The ancient town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos. Located 700 metres above sea level in northern Laos, it’s encircled by mountains at the confluence of the Nam Khan and Mekong Rivers. Luang Prabang is considered by many as the heart of Laotian culture, where you can see traditional wooden houses, royal structures, colonial architecture, and...
Read moreThe capital of Bokeo province, Houayxay (Huay Xai) lies on the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand. Featuring a...
Luang Namtha lies on the banks of the Nam Tha River, in the northern part of Laos. It’s also the...
Phonsavan serves as the capital of Xieng Khouang Province in northeast Laos. Founded in the 1970s, the town has a...
Many travellers are drawn to Vang Vieng’s natural landscape of limestone cliffs and paddy fields. This small town lies on...
Vientiane, located on the north-eastern bank of the Mekong, serves as the capital of Laos. It has a relaxing atmosphere...
Pakse is a city located between the rivers Xe Don and the Mekong in southern Laos. It was founded by...
Laos attractions are mostly pristine temples, monasteries and stupas, as Buddhism is the country’s dominant religion. Some of the best places for temple-hopping in Laos is Vientiane and UNESCO-listed Luang Prabang. You can even enjoy a picnic with views over 200 Buddhist sculptures at a local park in Laos’ capital. Destinations such as Savannakhet, Bokeo, and Champasak boast natural protected areas that appeal to outdoor enthusiasts. These national parks have miles...
Read moreOur guide to the best things to do in Luang Prabang highlights the UNESCO-listed town’s natural and manmade attractions. Often described as the 'Jewel in Laos Crown', Luang Prabang has managed to preserve its longstanding tradition and charm, exuding a...
The best things to do in Laos combine stunning mountainous landscapes with ancient cultural attractions. It's fair to say that this landlocked country is one of the few truly exotic travel destinations left in the world. Laos has a 'back-in-time'...
Vientiane is known for its laidback atmosphere and it's true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who enjoy a...
One of the best things to do in Savannakhet is exploring its historic sights on foot. Buddhist temples, museums, and...
Phonsavan is the capital of the province of Xieng Khouang in Laos. It has a population of around 40,000 and...
Laos restaurants tend to be local spots serving typical rice and noodle dishes, as well as French restaurants that offer baguettes and pastries. The local cuisine is similar to Thai and Vietnamese, with sticky rice, fresh herbs, and larb (spicy marinated meat salad) commonly served in most restaurants. When travelling to Laos (and just about any foreign destination), having an open mind will serve you well. Street food is available throughout...
Read moreLaotian dishes are very similar to Thailand and Vietnam in terms of flavour and ingredients, which often consist of fresh herb, spices, noodles, and rice. Khao niaw (sticky rice) is a staple food among the Laotians. Traditionally steamed in a...
Restaurants in Luang Prabang cover a wide range of regional cuisine, from authentic Laotian dishes to modern French. Some of...
Restaurants in Vientiane include classy French and European venues, quaint cafes, and evening markets with dozens of food stalls in...
There are plenty of things to buy in Laos, especially if you’re looking for quality handicrafts produced by the country’s ethnic tribes. Silks, paintings, home décor, jewellery, and weavings dominate the local markets, and buying these from fair trade shops...
Some of the best places to go shopping in Luang Prabang are located in the town centre, where you can...
Some of the best places to go shopping in Vientiane include its traditional markets where you can experience the local...
Laos nightlife has had quite a paradoxical character – from the extremes of the opium culture that infiltrated the country during the late ‘60s and early ‘70s, to the present-day midnight curfew (which means all bars in Laos tend to close around 11pm). Laos found its equilibrium as the ‘sleepy town’ of Southeast Asia, but it’s also known for Beerlao – a range of beers produced by Vientiane’s Lao Brewery Company....
Read moreThe best nightlife in Vientiane shows that it has evolved from a sleepy little Mekong fishing town to a city lined with riverfront restaurants, cosy bars, and vibrant nightclubs playing modern tunes. The Laotian capital’s nightlife scene is more of...
Nightlife in Luang Prabang can be rather enjoyable if you know where to go. While the town lacks in loud and packed nightclubs that would often stay open until 3am, there are decent bars and night-time activities you can enjoy...
Our Laos information section consists of basic knowledge and tips you need to know when travelling to this Southeast Asian city. The culture here is quite conservative, so dressing appropriately is a must especially if you’re visiting a temple in Laos. Most major hotels in Laos have English-speaking staff, though Lao and Thai are commonly spoken among the locals. Getting familiar with the basics of Laos will save you lots of...
Read morePakse is located at the mouth of the rivers Xe Don and Mekong in southern Laos. Founded by French colonialists in 1905, the city served as the capital of the Kingdom of Champasak until it was unified with the rest...
This guide on safety in Laos isn’t meant to put you off from travelling to this unique country, but it’s...
There are several ways to get to Laos, though the easiest way is by flight. Airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang...