Laos
What you need to know before you go
Laos is a mountainous country with a rich history that stretches back 10,000 years. With Buddhism as its main religion, there are hundreds of Buddhist monasteries, temples and stupas in just about every city in Laos, with the most popular ones scattered across Luang Prabang.
This Southeast Asian country also attracts travellers looking to take it slow and enjoy a relaxing view of mountains and untamed natural beauty. If you’re an adventurer at heart, Laos’ lush jungles are home to miles of scenic trails, underground river caves, and waterfalls. A holiday in Laos is always full of surprises, spirituality, generous hospitality, and of course, breathtaking photo opportunities.
Top destinations in Laos
Where will you go next?Luang Namtha lies on the banks of the Nam Tha River, in the northern part of Laos. It’s also the capital of a province of the same name, and is close to the Nam Ha National Biodiversity Conservation Area – you’ll find hiking and biking trails leading to hill tribe villages. Luang Namtha is divided into an old town near the...
Read moreLuang Prabang
The ancient town of Luang Prabang is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Laos. Located 700 metres above sea level...
Savannakhet
Savannakhet is the 2nd largest city in Laos (after Vientiane) and lies on the banks of the Mekong River, neighbouring...Vang Vieng
Many travellers are drawn to Vang Vieng’s natural landscape of limestone cliffs and paddy fields. This small town lies on...Phonsavan
Phonsavan serves as the capital of Xieng Khouang Province in northeast Laos. Founded in the 1970s, the town has a...Houayxay
The capital of Bokeo province, Houayxay (Huay Xai) lies on the Mekong River opposite Chiang Khong in Thailand. Featuring a...Pakse
Pakse is a city located between the rivers Xe Don and the Mekong in southern Laos. It was founded by...
What to see & do in Laos
Featured stories & fun stuffLaos 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... Read more
18 Best Things to Do in Luang Prabang
Our 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...10 Best Things to Do in Laos
The best things to do in Laos combine stunning mountainous landscapes with ancient cultural attractions. It's fair to say that...17 Best Things to Do in Vientiane
Vientiane is known for its laidback atmosphere and it's true that life moves slowly here, attracting those who enjoy a...Safety in Laos
This guide on safety in Laos isn’t meant to put you off from travelling to this unique country, but it’s...7 Best Things to Do in Savannakhet
One of the best things to do in Savannakhet is exploring its historic sights on foot. Buddhist temples, museums, and...How to Get to Laos
There are several ways to get to Laos, though the easiest way is by flight. Airports in Vientiane, Luang Prabang...
Where & what to eat in Laos
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... Read more
10 Great Laotian Dishes
Laotian 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...15 Great Restaurants in Luang Prabang
Restaurants in Luang Prabang cover a wide range of regional cuisine, from authentic Laotian dishes to modern French. Some of...14 Great Restaurants in Vientiane
Restaurants in Vientiane include classy French and European venues, quaint cafes, and evening markets with dozens of food stalls in...
Where to shop & what to buy in Laos
12 Best Places to Go Shopping in Luang Prabang
Some of the best places to go shopping in Luang Prabang are located in the town centre, where you can purchase authentic handicrafts, art, textiles and jewellery. Many of these items are handmade by Laos’ ethnic groups, whose handicraft skills...10 Best Shopping in Vientiane
Some of the best places to go shopping in Vientiane include its traditional markets where you can experience the local...5 Great Things to Buy in Laos
There are plenty of things to buy in Laos, especially if you’re looking for quality handicrafts produced by the country’s...
Where to go & what to do at night in Laos
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 more
9 Best Nightlife in Vientiane
The 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...6 Best Nightlife Experiences in Luang Prabang
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...
Useful information
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... Read more
Mini Guide to Phonsavan
Phonsavan is the capital of the province of Xieng Khouang in Laos. It has a population of around 40,000 and mostly consists of ethnic groups, such as the Phuan, Hmong, Khmu, and Tai Dam. Founded in the 1970s, Phonsavan is...Mini Guide to Pakse
Pakse is located at the mouth of the rivers Xe Don and Mekong in southern Laos. Founded by French colonialists...People and Culture of Laos
Laos has one of the lowest population densities in Asia, with an estimated population of around 7 million people. This...