Laos Highlights and Events

Travel in Laos with Intrepid

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Travellers come to Laos to experience the rolling mountains, remote villages, tribal crafts and the magic of the Mekong. They leave with so much more: irreplaceable memories of smiling locals, saffron-robed monks receiving alms and markets awash with fresh produce. For those searching for authentic Asia, Laos doesn’t disappoint.
» View all trips to Laos

Experience Laos's highlights on these trips

Xi'an to Luang Prabang

China Xian Terracotta Warriors in Museum
29 days
Basix
  • USD $2,320
    CAD $2,335
    AUD $2,255
    EUR €1,805
    GBP £1,405
    NZD $2,890
    ZAR R18,015
    CHF FR2,090
    Trip Price tool tip
  • USD $840
    Kitty tool tip
  • USD $3,160*
    CAD $3,150*
    AUD $3,058*
    EUR €2,391*
    GBP £1,917*
    NZD $3,898*
    ZAR R23,857*
    CHF FR2,754*
    *
    Total price tool tip

Bangkok to Hanoi

Elderly lady selling handicrafts in Lao
13 days
Original
  • USD $1,840
    CAD $1,750
    AUD $1,690
    EUR €1,335
    GBP £1,070
    NZD $2,165
    ZAR R14,010
    CHF FR1,640
    *
    Total price tool tip

Great Indochina Loop

vietnam mekong rafting
29 days
Original
  • USD $2,600
    CAD $2,472
    AUD $2,388
    EUR €2,012
    GBP £1,516
    NZD $3,056
    ZAR R19,800
    CHF FR2,468
    *
    Total price tool tip

Laos Discovery

Fresh produce at a market in Hanoi
15 days
Basix
  • USD $1,288
    CAD $1,224
    AUD $1,184
    EUR €904
    GBP £760
    NZD $1,512
    ZAR R9,812
    CHF FR1,112
    *
    Total price tool tip
* Refer to booking conditions

Highlights


Festivals and Events

Vientiane Boat Racing Festival
  • Vientiane Boat Racing Festival

  • Entrants from all over Laos travel to Vientiane to compete in this big boat racing festival held at the end of Buddhist Lent. Food stalls and sideshows line the streets to entertain the thousands of people who gather on the river to watch the races.
* Disclaimer

Intrepid has no control over changes made to festival and event dates and activities. Note that some Intrepid trips which include an event as part of their itinerary, may be surcharged. Where festivals or events are not included as part of an Intrepid trip, all costs associated with the event will need to be paid for by the client. Please check before booking your Intrepid trip that it does match up with key festival or event dates.

Laos's Top Picks

Kung si falls
 
Laos is the only landlocked country in South-East Asia
 

Top 10 Outdoors Experiences in Laos

  1. Waterfall Wander: Walking around peaceful Kuang Si Falls is a must-do for anyone travelling through the Luang Prabang area. Gentle cascades of water flow into turquoise pools creating a heavenly atmosphere that draws in both tourists and locals keen on some respite from the heat.
  2. Play Petanque: The French game of petanque is a lot like bowls and quite popular with the people of Laos. If you’re lucky enough to come across a group of kids playing this game in the streets, try to join in – it’s fun and simple to play, and free.
  3. Beautiful Biking: Hiring a bike and cycling past quiet villages, small farms and rice paddies is a great way to spend an afternoon in Laos, as you can take in stunning scenery, meet locals and get fit all at once.
  4. Have a Kick: Get amongst the action by watching and playing a bit of Sepak Takwar with locals in the parking lots, streets and parks of Laos. This game (which could be described as a hybrid between football and volleyball) is commonly played throughout South-East Asia, and the locals of Laos are no exception.
  5. Power To the Paddle: Paddling a kayak down the Nam Song River is an interesting and energetic way to get active and see the sights of Vang Vieng.
  6. Get Back To Nature in Nam Ha: Home to a wide range of rare plant and animal species, this protected area is a hidden gem for nature enthusiasts, bird watchers and animal lovers. The challenging hike through forested terrain provides many rewards in the form of animal spotting and breathtaking scenic vistas.
  7. Refreshing River Swim: Taking a dip in one of Laos’ many rivers is the perfect way to escape the heat on a hot summer’s day.
  8. Spiritual Stroll: Taking a leisurely walk around Vientiane’s quirky Buddha Park (also known as Xieng Khuan) is akin to taking an active history, religion and art lesson. Full of Hindu and Buddhist sculptures that depict myths, legends and stories – the giant reclining Buddha is a highlight for most. Surrounding trees, gardens and flowers add to the serenity.
  9. Cruise Along an Icon: Taking a riverboat journey down the Mekong is an iconic journey to savour. Sit on deck, catch the breeze and take photos of the surrounding landscapes as villages, people and mountains glide by.
  10. Tough Trek: Test your fitness against some of Laos’ mountains on a challenging trek. With so much mountainous terrain, there are many different options and places to hike all around Laos – bring your best hiking boots and a sense of adventure.