Laos Travel Guide
Laos, this tiny, land-locked country, is the off-the-beaten-path of Southeast Asia. Frequently overlooked by travelers heading to Asia, Laos has a lot to offer. It is a beautiful country, filled with mountains, jungles, and the mighty Mekong River. While in Laos, visit Buddhist monasteries, explore the mysterious Plain of Jars, relax in lovely Luang Prabang, or float down the Mekong River. Laos blew away our expectations and left us wishing we had more time to spend in this unexpectedly amazing country.
Laos Stats
Official Language: Lao
Population: 7 million
Capital City: Vientiane
Currency: Kip (LAK)
Power Outlet: Types A, B & C
Articles About Laos
3 Month Southeast Asia Itinerary: How We Did It
Southeast Asia is the land of ancient temples, tropical beaches, metropolitan cities, mountain villages, and an endless supply of cultural experiences. This 3 month Southeast Asia itinerary allows you not only to see the highlights of this part of the world, but to also to fully immerse yourself in the local culture. On this Southeast […]
Je T’aime Luang Prabang, Laos
Laos was a total surprise for us…unexpected beauty, exceptionally good food, incredibly friendly people. We only spent one week in this amazing country and it stole my heart. We arrived in Laos from Thailand, taking the slow boat down the Mekong River to Luang Prabang. Luang Prabang…a small town with a goofy name, is also […]
Taking the Slow Boat Down the Mekong River
The Mekong River is the lifeline of Laos. This river originates in the Yunnan Province of China, travels south, forming the boundary between Laos and other countries such as Myanmar and Thailand. The path of the Mekong crosses Cambodia and then ends in southern Vietnam, forming the famous Mekong Delta. One of the most popular […]
What Traveling Through Asia Has Taught Us
We have now been traveling through Asia for over five months and still have several more to go. It has been quite the learning experience for our family…new foods, new cultures, lots of history to learn about. Most of it has been a wonderful experience although we have had a few difficulties along the way, […]
Top Experiences in Laos
Take the Slow Boat down the Mekong River. Travel by boat from northern Thailand to Luang Prabang. It is a two day journey filled with amazing scenery, a visit to a Laos village, and a visit to a cave used as a temple. This journey blew away our expectations and we cannot recommend it enough.
The Plain of Jars. This is an archeological site that dates back to 500 BC. No one really knows the purpose of these giant stone jars but it is fun to guess.
Vang Vieng. This was once the hottest party spot in Laos, a small town home to numerous bars. Visitors would float down the Nam Song River on tubes, drinking and partying along the way. Now, the Laos government has closed many of the bars, in response to tourist deaths and safety issues. Vang Vieng still deserves a visit. It is a very scenic destination offering numerous outdoor activities, including a more sedate tubing experience.
Luang Prabang. A beautiful town in the Laos jungle with a very unique name. We loved this place. French cafes, a bustling night market, excellent shopping, and terrific street food. Again, Laos beat our expectations with this totally cool small town.
Bokeo Nature Reserve. This area was created to preserve the habitat of the black-cheeked Gibbon. Trek for three days or more, searching for Gibbons, sleeping in tree houses.
Vientiane. The capital and the largest city of Laos. It is here you can see Pha That Luang, the gilded stupa that is the national symbol of Laos, and Buddha Park, a strange collection of Buddhist and Hindu concrete sculptures.
Si Phan Don. Also know as Four Thousand Islands, this is where the Mekong River in Laos meets Cambodia. Take a boat tour here and enjoy the views.
When To Visit Laos
Laos features year-round heat and humidity due to its proximity to the equator. Its climate can be distinctly broken up into two seasons: a dry season and a wet season.
The best time to visit Laos is during the country’s dry season, from November to April. Not only will visitors have the coolest temperatures of the year, especially around December and January, but you’ll also have the best chance of sunny skies.
Laos’ rainy season runs from May to October, and features higher temperatures and humidity, making it feel muggy. Although conditions are harsher, you’ll find fewer tourists and cheaper hotel fares.