Your first-time travel guide to Laos

Laos, tranquil and culturally vibrant, offers a wealth of unique experiences you won’t find elsewhere in the world.

Not as well-known as its neighbors Thailand and Vietnam, Laos often fades into the background on the Southeast Asia backpacking circuit.

Don’t overlook it. The serene and culturally rich Lao People’s Democratic Republic presents countless unique offerings that are hard to find anywhere else.

Despite a history marked by conflict and upheaval, Laos unfolds in a breathtaking tropical landscape. This striking contrast between a challenging past and natural splendor makes it an exceptionally rewarding destination to explore.

The historic capital of the ancient Lanna kingdom, Luang Prabang, features some of the most pristine and historically important temples in the area. Meanwhile, the capital city of Vientiane is rich in multicultural elements. The breathtaking natural beauty can be seen in nearly every province, making Laos a perfect destination for those looking to escape the typical tourist path. Traditionally popular with backpackers, it is now becoming increasingly accessible and attractive to families and luxury travelers alike.

If you're visiting Laos for the first time, here’s what you need to know.

When is the best time to visit Laos?

Like many Southeast Asian nations, Laos enjoys a tropical climate year-round, with average daytime temperatures ranging from 25° to 35°C (77° to 95°F).

From November to February, during the 'winter' months, temperatures drop slightly; with fewer rain clouds, nights can be pleasantly cool. Locals will tell you this is the best time to visit.

In winter, humidity decreases, rivers swell, and the tropical forests thrive thanks to the recent monsoon rains. The northern regions (including Luang Namtha, Luang Prabang, and Udomxai) tend to be cooler due to their elevated mountainous terrain.

October is an excellent month to explore Laos if you want to avoid the winter crowds. While you might encounter the tail end of the monsoon season, the weather remains mostly dry, and you can enjoy several cultural festivals, such as the Boat Racing Festival and the Naga Rocket Festival (dates vary each year).

However, a tropical climate isn’t just about sunshine. From March to June, the heat can be intense, particularly on buses and in hostels. River levels are low during this period—exacerbated by dam projects in China and Thailand—while slash-and-burn agriculture contributes to a dangerous haze of PM2.5 particulate matter across the landscape.

The highlight of summer is the Lao New Year, when the entire country comes alive with a massive water festival to wash away past sins and welcome the new year. Known as Pi Mai in Laos, this celebration is generally more subdued than its Thai counterpart, focusing on cultural traditions rather than wild parties. If you’re with a family or friendly locals, you might be invited to participate in a 'merit-making' ceremony to attract good luck, health, and prosperity for the year ahead. For a more public experience, visit any city center to enjoy parades, festive markets, and vibrant performances.

By July, the rains rejuvenate the parched land and clear the air, transforming the landscape into a vibrant sea of greens. While exploring during the monsoon can be thrilling, many tourist sites and national parks may close due to flooding and other rain-related hazards. The Bolaven Plateau, however, is an exception, showcasing its stunning waterfalls and lush waterways at their peak during this season.

How long should I plan to stay in Laos?

First-time travelers have two great options. One: a quick, whirlwind visit as part of a broader tour of Southeast Asia. Entering and exiting through Vientiane, with a few days spent exploring the wild mountains of Vang Vieng and Luang Prabang, provides a glimpse of the country's treasures for those on a tight timeline.

Located just an hour from the capital via the new high-speed train or a three-hour bus ride, Vang Vieng is famous for its surreal limestone mountains and stunning blue-green lagoons, offering a natural retreat from the tropical heat. The town has evolved from its once party-centric image, now attracting those who appreciate natural beauty and outdoor adventures, especially after the ban on the notorious 'river bars.'

A few hours further north, you’ll arrive in the charming town of Luang Prabang, where ancient architecture, lush jungles, and a relaxed pace create a captivating atmosphere. When you’re ready to head back, the high-speed train can whisk you back to Vientiane in under two hours.

If you have a few extra days, we strongly suggest exploring a loop around the country. Enter through Thailand, Vietnam, or China, and utilize the intercity buses that connect Laos’ larger towns. For planning, think of the country in four regions: the north, home to Luang Prabang, Luang Namtha, and the fascinating Plain of Jars; the Vientiane area, which includes both the bustling capital and the picturesque Vang Vieng; the central provinces, known for the breathtaking Tha Khaek Loop and historic colonial cities like Savannakhet; and the south, featuring the stunning Bolaven Plateau and Si Phan Don (the “4000 islands”), marking the start of the Mekong River Delta.

Top attractions in Laos 

Regardless of your travel schedule, there are several essential destinations in Laos that fit both quick trips and extended stays.

Most first-time travelers arrive in Vientiane, which serves as an excellent starting point. Here, you can expect a vibrant blend of French and Asian architecture alongside impressive monuments. The temple of Wat Si Muang attracts locals from across Southeast Asia seeking luck and blessings.

Close by, the picturesque Vang Vieng is a popular stop for those heading to Luang Prabang. However, many will argue that Luang Prabang and Luang Namtha offer superior views, more lagoons, and better prices.

To the east, the limestone karsts of Khammouane province dominate the landscape, best appreciated by biking along the Tha Khaek Loop. Beneath the surface lies one of the world’s longest navigable river cave systems, stretching 7.5 km (4.5 miles) from entrance to exit, best explored by boat.

If you're entering from the south through Thailand or crossing from Vietnam or Cambodia, your ideal base is Pakse, from where you can discover the area's natural wonders. The Bolaven Plateau has a fascinating history, having been a center for coffee cultivation and a target of extensive bombing during the Vietnam War. Today, it is celebrated for its magnificent waterfalls.

Further south lies Si Phan Don, where the Mekong River forms an inland archipelago of islands with powerful and stunning waterways. For a touch of culture, the nearby town of Champasak offers a relaxed atmosphere and a wealth of history. The highlight here is the sacred Wat Phu, an Angkorian ruin from the 11th century, nestled in the jungle like something out of an adventure story.

My favorite activity in Laos

Nothing beats hopping on a bike and exploring at my own pace. While communication can be challenging in remote areas, the stunning landscapes and spontaneous experiences—like sharing lunch with local grandmas or stumbling upon a hidden cave—far outweigh any tourist inconveniences.

Rent a bike in the border town of Tha Khaek and head east along Rte 12 toward Vietnam. Within moments, you'll be surrounded by towering limestone karsts that grow increasingly spectacular as you ride. (Just remember to watch the road; there's so much beauty to distract you!)

As you follow the loop and take a left onto route E1, you'll arrive at the mountain retreat of Thalang, ideal for an overnight stay before continuing toward Lak Sao. By now, you might feel a bit sore, but don't turn back! The detour to Kong Lor Cave is worth the extra effort, offering breathtaking views as you navigate between towering cliffs and quaint villages below.

For many, travel is about reaching a destination. In Laos, however, the journey itself often holds the greatest magic.

How much cash should I bring for Laos?

Carrying cash is crucial in Laos. Don’t expect to find credit card machines even in larger shops, gas stations, or convenience stores, and ATMs are quite scarce.

Given the instability and inflation of the Lao kip, many vendors accept both Thai baht and US dollars (though any change will be given in kip). However, a recent push to stabilize the national currency means more vendors are now only accepting kip. Most banks will exchange foreign currency into kip at the official daily rate, and ATMs will show on-screen conversions before dispensing the correct amount of kip notes.

• Air-conditioned hotel room: 300,000 to 1,000,000 LAK
• Hostel room with fan: 100,000 LAK
• Tuk-tuk ride in the city: 50,000 to 200,000 LAK
• Bus ticket between cities: 300,000 LAK
• Liter of gasoline: 34,000 LAK
• Entrance fees for tourist attractions: 20,000 to 50,000 LAK
• Bowl of noodles: 30,000 LAK
• Bottle of water: 5,000 LAK
• Bottle of Beerlao: 10,000 LAK

Do I need a visa to enter Laos? 

Citizens of ASEAN countries, as well as those from Japan, South Korea, Switzerland, Luxembourg, Russia, and Mongolia, do not require a visa for Laos, enjoying free entry for 15 to 30 days.

Most other travelers will need a visa to enter. It’s advisable to get one upon arrival at most border crossings and international airports, with fees ranging from US$30 to $45 (depending on your nationality), payable in dollars, baht, or kip. Although Laos has an e-visa portal, it often experiences technical issues. Upon arrival, skip third-party agents and head directly to immigration. You’ll need to complete a few forms and provide a passport photo (you can pay a fee if you don’t have one), which will result in a full-page visa sticker in your passport, allowing you 30 days of travel within the country.

Common inquiries about traveling in Laos 

What is the quality of accommodations in Laos?

Overall, accommodations in Laos are affordable and generally of lower quality compared to Vietnam or Thailand, although the quality typically improves with higher prices. Most city and resort rooms come with a private bathroom and some form of hot water. In rural areas, expect basic amenities at homestays or farmstays—it’s all part of the adventure!

Can I easily book activities and hotels in advance in Laos?

It’s a bit of a mixed bag. While hotels are best reserved through trusted third-party platforms like Agoda or Booking.com, organizing activities in advance can be trickier. This challenge arises from both the country’s limited digital infrastructure and a generally more local approach to tourism. 

We suggest planning ahead as much as possible through hotels and travel agents, then finalizing the rest of your itinerary upon arrival in Laos.

What is the cuisine like in Laos?

Laotian food bears similarities to northeastern Thai cuisine (Isan), with dishes typically being less spicy and more savory than those in Thailand. It represents a blend of flavors drawn from Thai, Vietnamese, and Chinese cooking traditions. 

Key components of Lao cuisine include sticky rice, minced meat salads, fermented fish paste, and pho noodles. Due to the cost of meat, many dishes feature less beef, goat, and pork, relying more on rice and vegetables. This also makes vegetarian options more available—provided you don’t mind a hint of fish sauce now and then.

Is Laos a good destination for children?

Definitely! It really depends on your travel style. If you’re loaded down with baggage and concerned about cleanliness, diet, and insects, Laos might present some challenges. However, if you’re open to letting your kids run with the chickens, play in the mud, or just experience life like the locals, you’ll have a fantastic time.

Laos is an incredibly friendly country, and its inhabitants adore children. Even in the tiniest villages, you’ll often find playgrounds, inflatable castles, and even fairground rides set up year-round to keep the little ones entertained.

How safe is it to travel in Laos?

Overall, quite safe. In both urban and rural areas, people are generally friendly, helpful, and trustworthy. However, as with any destination, it’s wise to remain aware and cautious. Avoid showing off valuables, as pickpocketing can happen, particularly in markets. Fortunately, locals are quick to alert others about any suspicious behavior, so you’ll usually be surrounded by people looking out for you.

Be aware that few countries have embassies in Laos, which can complicate the process of renewing a lost passport or returning to a neighboring country.

Should I use my phone or get a SIM card in Laos?

Roaming is effective in Laos and generally affordable for most carriers. If you opt for a Lao SIM card, they are inexpensive and can be easily obtained at any point of entry or most convenience stores. Many locals, including tour guides and taxi drivers, commonly use WhatsApp or WeChat for communication.

Is insurance necessary for traveling in Laos?

Absolutely. Given the limited healthcare infrastructure in Laos, serious medical issues may require transfer to Vientiane or even Thailand, leading to potentially exorbitant costs. It's crucial to have insurance before your trip.

How does Lao coffee taste?

It’s excellent. Always choose freshly roasted beans for the best flavor.