Laos holidaysHolidays in Laos feel a little slower. The landscapes are raw, the pace is gentle, and the experiences feel personal. If unhurried travel in wild, beautiful places sounds like your kind of trip, our Laos itineraries are built around your pace, with enough structure to keep things smooth and enough freedom to let you explore Laos day by day.It’s the absence of urgency – the complete lack of stress or hard sell – that makes a Laos holiday feel a bit different to the rest of Southeast Asia. Like the Mekong River, life moves slowly here, and its content to take you with it. life moves slowly here, and its content to take you with it.Laos’ landscapes are striking and surprisingly diverse. Picture near-vertical limestone mountains wrapped in jungle, rice paddies stretching across wide valleys, thundering waterfalls in the south, and misty forested peaks in the north. It’s a country shaped by nature – ideal for kayaking along the Nam Ou or Nam Song rivers, or trekking in remote areas like the Nam Et-Phou Louey National Protected Area.But it’s not just about the scenery. In parts of Laos where few visitors pass through, people are often as curious about you as you are about them. The further you go, the more likely you are to be invited into a home, handed a glass of rice wine, or drawn into a game of pétanque – a national pastime.If you’re looking for a place that’s unhurried, under-visited, and surprisingly open, Laos offers a kind of travel that’s hard to find elsewhere.Read morePlan my trip Overview Trip ideas Experiences Places to visit Best time to visit Accommodation Trip ideasMore itinerariesPlan my trip Laos Fully customisable Laos by RailTravel the incredible landscapes of Laos via the most scenic route possible: the brand-new Vientiane to Boten railway line. Laos Fully customisable Laos along the MekongThis road trip takes you through a slice of authentic, rural life undisturbed by tourism. You’ll travel southern Laos, following the Mekong River, though stunning karst mountain scenery. Multi-country Fully customisable Thailand & Laos ExplorerExperience two unique but intertwined cultures as you cruise along the Mekong from northern Thailand to Laos. Laos Fully customisable Luxurious LaosYou no longer have to rough it to experience the best of Laos. Want proof? Look no further. Laos Fully customisable Treetops, Mountains & ElephantsLaos is a living, breathing adventure playground waiting to be discovered – a land of rivers, jungles and hidden caves. We can’t think of anywhere better for a family holiday with a difference. Laos Fully customisable Northern Laos ExplorerIf you’re fascinated by the ancient wisdom of mountain and jungle folk, come and explore northern Laos with us. Multi-country Fully customisable Laos & Cambodia EntwinedTake your time to soak up the culture and scenery, travelling slow from Luang Prabang to Phnom Penh. Multi-country Fully customisable Soulful PursuitsSteeped in Buddhist tradition and indigenous, animist beliefs, Cambodia and Laos make the perfect setting for this gentle exploration of Southeast Asian spirituality. Multi-country Fully customisable Indochina HoneymoonWe’re not the kind of people to spend two weeks on a sunlounger. Since you’re here, we’re guessing you’re not either. Multi-country Fully customisable World Heritage IndochinaIf you’re only going to visit Indochina once, why not pack the highlights of all three countries into one trip? Multi-country Fully customisable Trekking Northern Vietnam & LaosFrom the steep valleys and rice terraces of northern Vietnam to the thick jungles and jagged karsts of Laos, this is a journey through some of the most majestic mountain scenery in Asia — bookended by two strikingly different historic capitals. Top destinations in LaosLaos is set up for slow travel, from the walkable riverside town of Luang Prabang, to the southern Mekong islands, best explored by boat and bike.Read lessLuang PrabangHolidays in Laos often start in Luang Prabang. Buddhist wat temples hold glass mosaics, telling stories of daily Lao life. Colourful tuk-tuks park on palm-fringed streets with rose-pin walls. French-designed buildings co-exist with Lao wooden structures and gold, sloping Buddhist temple roofs. Its architecture is a key reason the city has been designated a UNESCO world heritage site.The capital of the kingdom of Lan Xang ran from 1353 until 1975 and was the heart of Lao culture for centuries. While Vientiane is the recognised administrative capital of Laos, Luang Prabang, 310 km north, remains the country’s cultural hub.Climb to the top of sacred Mount Phousi, a steep hill in the centre of town, and you’ll see that Luang Prabang sits on a peninsula between the Nam Khan and the Mekong rivers, surrounded by rainforest as far as the eye can see. It’s hard to imagine a more beautiful "urban" location, and it’s a well-placed jumping-off point for further exploration – to little villages, impossibly turquoise pools and waterfalls (including Kuang Si falls), and some of the best elephant sanctuaries in the world. It’s no surprise that so many are content to make Luang Prabang their only stop in Laos – but of course, we believe you should explore more.VientianeAs Laos' capital, Vientiane is the country's fastest-paced city, but don't expect the energy of fellow southeast Asian cities, like Bangkok.While the city is beginning to speed up, with an increase in traffic, shopping malls popping up, and a touch of investment from China, an overwhelmingly commercial and modern capital this is not. Expect laid-back cafes, boulevards lined with coconut palms and tamarind trees, and street vendors selling banana chips.It's also acts as the ideal base to visit Xieng Khuan Buddha Park – where more modern Buddhist and Hindu statues provide a quirky break from ancient temples, or Phou Khao Kway National Park – where you can lose yourself (literally, without a guide) among orchids and waterfalls.Mekong RiverFlowing from the heights of the Plateau of Tibet through to the South China Sea, the Mekong is the longest river in Southeast Asia, and opens to its widest point in southern Laos – at ten kilometres across.Holidays in Laos can easily include a trip along the Mekong. Whether you opt for a short sunset cruise in Luang Prabang, or embark on a two-day journey up to the Thailand border, stopping to visit riverside communities and admiring the rich nature on route – you may just spot Mekong giant catfish.Southern LaosThe bigger towns hold many travellers up in the northern regions of Laos, but the south opens out to some of the best river routes and experiences that connect you with the Lao people.We recommend basing yourself in Champasak town. Life moves slowly here, in tune with the ebb and flow of the Mekong. Rice harvests and coffee breaks structure local days. As a visitor, it’s a great place to explore ancient wats (or temples). Champasak is home to more than 20 wats that make up the Champasak Cultural Landscape. The most famous is the UNESCO World Heritage site Wat Phou, an ancient Khmer ruin. Archaeologists believe a temple has existed on the Wat Phou site since as early as the 5th century. Climb the steep, stone steps to the main shrine, and look out across Laotian temple ruins stretching out beneath you. The mountain itself was dedicated to the worship of the Hindu god, Shiva the destroyer.From Champasak, you can spend a day exploring the 4,000 islands by bike. It's as far south as you can go before meeting the Cambodia border, where the Mekong River stretches to its widest point. Each of the islands on the archipelago has its own distinct character – Don Phou Man is a quiet fishing village and Don Loppadi is known for its bamboo baskets and fishing nets, for example. You’ll ferry between islands on a small local motor boat and meet local people going about their day along the way – whether that’s children shouting “hello!” to you as you cycle past, or stopping to eat lunch with a family.Head northeast in the Champasak province and you'll meet the Bolaven Plateau – a place characterised by its coffee and tea plantations, and truly epic waterfalls – 120 metre cascades within dense jungle, where water thunders down into a deep gorge.Kuang Si waterfallsJust 18 miles from Luang Prabang, Kuang Si waterfalls make for a photographer's paradise and a popular spot for a dip to cool off from the heat.It's often busy – and that's why we suggest going early in the morning, with a picnic, for a secluded, peaceful breakfast to make the moment really special.January-May is the best time to swim here, before the waters begin to flow faster, and muddier, during rainy season.Read moreMore placesPlan my trip Laos Luang PrabangLuang Prabang is Laos’s Shangri-La: sweeping golden roofs and colonial shophouses against a lush backdrop of jungle-covered mountains, and a laid-back atmosphere of peace and serenity. Laos VientianeIt may be Laos’s most fast-paced city, but Vientiane is still the smallest and most laid-back capital in Southeast Asia. Laos 4,000 IslandsSi Phan Don, or the 4,000 Islands, is landlocked Laos’s answer to the coast: laid-back, palm-fringed, and lush beyond belief, this riverine archipelago is the ultimate place to relax. Living life at a dawdle does take some getting used to, but that's the beauty of Laos.Take restaurants, for example. Don’t expect to get anything quickly, and definitely don’t expect to get it all at the same time. Then, apply that expectation to any service, journey, or interaction in Laos. It’ll happen when it happens (if it happens at all).You'll find that once you’ve reset your internal rhythms to local time, it’s one of the unexpected wins of travelling in Laos – and the ultimate antidote to stressed-out modern life." Experiences in LaosIn Laos, it’s not about racing between sights – it’s about choosing the pace that suits you. If you're craving adventure, head for Vang Vieng’s cliffs and rivers. Prefer the scenic route? The sleepy south has you covered. Let us know what sort of trip you're hoping for, and we'll match you to the right experiences.Read lessElephantsLaos is known as the "land of a million elephants" – so it would be almost rude not to spend some time with the jumbos themselves.While elephant experiences feature highly on many Laos holiday wish lists, it's important to choose ethical establishments, so you know the elephants are cared for and not exploited in anyway.MandaLao is one of our top picks exactly for this reason – rescued elephants are looked after by their mahout carers, and visitors are encouraged to walk alongside the gentle giants as the casually forage in the forest. There's no forced interaction, feeding or elephant rides here. The Mekong Elephant Park in Pakbeng has a very similar ethos – where elephants have special bonds with their own, dedicated mahouts.Sayaboury Province is home to 75% of Laos’ elephants, and the Sayaboury Elephant Conservation Center in Pakbeng extends over 540 hectares of protected forest for its rescued herd. Here, they offer a mahout training programme and release elephants back the wild wherever possible.Lao foodLao people are the self-proclaimed luk khao niew – the children of sticky rice.They eat over 150kg of the stuff per person every year, and it's often served at every meal in a drum–shaped bamboo pot. Pull off the lid, pinch a clump of rice and mould it into a spoon shape you can use to dip into sauces. Shape it like a blade if you want to cut and shovel something onto it.Of course, there's much more to Lao cuisine than rice.If you like Thai and Vietnamese food, you’re onto a winner. In fact, a few dishes that you might think hail from these other countries are in fact from Laos. Laab – the spicy meat mince often found in Thailand is in fact one of Laos’ national dishes, as is spicy green papaya salad.A few more of our favourites include Laos sausage, knom kropp (coconut pancakes), khao soy lao (pork noodle soup) and ock – a stew with a minced eggplant base.Alms givingSaffron robed monks rise early in Luang Prabang and silently make their way through the streets. Visitors and local people join from the roadside, offering rice to the Buddhist monks as they pass.Alms giving is quiet tradition that lives on today, with its origins so far back that there's no consensus as to when the ritual began.You may have heard stories of poor behaviour from visitors. Shoving phones into the faces of monks and pushing forward to get closer. This does happen, but you can play your part in the respect of the tradition if you go down to see it. It makes for a sombre and reverent experience, if you set your alarm early.Laos: the north-south divideRoughly key-shaped and just a touch smaller than the UK, Laos’ borders are largely defined by the course of the Mekong in the west and the Annamite mountains in the east. Between these natural barriers, the country is overwhelmingly mountainous – about 70% to be precise – and it can be split into two distinct halves: north and south.The north is the cradle of Lao culture and history, with both former and current capital cities (Luang Prabang and Vientiane respectively) and a fairly well-defined tourist circuit. The south is less well-known, offering more remote and rural experiences and an enticingly languid pace of life.Explore the north, towards the border with Vietnam, and you'll find vast protected areas of rainforest where you can go on night-time jungle safaris, sleep in “nests” hanging from the trees, and trek to remote locations in search of rare wildlife. Head southwards, meanwhile, and you’ll discover Khmer-era temple ruins, coffee plantations, and easygoing, palm-fringed river islands.Seeing both north and south is perfectly achievable within a two-week trip.Read moreMore experiencesPlan my trip Luang Prabang • Laos MandaLao Elephant SanctuaryWe’ve seen a lot of wildlife sanctuaries in our time, and this one might be the very best. Luang Prabang • Laos The hidden side of Luang PrabangOn this alternative tour, we’ll whisk you away from the boutique hotels and gilded wats of the town centre to a side of Luang Prabang few tourists get to see -- where tuk-tuks putter along dirt roads to quiet temples, and minority villages sprawl along the banks of the Mekong. 4,000 Islands • Laos 4,000 Islands by bike and boatWith 4,000 islands to explore, how do you know where to begin? Luang Prabang • Laos Ancient streets of Luang PrabangLuang Prabang has seen numerous cultures come and go in its 1,500 years, but what makes it so special is the way it has fused those traditions together to create something completely new. Luang Prabang • Laos Boules & BarbecueWhat does Laos have in common with turn-of-the-century Provence? An abiding love of the boules, for one thing. Laos travel guide Best time to visit Laos Any time is great for Laos holidays – and we're not just saying that to get you there quicker! But, it is worth knowing the pros and cons to travelling in each season.Laos has two seasons: dry and wet. But the weather varies dramatically across the country, thanks to its mountainous terrain. Generally, central, eastern and northern Laos are higher and cooler, while the southern regions around the Mekong River valley are lower and hotter.Our advice? Think about where you want to go, how hot you want to be, and whether you mind a bit of rain. We've combined more information on the best time to visit Laos here. Combining Laos with Vietnam, Thailand or Cambodia Shoulder-to-shoulder with Vietnam and Thailand, and sharing a southern border with Cambodia, you're in the right place if you want to combine a Laos holiday with some more of the best places to visit in Southeast Asia.You can connect Laos with Thailand via a Mekong River cruise. Or, if you're adventurous at heart, take our Trekking Northern Vietnam & Laos itinerary as a base, and create a trip that gets you into the rice terraces, jungles and mountains of both countries. If you’ve already visited Vietnam and want to discover more of Asia, then there’s our Laos & Cambodia Entwined itinerary to take inspiration from. Getting around Laos Travelling by car is quite literally the scenic route, taken in from the bumpy roads winding through the mountains, between rice terraces, through jungle and along verdant river valleys. If that’s not your idea of fun, take a domestic flight, or, our preferred method, try out Laos' high-speed rail service. Launched in 2021, the rail line runs from capital Vientiane to Boten on the Chinese border. It now takes just 1 hour 15 min to travel between Vang Vieng and Vientiane, and just under 2 hours between Vientiane and Luang Prabang. Expect orderly queues, airport style security and a clean, comfortable experience. A diverse population Though it's one of the least populated countries in Asia, Laos is also one of the most diverse. Nearly half the population belongs to an ethnic minority, and these groups have roots from all across Asia and Austronesia. Speaking languages from the Austro-Tai, Mon-Khmer and Sino-Tibetan families, they include all sorts of tribal subdivisions – including Hmong, Mien, Lisu, Lahu, Lolo, Akha, and Phu Noi. And that’s just for starters.Though the Lao government officially recognises 49 ethnic minority groups, it’s thought that there are actually more than 130. It means that everywhere you go, you’ll have opportunities to learn about different cultures and customs. Some of these people still live semi-nomadic lives in the mountains, moving from camp to camp to gather food. Others farm sesame and corn in the valleys. Others still are known for their intricate silk weaving, beadwork, bamboo or rattan products.The largest ethnic group in Laos is the Lao Loum, or “Lowland Lao”, who make up just over half the population and live mainly in the cities and towns along the Mekong. The Lao Loum tend to be devoutly Theravada Buddhist, and their religion has shaped the dominant culture for centuries. Laid-back Laos The Theravada school of Buddhism teaches that the future is dictated by karma, and that no amount of earthly stress or strain can change it. For the Lao, that means you might as well sit back and enjoy the ride. It’s a philosophy they call móoan: a term that loosely translates as “pleasure” or “fun”, and it’s why you’ll rarely find Lao people working too hard, losing their temper, or generally doing anything they don’t want to.The móoan way of life means that while the industrious Vietnamese are busy getting their second rice-growing season underway, the Lao are out on their front porches sipping Lao-Lao rice whisky, shooting the breeze, and doing nothing more strenuous than a bit of fishing and cooking. The colonial French summed it up like this: “The Vietnamese plant the rice, the Cambodians tend the rice, and the Lao listen to it grow”. A little reductive, perhaps – but they weren’t a million miles off.For some, it’s tempting to see Laos’ laid-back attitude as a lack of ambition; as a resignation to lag behind the world and not think too much. It’s true that education has traditionally been undervalued here, and perhaps this móoan philosophy has had its part to play in slowing down progress in a country that’s still poorer and less developed than its neighbours. But whatever its deeper effects, we’re not qualified to judge. All we can say with certainty is that it’s an enticingly chilled-out approach to life, and it makes Laos the easiest, breeziest, mellowest place imaginable to spend a couple of weeks. Guides and inspiration Thailand Field notes: A family trip to Laos and Thailand Our global head of operations, Tyler, recently returned from an extraordinary family adventure to Thailand and Laos with his wife, two kids, and parents... Here's how it all unfolded. Laos Field notes: Northern Laos by high-speed train Travel writer Claire Boobbyer recounts her trip through Laos via its high-speed train, meeting elephants in Luang Prabang and minority communities in Muang Xai. Thailand Elephant tourism in Southeast Asia: how to do it right Elephant tourism in Southeast Asia is a big draw: but if you want to see the magnificent creatures, it’s important to make sure you’re doing it right. FAQs Sometimes you need a specialist. Whether your question is about visas, domestic flight combinations or how vegan-friendly Laos is, we're here to help you. What are the entry requirements for Laos? Your passport should have at least six months' validity beyond the end of your trip and two pages blank for stamps.All visitors will need to obtain a visa, which can be done online at the Lao eVisa website, or on arrival – remember to bring a passport photo and a fee will be charged.These are general guidelines and could be subject to change, so remember to check your country's specific government travel advice. How safe is Laos for travellers? As you may have already gathered, the people of Laos are pretty chilled out, and unsurprisingly, crime levels are relatively low. Just remember to take the usual precautions that you would in any other destination. Stay alert to petty theft, keep away from protests or civil unrest and don't take any unnecessary risks.We always monitor the latest government travel guidelines for up to date advice. What sort of accommodation is there in Laos? Choosing your accommodation can be your route into some of the best experiences of your holiday.Homestays are basic, but are a truly special way to see Laos life as it is really lived. Staying with a Lao family, you may get to help with picking garden vegetables or making dinner, then eating together out on the veranda. Our customers, Kathy and David, shared their experience of staying in a homestay along the Nam Ou River.If you're more into hotel stays with buffet breakfast and pools for the kids, we can share our favourites. It’s worth noting that high-end stays aren't really available outside of Luang Prabang, but there's a great collection of superior boutique hotels across the country, equal to around a 4* stay. Where can I exchange money in Laos? The Lao currency is kip, which is only available in country. Outside of Laos, banks won't accept kip to exchange back to your home currency, so make sure to swap any unused currency you don’t want as a souvenir back to USD the day you leave.You can exchange money at banks and money exchange services in bigger towns and cities as well as at airports. We recommend getting some US dollars ready before you travel – some exchange points will only exchange kip for USD, or offer a much better rate for USD compared with GBP, EUR or AUD.You'll find ATMs in towns and cities which issue kip. Remember that most banks will charge for ATM withdrawals.Hotels and larger restaurants or shops will also be able to process card payments (with a fee), so make sure your bank/credit card is set up for use abroad. There’ll often be a charge for transactions added on top of your purchase price. Is Laos a cheap place to visit? Like other Southeast Asian countries, a holiday to Laos can be fairly low cost. Choosing where you stay, how long you stay for and types of meals and experiences you prioritise will, of course, affect your budget.However, one thing to bear in mind is that flight options are more limited than to Vietnam or Thailand, so this might bring the overall cost of your trip up, and most flights to Laos from the UK are indirect. How long should you spend in Laos? Our Laos trip ideas range between 10 days and 17 days. Most of these include a balance between (small) cities like Luang Prabang and Vientiane and the countryside: the Mekong, lush rice paddies and soaring limestone karsts. Other itineraries combine Laos with Southeast Asian countries, such as Thailand & Laos Explorer and World Heritage Indochina. Why book with InsideAsia? Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours. Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone. Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us. Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times. Speak with a Laos specialistFriendly, dedicated people who care as much about your trip as you doGet a brochureGet in touch
Travel’s friendliest expertsWe promise we’ll care about your trip as much as you do. A dedicated travel consultant will listen, guide and create a trip that could only be yours.
Specialists make it effortlessFrom seamless logistics to unexpected discoveries, our deep destination specialism means travel that feels effortless and richer than you could plan for alone.
Rockstar service as standardWe guarantee that you'll have our support every step of the way. We never pass the buck or fail to take responsibility. We’ll be there whenever you need us.
Our Info-Packs are legendaryTransfers, tickets and check‑ins verified so your trip runs like clockwork. Plus, we create your totally tailored trip bible, so every detail is in your hand, at all times.