Laos tours & vacations

Like its neighbours, Laos is a warm, tropical country that revolves around the yearly wet and dry seasons.

The best time for travelling in Laos is the dry season, from November to April, when the weather is still warm, with highs of 32ºC but slightly cooler than the summer season. The early winter months, November to January, are a great time to see Laos as the monsoonal rain of the wet season has gone, the rivers are flowing and the humidity has eased.

The hot and wet summer season from around May to October is known for heavy rains and humid temperatures. The heat will rise around February and peak from between March to June, sometimes hitting 40ºC before the monsoonal rains start in July. Sometimes these heavy downpours see closures to attractions, roads and parks. Instead, hop aboard a cruise across the Mekong as the wet season makes it a great time for river travel.

Made up of more than 100 different ethnic groups, each with its own distinctive language, customs, clothing and lifestyle, Laos is a place whose spirit has stood the test of time.

Today, most Laotians live in villages, rather than the city, where the sense of community is strong and people are connected to their neighbours and friends. Visiting wats (temples) to make offerings and give alms to monks is a common part of daily life for most, with much respect and reverence reserved for monks. Buddhist holidays and traditional festivals linked to harvest time and holy periods are commonly celebrated throughout the villages of Laos and are timed according to lunar cycles.

One of their biggest festivals is Bun Pi Mai (Lao New Year) which goes for a lengthy three days with water fights to wash away the past year’s troubles and welcome a new year. Another of Laos’ festivals is the Vientiane Boat Racing Festival held at the end of Buddhist Lent with thousands attending for the celebrations and feasts.

Laos is a landlocked country in South East Asia, bordered by China, Thailand, Vietnam, Cambodia and Myanmar. It’s mighty Mekong River is a hub for communities who live close to its banks in the lowlands.

Laos may be smaller than its neighbours, but it’s no less impressive. From mesmerizing waterfalls like the Kuang Si Falls or the largest waterfall in South East Asia, the Khon Phapheng Falls, to its limestone caverns like Tham Chang, exploring Laos is like finding one hidden gem after another. Sometimes, these caves also hold significance for Buddhists, like the Pak Ou Caves, which are filled with Buddha statues.

Much of Laos’ topography is very mountainous and covered in forest, making it a hikers and wildlife-lover’s dream. You could spend time cycling through rice paddies and farms or even kayaking the waters of the Nam Song River.

Laotian cuisine draws on culinary traditions from its neighbours, so visitors will be able to taste the flavours of China, Thailand and Vietnam in the food of Laos.

Things to try in Laos

1. Larb

This spicy meat salad is considered the national dish of Lao. The delicious combination of minced beef, chicken or pork seasoned with chilli, lime and mint, served with vegetables and sticky rice is a firm favourite with locals and travellers.

2. Khao Poon

This popular soup of meat, rice noodles, lime leaves, chilli, garlic and fish sauce has a few variations. The version made with coconut milk makes the dish similar to a laksa, while the version without coconut milk is a lighter option.

3. Fresh fruit

The markets of Laos have a cornucopia of delicious fruits on offer, either fresh or whipped up as juice. Pineapple, orange, watermelon, guava and banana are plentiful, but why not try more exotic fruits like lychee, longan, rambutan or jackfruit?

4. Beerlao

The answer to Laos’ heat and humidity is a bottle of locally brewed Beerlao, best-served cold at the end of a long day of exploring.

Read more about what to eat in Laos.

1. Waterfall wander

Walking around peaceful Kuang Si Falls is a must-do for anyone traveling 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 is 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.

The official currency of Laos is the Kip (LAK); however, USD is also widely used throughout the country.

Major credit cards are generally accepted by larger and more upmarket shops, hotels and restaurants in the tourist areas of the city. They may not be accepted by smaller vendors like family restaurants or market stalls in the city and it is unlikely you will be able to pay by card when in remote towns and rural areas.

It is advised that you carry enough cash for purchases with ATMs being present in most cities but less likely to be found in smaller towns. Keep in mind that it can be difficult to exchange foreign currency notes that are damaged, old or faded.