Things to Do in Laos

About Laos

Laos doesn't advertise itself—and that matters. This landlocked country in central Southeast Asia lets the Mekong River do the talking, where monks in saffron robes collect alms at dawn and temple bells carry across green rice paddies. Tourists haven't arrived yet. Time moves slower here. Ancient Buddhist temples sit in mountains that disappear into mist, while French colonial buildings decay gracefully in quiet riverside towns. The Lao people mean it when they say 'boh pen nyang'—no worries. They aren't performing for cameras. Luang Prabang earned its UNESCO status for good reason: the temples are impressive, the architecture intact. Vang Vieng offers dramatic karst peaks without the circus atmosphere you'll find elsewhere in the region. The Plain of Jars remains genuinely mysterious, with archaeologists still debating who put thousands of stone vessels across the plateau centuries ago. This country rewards patience. You won't find spectacle on demand, but you'll find something harder to locate these days—a place that hasn't repackaged itself for Instagram. Come here to disconnect. The modern world can wait.

Travel Tips

Transportation: Book VIP buses through established operators like Naluang or Green Discovery for long distances. Tuk-tuks should be negotiated beforehand (expect 20,000-40,000 kip for short rides). Domestic flights save time but book early as schedules change frequently.

Money: ATMs are common in cities but scarce in rural areas—withdraw extra cash before traveling outside main towns. US dollars are widely accepted but carry small kip denominations (5,000-20,000 notes) for markets and street food.

Cultural Respect: Remove shoes before entering temples and homes. Dress modestly covering shoulders and knees. Never point feet toward Buddha statues or people. Give and receive items with both hands, and avoid touching anyone's head, including children.

Food Safety: Stick to busy local restaurants with high turnover for authentic pho and laap. Avoid raw vegetables unless you can peel them yourself. Street food is generally safe if cooked fresh—look for smoking grills and crowds of locals.

When to Visit

Laos experiences three distinct seasons, each offering unique advantages. The cool, dry season (November-February) provides perfect weather with temperatures of 15-25°C and minimal rainfall, making it peak season with prices 30-40% higher. December and January are ideal for trekking and outdoor activities, though nights can be surprisingly cold in mountainous regions. The hot season (March-May) brings scorching temperatures of 25-35°C with minimal rain, creating dusty conditions but 25% lower accommodation rates and fewer crowds—perfect for budget travelers who don't mind the heat. The rainy season (June-October) transforms the landscape into lush emerald beauty with temperatures of 24-30°C and 200-300mm monthly rainfall. While afternoon downpours are common, mornings often stay dry, and prices drop 40-50%. Major festivals include Pi Mai Lao (Lao New Year, April 13-15) featuring nationwide water fights, Boun That Luang (November full moon) in Vientiane, and Boat Racing Festival (October). Adventure seekers should visit during cool season for trekking, while photographers will love the rainy season's dramatic skies and verdant landscapes. Cultural ensoiasts can enjoy temple festivals year-round, though many occur during the cool season.