum of religious art. The temple’s exhibits include Buddha images, a gilded throne for the Emerald Buddha, wood carvings, Khmer stone steles, and ancient manuscripts, all set within well-maintained gardens featuring a 2,000-year-old stone relic from the Plain of Jars.
Xieng Khuan (Buddha Park)
Xieng Khuan, or Buddha Park, is a fascinating sculpture garden located 25 kilometers southeast of Vientiane. Created in 1958 by Luang Pu Bounleua Sulilat, the park features over 200 Buddhist and Hindu sculptures made of reinforced concrete. Although the sculptures appear ancient, they are modern creations depicting gods, demons, animals, and figures from both Buddhist and Hindu traditions, including Arjuna, Shiva, and Vishnu. The park’s layout symbolizes Heaven, Earth, and Hell, with visitors entering through a massive demon head and ascending staircases that transition from hell to heaven. At the top, enjoy panoramic views of the entire park, which is managed by the socialist government as a tourist attraction.
Getting Around Laos
Domestic Flights
For those pressed for time, domestic flights are the quickest way to cover more ground in Laos. However, be aware that flights can be frequently canceled due to fog or dense smoke during the slash-and-burn season. It’s wise to confirm your flight status a day or two before departure. If traveling during peak holiday periods, booking in advance is essential as flights tend to fill up quickly.
Laos has two main airlines: Lao Airlines, which offers domestic flights between Vientiane and major destinations such as Luang Prabang, Luang Nam Tha, Pakse, Phonsavan, Savannakhet, and Udomxai, and Lao Skyway, a newer carrier serving routes from Vientiane to Luang Prabang, Huay Xai, Luang Namtha, Phonsavan, Phongsali, Sam Neua, and Udomxai.
City Transportation
In cities, public transportation fares start at around $0.25 USD (2,000 LAK) and increase with distance. Taxis and tuk-tuks are available but often require some negotiation. For accurate fare estimates, consult your hotel staff.
Long-distance travel is typically by bus or sŏrngtăaou, which are converted trucks or pickups with bench seating. On popular routes, VIP buses offer a faster, more comfortable air-conditioned ride at a higher cost. Sŏrngtăaou services are generally used for shorter routes and are being gradually replaced by minivans.
Traveling by Boat
Exploring Laos by boat is a popular and scenic option. A notable route is between Luang Prabang and Huay Xai along the Mekong River, a two-day journey costing about $30 USD (250,000 LAK) per person. Laos boasts over 4,600 kilometers of navigable rivers, including the Mekong, Nam Khan, Nam Ou, Nam Ngum, Nam Tha, and Se Kong. The Mekong River is the main route and is accessible year-round between Huay Xai and Savannakhet.
For shorter journeys, smaller boats navigate the smaller rivers, ranging from dugout canoes to ‘bomb boats’ made from military debris. Whether on a tourist or local boat, experiencing a river excursion is a must during your visit to Laos.
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