Laos Travel Guide
A landlocked Asian country of mountainous wilderness in the North, dense jungle in the east and the mighty Mekong River along the West and South, Laos is an unspoilt, largely rural, country. Although it remains among the poorest of the World’s countries and is one of only five remaining communist regimes, Laos offers a glimpse into a timeless and forgotten Asian nation that has only recently open up to adventuring tourists. Precious hidden gems including Luang Prabang, the old-fashioned capital city of Vientiane and many historical and natural wonders make it a cheap and newly popular adventurers destination.
Weather – when to go
Two distinct seasons in this tropical country are; the rainy reason (May to September) and the dry season (October to April). October to February are the most popular months for visiting. April and May are the hottest months with the temperature hitting 38ºC. Temperatures can drop below 10ºC during the winter time in mountainous areas.
Highlights
Luang Prabang: charming former capital, now a UNESCO World Heritage site boasting many beautiful Buddhist temples, French-era colonial houses and must-visit spots such as Phusi - a steep hill overlooking scenic views of the town - the Royal Palace Museum and Wat Xieng Thong, a fine example of Lao architecture.
Vientiane: low-key capital city features an array of historic buildings including That Luang chedi and temple complex, (the national symbol of Laos), the Pataxi – a neo-Arch de Triomphe, Wat Sisaket and Wat Haw Pra Keo.
Champasak Province: cruise down the Mekong and explore the ‘four thousand islands’ at the river’s widest point, or hire a three-wheeled tuk-tuk to explore the town which was once a part of the Khmer Angkor Empire.
Vang Vieng: cool stopover en-route south to Vientiene, popular with backpackers for its free-spirited atmosphere, impressive hilly backdrop, lazy river and exciting caving.
Muang Sing: home to Laos’ most colorful hill tribe people as well as several opium dens.
Plain of jars: in the country’s centre is scattered with bizarre massive ancient jars, the origin of which has baffled many.
The Bolaven Plateau: in Saravan, boasts gorgeous waterfalls and lush forests, the small market here is worth a visit.
Recommended Itinerary
Three days in Luang Prabang
Two days in Vientiane
Two days in Vang Vieng
Two days in the Bolaven Plateau or Plain of Jars
Additional time
Two day in Maung Sing
Three days in Champasak Province
Health and safety
Don’t drink water from anywhere else but a bottle. Local food is spicy and might give you the runs. To be on the safe side, eat in a restaurant, not at a food stall. Locals are friendly and reserved. Even though opium is aplenty, all kinds of drugs are illegal in Laos.
Activities
Mekhong River ride
Entering Laos from Northern Thailand via a two day slow-boat down the Mekhong to Luang Prabang is the proverbial Laos experience. Switch off and enjoy the rural scenery of one of the World’s great rivers.
Bird watching: many national parks in Laos are home to an array of birds of various species.
Elephant trekking: this activity is also a ‘must-do’ when in Laos. Elephant trekking can be arranged at numerous tourist spots across the country, it’s the proverbial Asian souvenir activity but hardly comfortable!
Walking: Don Khon, an island in the Mekong River, is great for walking trails - a chance to discover secret spots, meet the locals and spot rare Irrawaddy dolphins in the late afternoon (between December and May).
Whitewater rafting: the terrain is made for it! Many rivers flowing through the rugged North offer exciting rafting experiences. Floating down any of the fat muddy rivers on rubber tubes is a popular more sedate alternative.
Motorcycle tours: are the ideal, and sometimes only, way to visit the rural mountainous wilderness of the North. Popular with Germans ja!
A visit to the morning market: A lively cornucopia of edible and almost inedible traditional eats. The Talat Sao Morning Market in Vientiane boasts a variety of local products such as silk and cotton weavings and all kinds of food.
Food and Hospitality
The infrastructure in Laos is still quite poor but modest hotels offer good comfort in touristy cities like Luang Prabang. Hotels full up in December and the Lao New Year in April. Make reservations in advance, or chance it with the many humble guesthouses. The Lao are friendly and helpful. There are many food stalls in local markets providing all kinds of snacks including BBQ and roasted chicken. Make sure your food is well-cooked and drink water from a bottle only.
Transportation
There are flights connecting Vientiane’s Wattay Airport to Bangkok, Ho Chi Minh City, Phnom Penh, Yangon and Kunming . Alternatively there is a service from Chiang Mai to Luang Prabang. Vientiene is also easily accessible by bus and train from Bangkok via Udon Thani. Catching the boat down the Mekhong from Northern Thailand is a popular adventure. Within the country buses are the only transport options, they are slow and hardly comfortable but usually make it over the mountainous terrain.